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THE MALLET. 171

Adhesive gold must be consolidated as it is intro-
duced ; for if a cavity is full, it is very difficult then
to condense it more, even though the consolidation is
but partial ; and the same is true to some extent of
non-adhesive foil.

THE MALLET.

Within the last seven years quite a change has
been effected in the theory and practice of consolida-

ting gold in filling teeth. Prior to this period it was
accomplished entirely by the pressure or force exerted
by the hand. There was very considerable diversity
of opinion as to the best mode of this manipulation.
Some maintaining that great force is always required
to make a filling sufficiently dense ; assuming that it

is better to use comparatively large points, great
pressure and rapid execution, thus securing the ut-
most economy of time, both to the operator and
patient. Others entertain the opinion that with
smaller points, less pressure and more time, a more
definite and. satisfactory result is attained.
Notwithstanding the diversity of opinion and prac-
tice upon this subject, we would suggest that young
operators, at least should bear in mind, that in so
important a matter as filling teeth, efficiency should

never be sacrificed to rapidity.