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123 HISTORY OF DENTAL SURGERY :

that the section on nomenclature should give authoritative definitions of such
matters.
At the meeting of this association held in 1883, the committee on nomen-
clature reported that the propriety of anglicizing distinctive names in lit-
erature derived from the Greek and Latin was a question upon which there
was a diversity of opinion. The report contained these words
"The rendering more plain and understandable these distinctive names
and phrases would seem to be very desirable : inasmuch as a large majority
of those engaged in the study of the branches in which they so greatly abound,
have Ijut little or no knowledge of any otiier language than English."
In introducing new words or phrases where necessity nuiy demand, this
report suggests that "caution should be exercised; every new word, name or
phrase introduced should be made clear and comprehensive to every reader,
before it is generally employed. Its origin and signification should he such
as to commend it to the judgment of every one of general culture. * * *
The first permanent molar is often called the 'six-year molar' and sometimes,
the 'six-year old molar,' the latter being a crude expression that im one of
just taste would tolerate for a moment. * * * gome think the third
molar is entitled to the Latin name, 'dentes-sapientiae ;' and others are
content with the English name 'wisdom tooth." The better and more dis-
tinctive name is the third molar. * * *
"It is proposed here to bring before the association llie terms 'mesial' and
'distal' in order to get a true definition and the proper use of these terms.''
The use of the term "dentos" as a substitute for ''dentin,'' as representing
that jjart of the tooth constituting its body, which is enclosed by the enamel
and the cement, is discouraged. But the word "dentos" is recommended as
suitable to represent the body covering of the dentin of the tooth, generally
called the cement or cementum. Speaking of the nerve of a tooth where the
tooth pulp is meant, is pointed out as an error that should be corrected.
The report discourages the substitution of the word '"periodontium" for
"periosteum," but suggests that the phrase "dental periosteum'" may be used
to distinctively designate the periosteum which covers the root of every tooth;
and it further suggests the use of "periostitis" rather than "periodontitis."
The words "mechanical dentistry," to designate the manufacture and
insertion of artificial teeth and all that pertains to it, are excepted to because
of their insufficiency in distinctiveness. The report says : "Some may
execute well the mechanical aspect, and yet signally fail in the production and
application of suljstitutes for lost teeth and the restoration of adjacent parts.