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HISTOEY OF DEXTAL SUEGERY 303

The first use of it in this cDnnoction as far as we are able to discover, was
made by Jos. Richardson about 1800. The lirst publislied illustration of this
method is shown in Fig. (IG).' The appli-
ance consisted of a frame of vulcanite molded
to the gums and teeth of the region in
which the movement was desired. On the
side of the frame where force was to be ex-
Fig. Itj erted, holes were drilled and wooden pegs
Richardson Plate
inserted, while on the opposite side the vulcan-
ite was cut away sufficiently to afford space for the moving teeth. The pegs
were replaced every day or two by longer ones and by their expansion under
moisture and the elasticity of tlie \ulcanite frame the teeth were gradually
moved into position. The movement was necessarily slow and the appliance
cumbersome and unsightly, but it was simple and easily constructed and with
modifications and impi'ovemcnts found favor for a numlier of years.
The common foi'm of retainer employed by Dr. liichardson consisted of two
narrow strips of vulcanite, molded to fit the gum and slightly embracing the
teeth at their necks. One of these fitted the labial surface and the other the
lingua], while they were joined by two fiat pieces of gold passing between the
teeth, one on each side of the arch as shown in Fig. (17).
Tomes—in his book on "Dental Sur-
gery," (1853) says that irregularities of
the teeth can be corrected at any age. He
speaks of the importance of employing
steady pressure and describes a few ways
of applying it. He sometimes resorted to
extraction to simplify regulating, and for
retention advises the W'eaving of fine gold ^„ ^^
wire in and around the corrected tooth and Richardson Retaiuer
adjoining ones. He observes that Fox advocated immediate interference for
correction at any age. He further states that Lefoulon contended that none
of the permanent teeth should be extracted, but that the dental line (arch)
should be expanded instead ; also that Robinson held this same view.
Hareis—in the sixth edition of his book (1855), describes and illustrates
the use of a gold band with knobs or projections on opposite sides to be fitted
to an incisor for tlie purpose of rotating it, ligatures being fastened to the
knobs and (hen carried, one in one direction and one in another, to distant
teeth for anchorage.
1 Illustration furnished by P. Blakiston's Son & Co.