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182 HISTORY OF DENTAL SURGERY

sents the subject witli clearness and brevity and sufficiently for the- purposes
of this histoi-y.
"The Neiv Departure.—A very general interest is being manifested by
the dental profession in the theories and practice wliich have come to be com-
prehensively designated as 'the new departure.' The action of filling materials
upon dentine, as promulgated and ably discussed and advocated by Dr. S. B.
Palmer, of Syracuse, N. Y., the result of earnest scientific investigation ; the
indorsement of his conclusions by Professor Henry S. Chase, of St. Louis,
and Professor ,T. Foster Flagg, of Philadelphia, as the result of their obser-
vations and experiments; tlie modifications which these gentlemen are advocat-
ing and practicing, the outcome of these theories and deductions,—these con-
stitute wliat is termed 'The New Departure.'
"Botli theory and practice are so essentially, so radically, so diametrically in
opposition to the theory and practice which have so generally obtained, that
it is quite permissible to designate them by way of distinction as the 'accepted'
creed and the 'new departure' creed.
"Whatever conclusions are finally reached, and whatever may be the practice
of the future, it is at least evident that much discussion will result from these
radical expressions of opinion.
''For the purpose of definitely informing our readers of the points at issue,
we publish the two creeds in juxtaposition.
"The unanimity of thoiight in this matter with which the tliree gentlemen
named arc credited, may be appreciated from the statement that the 'new de-
parture' creed, having been drafted by Professor Flagg, and submitted by him
to Dr. Palmer and Professor Chase for revision, received their written indorse-
ment without modification.

''.\CCEPTEn CREED. "neW DEPARTURE CREED.
"Gold tlie best material with "In proportion as teeth need sav-
I. is I.
wliicli to save teeth. ing, gold is the u-orst material to
use.
II. "Either 'contour filling" or 'sep- II- "Xeither 'contour fillin.g" nor
arating teeth" is the best method 'separating teeth' has much to do
to arrest decay. with the arrest of decay.
III. "Failure of operations is III. "Failure of operations is
mainly due to defective manipula- mainly due to incompatibility of
tion. filling material with toothbone.