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ATROPHY. 31

the point of defect, and at the time of its origination.
In some cases, doubtless, there are a deficient amount

and an inferior quality of the material elaborated for
the upbuilding of the structure; and this is probably
the case when the pits exist at the eruption of the
teeth. In other cases, the requisite quantity of
material may be elaborated, and yet the vital energy
be insufficient to organize it, as in the case of the
spots referred to. The latter condition is more fre-
quent than the former, as is evidenced by the more
frequent appearance of the spots than of the pits.

We are led to infer, then, that the origin of this
affection is for the most part constitutional, and not
local. There are commonly found traces of it on all
the teeth whose enamel was in process of formation
at the time of the interruption.
Any general disturbance, such as to interrupt the
assimilative process, would be detrimental to the per-

fect formation of the tooth. Again, some affections
may materially affect the organizing power of the
system, without interfering with the assimilative
power. Any disease that should interrupt the func-
tions of the digestive apparatus, would be prejudicial
to the process of assimilation; whilst other diseases,
such, for instance, as those of a febrile character,
would diminish the vital power, and consequently
the ability to build up organic structures, without