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HISTORY OF DENTAL SURGERY 3-23

some better means of conimunic aiing one with another, of a closer inter-
course, ami a more general, and a more fre(iiient interchange of information
gained by observation and experience./ Neighborly courtesy and personal
correspondence were found too restricted, and the writing and puhlishing
of dental books far too cumbersome and expensive to meet the growing needs
of a profession rapidly increasing in numbers and importance. While the
public press, the medical, and many scientific journals, were ever readv to re-
ceive and to publish well written dental articles, and for several centuries
were freely used by dental practitioners to make known their observations
and discoveries, their circulation among memljers of the dental profession
was limited, and the time came when the profession felt strong enough to
inaugurate a journal entirely its own.
In no part of the world was the dental profession so strong, so independ-
ent, or so progressive as it was in the United States. The country was
young, and its rapid development made an open door to every profession and
calling. Education and wealth were far more evenly distributed than it
usually is in 'long settled communities; and, furthermore, class distinctions
and birthriglits were unknown. This made an open way for those possessing
ambition, ability, and energy to reach any position to wdiich they aspired.
The pace was sot in all aveniies of human activity in the United States by
men with "push." This was especially felt in the dental profession. Old
methods w-ere remodeled and made more effective, and new and l)etter ones
invented. Tlie ideal was constantly moved forwai-d; more and more was
attempted, and more and more accomplished. This constant and wide
spread, rapid progress, accompanied as it was by a growing professional
comradeship, hastened the advent of dental journalism, and made the United
States its birthplace.
It is generally recognized that Horace H. Hayden's was the mastermind
pushing forward the jiiovement which was rapidly bringing al)out an im-
portant advance ior the dental profession. In Chapin A. Harris, young,
ambitious, full of energy and thoroughly ecpiipped mentally, he found a
\ery willing and earnest coworker. In New York, these two progressive
men were encouraged by representative dental practitioners able and willing
to assume the financial burdens, while here and there throughout the countrv
encouraging words and substantial assistance was freely tendered. The
scheme in hand was a comprehensive and daring venture; it contemplated
raising an honored and respected calling to the dignity of a profession, and
sending it forth fully equipped. The first care was a journal whollv under