Page 147 - My FlipBook

FILLING TEETH 131

by Dr. Flagg is to reduce a silver coin to fine filings
^^•ith a " dead smooth " file. The filings are then
sifted through a very fine sieve, and a magnet
freely and frequently applied to remove all par-
ticles of steel that may have come off the file.
Dust is removed by careful blowing, and about
55 parts of mercury to 45 of the filings is
required to make the amalgam mix ; rub into
paste in mortar. If amalgamation is not prompt
and complete, add a globule of mercury to make a
smooth paste ; squeeze through chamois ; again
triturate thoroughly in mortar ; squeeze as for
wafering ; introduce filling as usual ; take off soft
surplus, and wafer.
Copper Amalgam is made by dissolving pulverised
sulphate of copper in warm water, and precipitating
the copper by means of either iron or zinc rods or
plates. The details of procedure are to be found in
several books, and need not be here mentioned.
Suffice it to say that the precipitated copper is
mixed with mercury, and formed into buttons or
discs of convenient size. One or more of these
buttons is heated (when perfectly set) in a suitable
spoon, over a spirit lamp, until globules of mercury
appear. The button is then placed in a mortar,
crushed up, and thoroughly rubbed with the pestle.
The amalofam is then transferred to the hand, and