Mr. Patence, quack / by B.R. Townend.

  • Townend, B. R.
Date:
[1942]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Mr. Patence, quack / by B.R. Townend. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    enough field to give some idea of the colour of the man. We find him in 1770 practising at No. 8, Bolt Court, Fleet Street, the home of Dr. Johnson, and not far away from Racquet Court, which was the home for many years of such famous dentists as Watts, Rutter, Berdmore and the Parkin¬ sons. He claims to have “ invented, and makes Artificial Teeth, which will retain an excellent white, with a fine enamel polish, till worn out, without that danger¬ ous method of transplanting.” It is claimed that these teeth are not made of bone, ivory, human, or sea-horses’ teeth and the price is half-a-guinea each for front teeth, whole sets less in proportion. Possible competitors are warned off with the remark: “ No operators need apply out of curiosity, as they will not be treated with.” Evidence, which will grow with our study, of Patence’s versatility is shown in a nota bene to this advertise¬ ment : “ N.B. Dancing taught in the most masterly manner, to grown persons, or children; and those who have learned may practice on Monday and Friday evenings at a very easy price.” It is interesting to speculate of what these teeth were made. Du Chateau and De Chemant did not experiment with porcelain teeth until 1774-76, and De Chemant did not bring his patent to England until 1791, and then it was a jealously guarded secret. However, we shall see that Patence later claimed to have experimented with porcelain teeth before De Chemant, with what truth I know not. In support of his claim there is a reference in an advertisement of 1776 to the colour of his artificial teeth being “ secured by fire.” It may be that further research will wrest the laurels for the discovery of porcelain teeth from the brows of Du Chateau and De Chemant. It may be that these teeth were made of some kind of paste similar to that recom¬ mended by Jacques Guillemeau in 1597 consisting of gum elemni or mastic, white coral and prepared pearls. (See Lindsay, Lilian: A Short History of Dentistry. Lond., 1933; p. 45.) In 1775 Patence is puffing the famous “ Goddards Philosophic or Universal Pills for all internal and external dis¬ orders incident to Men, Women, or Children.” W. Goddard was physician to Kings Charles I and II according to Salmon, who, in his edition of Bate’s Dispensa¬ tory, says that Charles II gave him £1,500 for the formula. Other accounts give £5,000 and £6,000. Salmon says that the principal ingredient was an oil distilled from human bones, the oil to be distilled from the bone or bones of that part of the body where the disease happened to be; thus for apoplexy or vertigo the skull was used, for sciatica the femur, and so on. There is some doubt as to Salmon’s veracity. Dr. Munk in the Roll of the Royal College of Physicians (1878) says the inventor was Jonathan Goddard, who was associated with Cromwell and made Principal of Merton College and M.P. for Oxford University. At the Restoration he was removed from, his Wardenship, but later became Professor of Physic at Gresham College, London, and it was there that with a few scientific associates he helped to found the Royal Society. (See A. C. Wootton: Chronicles of Pharmacy, 2 vols.; Lond., 1910; Vol. II, p. 179.) Patence “ improved ” these pills and cites thirty-three complaints “ etc. etc. etc.” which they will cure, finally stating that “ With these Pills Mr. Patence always preserved his florid complexion and con¬ stitution.” In the same year under the heading “ An Extraordinary Advertisement, VERITAS. To the Nobility, Gentry, and all who are afflicted. No Cure, No Pay. Ne Plus Ultra.” a claim is made to cure “ that most dreadful disorder. Loss of Uvula, and opening into the head, in the mouth, near the throat.” An appliance is used “ hardly discernable [.y/c] from real flesh ” and “ I only adver¬ tise that the poor as well as the rich may have relief.” This advertisement and a number following give the address as No. 403, Strand, near Southampton Street, and concludes: “ Mr. Patence makes Artificial Legs on the truest Mechanical principle.” The next advertisement of the same year is so priceless that I have transcribed it in full: “ We are well informed by persons of veracity, that the celebrated Mr.
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