A practical guide to operations on the teeth : to which is prefixed a historical sketch of the rise and progress of dental surgery / by James Snell, dentist.

  • Snell, James, 1976-
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A practical guide to operations on the teeth : to which is prefixed a historical sketch of the rise and progress of dental surgery / by James Snell, dentist. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by University of Bristol Library. The original may be consulted at University of Bristol Library.

    85/232 (page 69)
    ])laciug an instrument, or any thing else required in operating. To the left arm is to be affixed a ])o\verful mirror, also capable of being moved in any direction. In fixing artificial teeth, and in fact, for innumerable purposes, this mirror will be found useful, doing away with the necessity of the patient's either rising to look at a glass in the room, or holding one in his hand. In all operations requiring a candle, as in using the actual cautery and metallic cement, it is usual for the patient to hold it in his left hand. This is in all cases a clumsy expedient, and nothing can be conceived more awkward than to request a lady to perform such an office, especially when she is agitated by the anticipa- tion of pain. Where a light is necessary, it is much better to have a lamp, or thick wax light, placed in a branch, the opposite end of which is attached to the left-hand side of the back of the operating chair. This branch should have a sufficient number of joints, that the lights may be placed in any situation, in front of the mouth, which the operator may require. This is far better than the former uncertain and ungraceful method.