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OF THE FORMATION OF THE ADULT TEETH, ETC. 121
destruction of the part between it, and that part of the skin
which is nearest it, and seldom of the other parts, excepting
those between it and the surface of a cavity opening externally,
and that by no means so frequently. And in those cases there
is an absorption of the solids, or of the part destroyed, not a
melting down, or solution of them into Pus. The Teeth are
to be looked upon as extraneous bodies, with respect to the Gum,
and as such they irritate the inside of that part in the same
manner as the Pus of an abscess, an exfoliation of a bone, or
any other extraneous body; and therefore produce the same
symptoms, excepting only the formation of matter. (2) If, there-
fore, these symptoms attend the cutting of the Teeth, there
can be no doubt of the propriety of opening the way for them
;
nor is it ever, as far as I have observed, attended with any
dangerous consequence.
OF THE FORMATION AND PROGRESS OF THE ADULT
TEETH.
Having now considered the first formation, and the progress
of the Temporary Teeth, we shall next describe the formation
of those Teeth which are to serve through life. (a)
(2) [Any real analogy between the tooth and an extraneous body can-
not be admitted. In a note on this section, Mr. Bell observes, " There
can, indeed, be no doubt that the emancipation of the rising tooth is
occasioned by absorption of the gum ; but it is also probable that this
absorption is increased, if not wholly produced, by the pressure of its
edge on the horizontal surface of the tooth. It appears probable, there-
fore, that when, in consequence of the rapid elongation of the root, the
crown of the tooth rises faster than this process for the removal of the
containing parts goes on, an undue pressure takes place on the inside of
the gum, and local inflammation, accompanied by much constitutional
disturbance, is the result. The mere existence of the tooth in contact
with the gum, ' as an extraneous body,' would not account for all this
disturbance for, after the gums are lanced, the tooth is still in contact
;
with the soft parts ; but because the pressure is thus taken off, the
"
irritation immediately subsides. (1)
(a) [According to the more commonly-received view, based on the
(1) 'Huuter's Works,' by Palmer, vol. ii., p. 35.