Part 4

“The Society spent money freely, both in the practical and theoretical of the profession; they gave prizes for papers to the value of $100; gave medals—gold and silver—for improved appliances. They seemed to be in great earnest in every way, and they did not forget to have good times, too, as they went along. From the records, I find that they were wont to gather about the festal board and break bread, crack chestnuts, and have a good social time, and at the close have what they chose to call interlocutory discussion. At one of the meetings, Dr. Somerby remarked that he thought it not in accordance with true pathological principles to retain a tooth in the mouth after the nerve had been destroyed, and that the operation of plugging over an exposed nerve, by capping or otherwise, would generally prove useless, and the idea of repeatedly tickling the nerve to make it cover itself with new bone, was more amusing than profitable. * * * *

“In the early years of this Society, it was truly _the_ dental society of the Mississippi Valley. It drew its membership from all parts of the great valley, and often dentists were in attendance from over the Alleghenies. It was looked upon, and was truly _the_ dental society of the West for many years; but in the forty-six years of its existence a new state of affairs has come about, in almost every State there are _local_, district societies, and State societies, and all auxiliary, more or less to the American Dental Society. Under this arrangement the Mississippi Valley Society is left somewhat isolated, and has lost much of its prestige. It has become somewhat local in its management, and it is with much difficulty that the programs are filled up each year. Men who write papers say, I have to attend my local society so often, I don't see how I can add another society to my already heavy burden, and many of the workers in dental society affairs are saying quietly, but with much significance, I wonder if the old Mississippi Valley Dental Society has not outlived her usefulness. As for myself I will not try to answer the question, it is a serious question and deserves thoughtful attention.”

DISCUSSION.

DR. J. TAFT said the paper brought many recollections of the past to mind, and was saddened when he found that nearly all the organizers had passed away, among whom were the Taylors, Griffith, Talbot and others. The work of this Society still has its influence upon modern dental practice. Much attention was paid to appliances and instruments, and many papers stand to-day, among which are those of Dr. Watt. The papers received more discussion at that time than at the present. The Society took the lead in all things.

DR. JAMES LESLIE, Cincinnati, Ohio, spoke of the influence of the old Society, upon its future. The character of a society will be retained forever. Many of the important discoveries were made in this Society, and the ability of its members was equal to any in the world. The Society will live forever.

DR. J. C. MCKELLOPS, St. Louis, said the Association could never die. Often there is a small attendance because it is not properly announced in the dental journals.

PROF. H. A. SMITH, Cincinnati. Ohio:—This is the first Society he ever joined. The conditions are different now from what they were then, and so new methods must be used—new blood.

PROF. C. M. WRIGHT, Cincinnati, thought the Society had passed its period of youth, and naturally, was entering upon its old age, and like a person looking in a mirror, he sees gray hairs which indicate a decline.

PROF. J. TAFT stated that in 1855 the Society was at a very low ebb, and its continuation was obtained by the election of two new members at that moment.

PROF. J. S. CASSIDY, Covington, Kentucky, said the discussion was premature (as it afterward proved to be), that the members have just begun to come in.

After some discussion by Drs. Taft and Callahan, it was decided to appoint special committees in conjunction with the executive committee to adopt new methods.

Paper by Dr. Otto Arnold, Columbus. Ohio:

NON-METALLIC PLASTIC MATERIALS FOR FILLING TEETH.

* * * “The employment of the earlier dentists of gums, mastic and sandarac, in etherial and alcoholic solutions for the stopping of cavities of decay, is the first approach history records of plastic fillings. About the year 1848, however, the first substantial progress was made in this direction by the use of gutta-percha as a temporary filling material. A little later, the well-known compound, Hill's stopping, was introduced, which is a modification of gutta-percha by the addition of certain mineral elements to make it harder, therefore more available for permanent fillings.

* * * About thirty years ago, oxychloride of zinc was introduced, the first of a now well-known class of filling materials, viz.: the zinc plastics. Next in order came oxyphosphate of zinc, followed by enumerable modifications and combinations. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“It cannot be denied that the introduction of gutta-percha and the zinc plastics was the beginning of an era in operative dentistry that made it possible to attain results never before brought about. Prior to that time little, if anything, had been accomplished in the direction of protecting pulps from the effect of thermal irritation. The solution of this problem alone is of such intrinsic worth as to make any material, capable of contributing to that end, of inestimable value. All preparations of the zinc plastics, likewise gutta-percha, at least so far as the writer has knowledge, are more or less non-conductors of caloric, therefore valuable for this purpose, and it is almost an unpardonable offense to ignore their use in all large cavities as a protection to pulps. * * * Gutta-percha, however, unless in solution of chloroform or other volatile solvent, is not wholly safe, unless the greatest care is exercised to prevent its introduction into the cavity in too heated a condition. This is a serious obstacle, as the minimum degree of heat necessary to plasticity may, especially if the pulp is near the surface, be sufficient to permanently injure this organ. The pressure generally necessary to adapt this substance to place, is another objection. So, nothing short of the greatest caution in its use will give certain results. Gutta-percha as a filling material, compared with the zinc plastics for inside use, and amalgam for outer surfaces, has a limited sphere of usefulness. * * * The oxychloride cement has an escharotic action on organized tissue, which makes it unsafe as a nerve capping; but when used in connection with an intervening layer of a non-irritant, it becomes useful for this purpose. It is decidedly antiseptic, but readily soluble in oral fluids, and is distinguished as “the most preservative, and at the same time the most perishable of all filling materials.” The antiseptic quality is a valuable feature for root fillings, and as these are supposed to be protected from the fluids of the mouth, their solubility is unimportant.

“The zinc phosphates are less irritating in their action on organized tissue, are denser in structure and less soluble in the oral fluids, and for general purposes are preferable and in more general use than the zinc chlorides.

“Briefly, then, to sum the matter up, what is the value of zinc plastics in dental practice, and to what extent should they be used? * * All large cavities should have a layer of this substance intervening between metallic fillings and their deeper portions, if possible, to protect the pulp from thermal irritation. * * * As a covering contiguous to exposed pulps, the more neutral and non-irritating of these preparations possess more good qualities than any other substance, chiefly on account of their adaption without pressure and the non-generation of heat.

“For filling root canals, zinc plastics are unsurpassed. The method I have practiced for a long time with more satisfactory results than any other, is to carry these to the apex on shreds of cotton of a fineness suitable to the case in hand, using necessarily the non-sticky variety. The facility and greater certainty with which the apex may be reached, combined with the imperviousness and antiseptic properties, make them the ideal root filling. For use in connection with crown and bridge-work, we have nothing to compare with them, and can only say they stand alone. For entire fillings in teeth that promise pathological complications, or for obvious reasons require temporary operations, they are a most valuable material. Taking them all in all, they occupy an important place in dentistry, and we could illy afford to return to the methods in vogue before their introduction. But like all good things, zinc plastics are often abused and their use is not always followed by the best results. * * I am opposed to temporary fillings as a substitute for something better, except possibly in children's cases, or where pathological or certain sexual conditions prohibit. The principal provocation for criticism is the indiscriminate practice of prostituting a good thing for uses other than its proper one. The outcome of such practice can result only against the general good of the profession, through the ultimate disappointment and loss to the innocent victim. The remedy that suggests itself against such abuse is to be more explicit in imparting advice on these matters. When temporary fillings must be inserted, impress the patient forcibly as to their limited utility. If such fillings are preferred on account of their inexpensiveness, or for any other reason, be emphatic in calling them temporary fillings and nothing more.”

DISCUSSION.

PROF. J. TAFT said he had never used amalgam as a filling material. Oxyphosphate acts differently in different hands. Had seen an oxyphosphate last eighteen years. It should not be used close to the gum, or in proximal positions. Is one of the very best materials for porcelain inlays. A _good_ oxyphosphate will last as long as an _ordinary_ gold filling. He uses it very often as an intermediate filling material. Much is due to the manner in which it is mixed. It should be thoroughly mixed. Some will granulate when used immediately, but if it is worked between the fingers, it becomes quite plastic and in that condition it is better and easier used. Heat accelerates, while cold retards setting.

DR. J. R. CALLAHAN asked if either the oxychloride or the oxyphosphate hardened the dentine.

DR. J. S. CASSIDY said oxychloride would harden by dehydration; much depends upon the healthy condition of the saliva. Mechanical abrasion has little to do with its loss. Chemical action is its chief cause. More loss takes place in mouths whose saliva is vitiated by putrefaction than by fermentation.

PROF. TAFT said cleanliness is very important in mouths containing cement fillings.

DR. H. J. MCKELLOPS spoke upon the oxyphosphates and their effect upon the dentine. If inserted in cavities and allowed to remain a year or so, when taken out the dentine will be found very hard and a gold filling may be inserted. It is one of the best materials for filling, and is especially applicable for children's teeth. Eructions from the stomach are very destructive to phosphate fillings. He says oxychloride is not the best root filling, especially in small roots. The mercury of amalgam will render a pulpless tooth very brittle.

PROF. H. A. SMITH:—Good manipulation is requisite to success in plastic fillings; the parts should be thoroughly combined. He had seen a large crown oxyphosphate filling which had been inserted eight years ago, in Germany. They were good filling materials, but had their place.

DR. L. E. CUSTER, Dayton. Ohio:—Before we can understand the action of the oral fluids upon the cement, or the action of the cement upon the tooth structure, we must first get an idea of what oxyphosphate of zinc is. When the two portions are united, the powder has such an influence upon the fluid as to cause it to crystallize, which in turn incorporates the powder in it. It is a chemical reaction so far as the liquid changes its form to a liquid of crystallization and also liberates heat, but it is a mixture as the powder does not change its form—it is still oxide of zinc. Being of this nature, it is easily acted upon by external agents, and at the same time the free phosphoric acid acts upon the tooth structure. He had found that alkalies acted upon the cement by neutralizing the acid of crystallization, which liberated the oxide of zinc as a precipitate. Strong acids overpower the phosphoric acid and act upon the oxide, the latter disappearing in the solution. So, as had been referred to by Dr. Cassidy, we will find a more rapid loss in mouths in which putrefaction is going on, because putrefaction being distinguished from fermentation only by the presence of nitrogen, and it has been shown by Dr. Watt that one stage in the formation of nitric acid was the formation of ammonia. Ammonia disintegrates the cement by neutralizing the acid of crystallization.

DR. ARNOLD said he filled roots with oxychloride by using fibres of cotton on a small broach.

DR. MCKELLOPS defied anyone to fill pulp canals with oxychloride of zinc, as well as with a solution of gutta-percha. He said there was often more than _one_ opening at the apex. He can tell when the gutta-percha has reached the apex by watching the countenance of the patient.

DR. GRAY said he enlarged the root canal and filled with iodoform and oil of cassia.

DR. F. A. HUNTER, Cincinnati, Ohio, said he was never sure that he filled but two roots perfectly, and those were where the gutta-percha appeared at the opening of the sinus leading from the roots.

DR. W. H. SILLITO, Xenia, Ohio, asked if it was not the oxychloride of zinc which had the therapeutic effect.

The annual election of officers ensued with the following result: President. Dr. M. H. Fletcher, Cincinnati; First Vice-President, Dr. L. E. Custer, Dayton; Second Vice-President, Dr. Otto Arnold, Columbus; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. H. T. Matlack, Covington, Ky.; Recording Secretary, Dr. H. T. Smith, Cincinnati; Treasurer, Dr. Frank A. Hunter. Cincinnati.

(TO BE CONTINUED.)

Colleges.

MISSOURI DENTAL COLLEGE.

The commencement exercises of the Missouri Dental College were held in Memorial Hall, on the evening of March 13th, 1890, in connection with the St. Louis Medical College.

Prof. Alleyne, M.D., dean of the latter college, conferred the degree of M.D. upon twenty-two graduates.

Prof. W. H. Eames, D.D.S., conferred the degree of D.D.S. upon the following gentlemen:

William H. Auer, Jefferson City, Mo. Thomas T. Baker, Litchfield, Ill. Walter M. Bartlett, St. Louis, Mo. Edward W. Bear, Sedalia, Mo. Albert G. Bowman, Monroe, La. Frank Henry Caughell, M.D., Morrison, Mo. William A. M. Cumming, Farmer City, Ill. John E. Deggendorf, Potosi, Mo. Warden B. Dennis. Jr., Effingham, Ill. Peter Henry Eisloeffel, 1102 Chouteau ave., St. Louis, Mo. Henry D. Field, 1551 Lafayette ave., St. Louis, Mo. John W. Forden, Springfield, Ill. John J. Greer, Lexington, Mo. Joseph Carter Goodrich, Wentzville, Mo. Edwin C. Hammen, Jefferson City, Mo. Guilford B. Housten, Carrollton, Mo. Frank A. Kimler, Leroy, Ill. Paul W. Keller, St. Louis, Mo. (College.) Frank M. Lowry, Farmer City, Ill. Marcus A. Mace, Belleville, Ill. Peter H. Morrison, St. Louis, Mo. Lorenz A. Naumann, St. Louis, Mo. Charles W. Ott, Gardner, Kas. Theodore L. Pepperling, Holstine, Mo. Thomas N. Perrine, Anna, Ill. Harry W. Pierce, Fort Wayne, Ind. James H. Prothrow, Monroe, La. Edward Schrantz, Warrenton, Mo. Benjamin Q. Stevens, Hannibal, Mo. David Riley Taggart, Campbell Hill, Ill. Thomas E. Turner, Carrelton, Mo. Edgar M. Whisett, Centerview, Mo. Frederick V. Waldron, Evans City, Pa. Francis W. Willard, Anna, Ill.

The prizes were awarded as follows:

THE ST. LOUIS DENTAL SOCIETY PRIZE, a Gold Medal, by Dr. Henry Fisher, to Peter H. Morrison, D.D.S., who received the highest vote on final examination.

THE J. WARREN WICK PRIZE, twenty-five dollars in gold, to James H. Prothrow, D.D.S., who received next to the highest Vote on final examination.

THE S. S. WHITE DENTAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY'S PRIZE, a set of Varney Pluggers, to Frederick V. Waldron, D.D.S., for excelling in operative dentistry.

THE ST. LOUIS DENTAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY'S PRIZE, a Laboratory Lathe, to James H. Prothrow, D.D.S., for the best specimens of artificial teeth.

A large and enthusiastic audience listened with pleasure to the music and speeches. Prof. John P. Bryson delivered the valedictory in behalf of the faculty.

The matriculants for the session were seventy-five, graduates, thirty-four.

DENTAL DEPARTMENT S. U. I.

The eighth annual commencement of the Dental Department of the State University of Iowa was held at the Opera House, Iowa City, on Monday evening, March 10, 1890. The annual address was delivered by Hon. R. G. Cousins, Tipton, Iowa. President Charles A. Schaeffer, Ph.D., conferred the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery upon the following named gentlemen:

T. G. Albin, St. Louis, Mo. J. V. Anderson, Cambridgeboro, Pa. F. J. Bethel, Denver, Col. A. D. Barker, Grinnell, Ia. Benton Bement, Lockport, N. Y. C. E. Booth, W. Superior, Wis. C. M. Cobb, Clear Lake, Ia. C. E. Coleman, Decorah, Ia. G. W. Cook, Hyde Park, Ill. Chas. Dorman, Manchester, Ia. Andrew Dingwell, DeWitt, Ia. J. H. Dorival. Caledonia, Minn. F. E. Davoll, Madison, Dak. J. W. Gluesing, Moline, Ill. Nathaniel Glasgow, Maxwell, Ia. C. H. Gibson, Chaska, Minn. R. H. Guy Huntley, Mason City, Ia. J. G. Hildebrand. Waterloo. Ia. J. W. Hubbard, Muscatine, Ia. Harriet Mabel Jones, Winterset, Ia. W. H. Jallings, Washington, Minn. Claude Kremer, Mabel, Minn. F. B. Kremer, Caledonia, Minn. R. E. Lamareaux, Ashland, Neb. F. H. Low, Waukon, Ia. W. B. Mandeville, Austin, Minn. Edward Morton, Iowa Falls, Ia. W. F. McDonald, Mt. Pleasant, Ia. Chas. B. McCandless, Davenport, Ia. W. E. Mabee, Sheldon, Ia. G. C. Marlow, Lancaster, Wis. E. H. Naumann, Oxford Junction, Ia. H. O. Rogers. Ottumwa, Ia. G. W. Schwartz, M.D.. Nebraska City, Neb. S. L. Seeley, Manchester, Ia. Richard Summa, St. Louis. Mo. W. H. Simpson. Bellevue, Ia. C. D. Tiffany, Mason City, Ia. E. A. Taylor, Villisca, Ia. P. L. Van Winter, Tacoma, Wash. H. Van Winter, Marshalltown, Ia. T. B. Wallace, Morrison, Ia. Hattie E. Wells, Perry, Ia.

Matriculants for the session, 120.

Correspondence.

EDITOR ARCHIVES:

In the discussion of Dr. Faught's paper, reported in your March number, I am represented as saying: “The essayist remarked that the students who had graduated from a dental college did not know that it is the _acid_ secretions from the mucous follicles which destroy oxyphosphate fillings.” I was quoting from a paper which I had heard read by Dr. Shepard, of Boston. I regret to say that I have misquoted him by inserting the word “_acid_.” His exact language, which I find in the printed report of his lecture, is, “Nearly every graduate seemed to be ignorant that there was any mucous follicles to contribute to the fluids in the mouth, etc.” He does not say “_acid_.” I have therefore misrepresented him, and wish to do him justice by this correction. In further explanation, let me say that I had heard Dr. Shepard's paper, and when at the Newark meeting, Dr. Faught said that _alkalies_ destroy oxyphosphates, a gentleman next to me whispered, “Dr. Shepard said acids do,” upon which I seemed to recall that he had done so. I mentioned it, meaning to bring up the point that we can scarcely expect definite answers from students upon questions which have not been definitely decided. In another paragraph I use the expression “_wash out_,” in such a way that it sounds as though Dr. Shepard had used it. He did; but it was as a quotation from the students under criticism.

I hope that you will give this space.

Respectfully.

RODREGUES OTTOLENGUI.

115 Madison Av., N. Y.

DR. WM. BARTLETT is demonstrator in charge at the Missouri Dental College. He has made mechanical dentistry a specialty for a number of years, but during the past two sessions has taken a regular course at the college, and is now a full-fledged dentist.

Editorial.

DR. JOHN ALLEN.

Some seventy-five dentists met at Sherry's Banquet Hall, Fifth avenue, on the evening of March 8th, to tender a complimentary dinner to John Allen, who has rounded the fiftieth mile-stone of active practice.

New York, Brooklyn, Boston and New Jersey were represented. All seemed delighted to do honor to the good doctor, who has reached the period when age, rather than blood, tells. It is a good custom to thus honor and cheer those who have been faithful workers in our ranks.

Four years ago they thus dined and honored Dr. John B. Rich, and it cheered and warmed his heart. Three years ago Dr. W. H. Dwinell was dined and wined, and he has been renewing his youth ever since. Two years ago Dr. W. H. Atkinson rounded up the fifty years, and they dined and wined him, and he is yet, we are glad to record, one of the boys. This year it came Dr. John Allen's turn to be wined and dined, and we all hope the good cheer and friendship manifested will cause him, too, to rejoice yet these many years.

John Allen gave to dentistry the most cleanly and beautiful denture ever put in human mouth, and he has given to humanity and the world a character and life equally as clean and beautiful. Wherever dentistry is known—known as it should be in its perfection—there continuous gum is known, and there goes with it, always, the name of John Allen.

What a sweet thought and consolation it is to think and know that you have done something for the world, and that it appreciates and thanks you; to feel that our lives have not been lived in vain, and though we may not have received all the dollars we wished for, yet, we are rich in blessings and the good-will of all. If so, then John Allen is rich, for all the world blesses him.

SOUTHERN DENTAL ASSOCIATION.

The Southern Dental Association will meet in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday, the 15th day of July next, at 10 o'clock a.m.

A cordial invitation is extended to the profession to meet with us on that occasion. Any cases in practice of unusual interest, I would be glad to have reported.

From the number of papers and clinics promised, and the character and high standing of the writers and operators, the meeting promises to be one of unusual interest. Let none stay away from this feast who can possibly attend.

JOHN C. STOREY, Pres. S. D. A.

AMENDED DENTAL LAW.—The Mississippi legislature, just prior to adjournment, Feb. 24th, so amended the dental law that, hereafter, persons beginning the practice of dentistry in Mississippi, must pass an examination by the board of examiners, whether they hold a diploma or not.

JULIEN W. RUSSELL, M.D.S., of Brooklyn, N. Y., called on the profession in our city recently. He was on his way to the Pacific Coast, combining business and pleasure. The business is introducing his alloy and copper amalgam; the main pleasure is a visit to his mother and sister in San Francisco, Cal.

DR. KIRK, of Philadelphia has entirely recovered from his very severe illness, and was heartily welcomed by the First District Society, before whom he read a paper at the March meeting. Dr. Kirk's essays are always so carefully prepared, that each one is a contribution to the literature of the profession which will live.