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266 HISTORY OF DENTAL SURGERY

fitted and adhering to the gum only, afford support to the remaining teeth,
wliich are let into grooves formed in the piece Jor their reception.
"This prevents toothache and other painful sensations, by shielding tender
teeth and stumps from change of temperature and extraneous matters.
"I can make artiiicial teeth without extracting any teeth or stumps, which
will give perfect satisfaction.
"I have invented a new description of composition teeth, composed of
silicious substances with a very fine enamel upon them, and can match any
natural tooth ; their durability is unbounded and they will never decay or
discolor."
R. P. Lennox, of London, in 1897, tells about vulcanite and gold plate work,
and uses springs when necessary ;, he cemented tiibe teeth to gold plates, and
also used them for vulcanite plates, and says that Ash's mineral teeth have been
on the market about sixty years ; he also treats of crown and bridge-work.
In an article by T. Tanner, published in 1907 in the "Dental Record" of
London, appears the following:
"All the arts have made rapid progress during the past century, and
mechanical dentistry, an art that requires much ingenuity combined with the
most delicate power of manipulation and refined taste, an art which is so con-
ducive to the health, comfort and happiness of mankind, has progressed in a
like manner, and proved itself worthy to take its stand side by side with the
most useful, liberal and honored professions. At the beginning of the last
century, mechanical dentistry may be said to have been comparatively in its
infancy; at all events, the many improvements which have been made since
and introduced, and the changes in method which have taken place, warrant us
in coming to this conclusion. At this early period the material made use of
in the construction of artificial dentures was the ivory of the elephant, walrus
and hippopotamus. After a time it was found that gold was an excellent basis
on which to set natural and ivory teeth, so that this metal came into general
use and it continues to be one of the most useful bases for mounting every
description of teeth.
"In 1811 Mr. Heath, a London dentist, invented a new mineral compound
which was semi-transparent, natural in color and artistically carved into teetli,
gums and blocks.
"In 18'?9 Mr. Hallet, a Scotchman, who had been some years in America,
came to England and taught his process of making mineral pieces.
"Mr. Wilson (then of Paris) introduced a half tooth, which liad platina
slips sunk into a central groove for attachment of gold backs.
"In 1830 Mr. Berrend, of Liverpool, brought out teeth differing in shape