TuMBlftUNIVERSlTYUBRARlEMXSl.stx) 2002304660 \-\55 Columbia ^nitjersitp intlieCitpofjactogotfe ColUse of ^tipsttians mt »ntQtm6 Eeferente %ihmxv Grosvenor Memorial Fund DENTAL REFORM. PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO- EDINBURGH AND LONDON. THE HISTORY OF THE REFORM MOYEMENT IN THE DENTAL PEOFESSIOX m GREAT BRITAIN DURING THE LAST TWENTY YEARS. BY ALFEED HILL, LICENTIATE IN DENTAL SURGERY OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SUKGEONS OK EN'GLAXD ; DENTAL SURGEON TO THE DENTAL HOSPITAL OF LONDON ; AND LATE HONORARY SECRETARY TO THE MANAGING AND MEDICAL COMMITTEES OF THAT INSTITUTION. LONDON: TRUBNER k CO., LUDGATE HILL. 1877. \All rigliU rticrvcd.l 6^4' ~^^^'\ w 5^ TO EVERY LICENTIATE IN DENTAL SUEGERY, OF THE EOYAL COLLEGE OF SUEGEONS OF ENGLAND, HONOURABLY PEACTISING HIS USEFUL PROFESSION, Cljis moxk IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2010 witii funding from Columbia University Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/historyofreformmOOhill PREFACE. The reasons whicli induced me to write this work were various. The principal one was a keen sense of justice due to those whose long- sustained labours were pre- eminently the cause, the effect of which is the present organised and improved condition of the dental pro- fession. During the twenty years which have elapsed since the first real movement in the direction of reform took place, many of the most influential and energetic men have been removed from our midst by the stern hand of death. It appeared to me an injustice to their memory to allow their names and their self-sacrificing endeavours to pass quietly into forgetfulness. We all owe them the tribute of acknowledgment and remem- brance, and I conceived the present method to be, at the least, appropriate. Not only to those who have departed, but also to those who, happily, are still with us, is this simple record of their work and its successful result, due. Moreover, it seemed to me very desirable that those who are so manifestly reaping the many solid and in- X PREFACE. valuable benefits, which are the outcome of what has been accomplished, should be not only made acquainted mth the names of their benefactors, but have placed before them an outline of the way in which the many obstacles in the path of dental reform had been, one after the other, removed or surmounted. When the younger members of the profession learn what the con- dition of things actually was so short a time since, they will be naturally led to rejoice in their enfranchisement from so many of the disadvantages and disagreeables to which their predecessors had to submit. Also, by com- paring what has been with what is, I am inclined to believe that they will more fully appreciate their present CKCumstances by a just estimation of the heritage thus handed to them, and seek by honourable conduct and scientific and practical attainments to uphold the dignity, and promote the further advance, of dental surgery in this country. Another reason for the course I have taken arose from the fact that I had been closely associated with those who had so energetically worked for dental reform, and had fought, in turn, on both sides of the field. From this cause, and having held official positions in the College of Dentists of England, the Odontological Society, and the Dental Hospital of London, I was drawn into intimacy with the various movements as they took place, and with the leaders and influential members of the profession, as such, from the commence- ment to the present time. PREFACE. XI I am indebted to several gentlemen for assistance offered, and, in some cases, very kindly rendered. It is but just to Mr. Tomes to say bere tbat, nearly simul- taneously witb my publisbed intention to write tbis book, be bad determined to issue a similar notice of tbe work accomplisbed for tbe dentists of tbis country. On learning my intentions be very generously abstained from doing any more, and banded over to me, for my own use, tbe manuscript be bad already prepared, to- getber witb documents of value. IVIr. E. Hepburn kindly furnisbed me witb copious records of tbe pro- ceedings of tbe College of Dentists, wbicb be bad carefully preserved, and for wbicb, witb many otber contributions, I bave to tbank bim. To Mr. Eymer, also, for similar generous assistance I am indebted. I^or can I omit tbe name of Mr. Tbomas Arnold Eogers, wbo from tbe first bas been ever anxious to render me every service. I bave to tbank tbe council of tbe Odontological Society for permission granted me to searcb tbe records of tbeir proceedings : but for tbe restrictions witb wbicb tbe permission was encumbered, I sbould bave cbeerfuUy availed myself of tbe opportunity tbus given. Tbe managing committee and also tbe medical com- mittee of tbe Dental Hospital of London freely offered me tbe use of tbeir books, and I bereby return tbem my tbanks for tbe privilege accorded. Tbe following pages bave been written witb tbe in- tention of gatbering togetber sucb facts as would consti- XU PREFACE. tute a reliable history of the struggle for improvement, which has taken place, since the year 1856, in the dental profession, and the record virtually terminates with the removal of the Dental Hospital of London to its present site. I have not thought it advisable to enter into the relation of events which have occurred subsequently, such as what is known as "The Man- chester Movement," &c., &c., leaving them for another and abler pen to describe at a future time. The style I have adopted is the simplest, believing such will more readily commend itself to most readers. In conclusion, I may add, that it has afforded me the greatest satisfaction to have been permitted to contri- bute, in my limited degree, to the general welfare of my profession throughout the whole period here described^ I have been honoured by the friendship of the chiefest and the best in our ranks, while in the humble work itself which I have done I have ever found a complete and abundant reward. London, 1876. ' CONTEXTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Dentistry a geBeration since — Scarcity of scientific practitioners — "WTiolesale extraction of teeth — Dentifrices and their purveyors — Opportunities for the unscrupulous and ill-informed — Books and book-makers — Pamphlets and pamphleteers — Their real object and results i CHAPTER II. Mr. Waite's appeal in 1841 — Absence of results — Tlie Medical Bill of 1843— Movement amons; dental practitioners in London thereon — Their plan for reform of the profession — Steps taken to effect it— Modification of views — Disunion and disappoint- ment— Final abandonment of the scheme ..... 17 CHAPTER III. Period of apathy and inaction— Effects upon students generally — ]\Ir. Tomes' work on Dental Physiology and Surgery — First symptoms of reform — Mr. Eymer's letter to the " Lancet " — Its effects — Announcement of a public meeting of the profes- sion, to be convened by Mr. Eymer — Gathering of dentists at the London Tavern — Proposal to found a Dental Institute — Dawning of difficulties — The memorial to the Eoyal College of Surgeons — Effect uj)on the profession generally — Mr. Clendon, and his opinions — Formation of the Odontological Society of London — Second public meeting of dentists — Third public , meeting of the profession — Formation of the College of Den- tists of England— Mr. Samuel Cartwright, first president of the Odontological Society — Mr. James Eobinson, first president of the College of Dentists of England — Two ways to one goal . 32 XIV CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. PAGE The j^ears 1856-57—" The British Journal of Dental Science " — Co-operation with the college scheme — Change of proprietor- ship, and altered opinions — Proposed "Quarterly Journal of Dental Science " — The medical press and the college move- ment— Antagonistic journalism — The objects of the Odonto- logical Society— Statement by the president, 1857 — Increased energy of the college party — Introduction of Medical Bills into Parliament— Notice to the profession thereupon by the College of Dentists — Features of the year — Diminution of party feel- ing— Mr. E. Reid and mediation — Meeting of Mr. Tomes and Mr. Underwood — Impression on the profession thereby . . 75 CHAPTER V. Messrs. Tomes and Underwood as delegates — Propositions for amalgamation of opposing societies — Appointment of more delegates — Terms of union arrived at — Mr, Rogers and Mr. Robinson at the first dinner of the Odontological Society — Terms of amalgamation submitted to meeting of the College of Dentists — Their rejection — Resignation of college officials — Resolution of the Odontological Society— Law of vote by proxy at the College of Dentists — Dissension at the college meeting — Action of the Odontological Society — The College of Sur- geons— Notice of the Bill of Mr. Headlam, M.P. — Petition of Odontologists to College of Surgeons — Reply — Its effect on the College of Dentist's party— Further memorialising by the Odontological Society — Further replies — Proposed clause in the Medical Bill — Secession of college members, and protest by seceders — Counter-circular by Mr. Rymer— Proposed Den- tal School and Hospital by the. Odontological Society— Organ- isation of the Dental Hospital of London — Its opening — Criti- ^ cism by the opposite party^-^Electricity in dental operations — "H^ Committee of investigation appointed — Hopes of a charter for ' College of Dentists — Medical legislation — Success of the Odon- tological Society's memorial to the College of Surgeons . . in CHAPTER VI. New dental journal— Activity of the College of Dentists — Curricu- lum for acceptance by the council of College of Surgeons — ^ Opinion of the "Dental Review" — Violent party spirit — Internal action of the College of Dentists — Fresh courage- Amendment of college laws — American opinion — The Metro- politan School of Dental Science organised by the College of CONTENTS. XV PAGE Dentists — The iuitials M.C.D.E.— Opening of the Metropoli- tan School of Dental Science — Legal action taken by the Medi- cal Eegistration Association — Opposition by the College of Dentists — The entire profession addressed — Petition to the House of Commons. Petition for a charter for the College of Dentists — Increase of the Odontological Society — Determined opposition of the two sections of the profession . . . 143 CHAPTER A' II. Institution of Board of Examiners at Eoyal College of Surgeons, i860 — Protest against the College of Dentists by the Odonto- logical Society — Counter protest by the College of Dentists — " The Lancet " — Other medical journals — Strife on the increase — First examination of candidates for the licentiateship in dental surgery — The London School of Dental Surgery insti- tuted— Tenacity of the College of Dentists— Terms of mem- bership with the Dental College — Education — Hope of success and assertion of strength by the "Independents" — "The Lancet " condemns the College of Dentists — Mr. Waite's reply ■ — Inauguration of the National Dental Hospital— Mr. Makins' work on ' ' Metallurgy " — Death of Mr. James Eobinson — Pre- • sentation to Mr. Tomes — Dinner to foreign dentists — Longings for the cessation of strife . . . . . . . .167 ^ CHAPTER VIII. The College of Dentists and dissolution — Extinction of hope and consequent action of Mr. Rymer— Overtures by the College of Dentists on the subject of amalgamation to the Odontological Society — Appointment of sub-committee — Eesult — Amalgama- tion considered in full meeting of Odontological Society— The "glorious minority of one" — Complete fusion — Eecognition of Mr. Eymer's and Mr. Hockley's past labours — The Dental Students' Society — Proposed method of dealing with adver'W^ tisers — The late Mr. Lawrence's opinions — Proposed extension of time to candidates for the licentiateship's degree— Petition to the council of Medical Education and Eegistration — Eesult — The licentiates and the " Medical Directory " — The Odonto- Chirurgical Society of Edinburgh established— Professional sympathy with Mr. Statham — Xitrous oxide— Committee of investigation — Eeport thereon — Testimony concerning anaes- thetics— Testimony of the profession to the claims of Mr. Horace AY ells — College of Surgeons' concessions to licentiates XVI CONTENTS. PAGE — Proposal by Mr. Saunders tp remove tlie Dental Hospital — Counter proposition by Mr. W. Asb— Result— Mr. T. A. Eogers first Dean of tbe Dental Hospital of London— Address to tbe students i9S CHAPTER IX. Dental Reform in Edinburgb— Dr. Smitb and the Odonto-Cbirur- gical Society — DiflEiculties and defections — Determination to proceed— Result— Edinburgb Dental Dispensary— Feeble pro- gress of tbe charity — Liverpool Dental Hospital — Its origina- tor and first supporters — Progress— Increasing usefulness — Plymouth Dental Dispensary— Tbe projectors and first workers — Tbe value of tbe charity— Birmingham Dental Dispensary — Its founder and tbe usefulness of tbe institution — Spread of such centres of public and professional benefit — Prosj)ect of recognition of all well-directed schools of dental surgery . 242 CHAPTER X. Benefactors of tbe dental profession — Short notices of Mr. J. M. Arnott— Mr. S. Cartwright— Mr. De Morgan— Mr. C. J. Fox — Mr. W. A. Harrison— Mr. R. Hepburn — Mr. J. H. Parkin- son— Mr. James Robinson — Mr. A. Rogers— Mr. S. L. Rymer —Mr. E. Saunders— Mr. J. Tomes— Mr. T. Underwood— IMi-. E. Sercombe — Mr. A. Coleman — Mr. Kempton — Mr. Hockley Mr. T. A. Rogers— Mr. D. Hepburn— Mr. Newman— Mr. Par- ker—Mr. S. Bate— Mr. Belfour— Mr. Trimmer . . .260 CHAPTER XI. Present position of tbe profession — Its recognition and status — Dental literature — Journalism and professional demands — Pro- fessional conduct— Method of manii^ulation — Recognition of the importance of tbe dental profession by tbe medical practi- tioners and the public— Spread of its influence — Education — Registration — Conclusion 353 Appendix 385 Erratum 4°° HISTORY OF THE REFORM lis THE DENTAL PROFESSIOK CHAPTEE I. A EETEOSPECT of dentistry as it existed some thirty years ago in this country is by no means a pleasant study. From such a standpoint there is very little to encourage, and much which can only be looked upon with a feeling, to say the least, of regret. That, how- ever, which is uncongenial, or in direct opposition to the tastes and inclinations of those concerned, has often to be accepted and dealt with as a necessity by thenx ^N'o picture is complete without its background ; and although the sombre shading may prove to be the least pleasant portion of the artist's work, the dashing and effective high lights would lose their brilliancy with- out it. So with the subject which will form the sub- stance of the following pages. It is not only needful but imperative that the dark background formed by the ignorance, disorganisation, and empiricism of that epoch should be mentioned, in order that the bright and clear light of education, order, and progress, as they now exist, may be more effectively seen and appreciated. Eeally, to understand our present position legally, socially, and professionally, we must know what we then were in those respects. To value the advance made, we must see and estimate our circumstances at the point of A 2 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. departure. Looking "back, then, to those days, it can- not fail to be observed that the dental art was exercising a fascinating power over the minds of many, and in- ducing considerable numbers to attempt to practise it. From the records available it could be easily seen that large proportions of those dentists (?) were ignorant of the merest rudiments of this branch of surgery, and were totally dependent upon their unblusliing effrontery playing its part upon the outside public for the measure of success they hoped to attain. Nor were the men of that day different from those who had preceded them — that is, of course, those who were really ignorant. For long years before, dentistry had apparently offered tempt- ing facilities to uneducated individuals to practise it; and, if we can trust the statements made by various writers on the subject, its characteristic was that of being ham- pered by the unprincipled and unscrupulous. It may be safely affirmed that, at the time when this record com- mences, the great bulk of dentists practising in the United Kingdom, of whom there were some hundreds, were, as a class, sadly lacking in scientific knowledge. Scattered through the cities and towns of our land were to be found those who evidently had no idea of what a profession, as such, demanded at their hands. Many had entered upon the practice of dentistry as a means of obtaining a livelihood only, and had not hesitated to combine with it a trade of some sort or other, in order to secure a larger emxolument than dentistry, 'per se, would bring to them. Others, again, had abandoned their former calling for this one, under the impression that it was an easy and simple thing to be a dentist. The author has heard of those who had been milkmen, watchmakers, &c., who had no scruple in posting the words "surgeon-dentist " on their door-plates, in the hope of making the passers-by believe they were what they thus professed themselves to be. Advertisements were plenti- ful, and the most wonderful announcements constantly appeared in the daily press, setting forth the miraculous DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 3 ability and the fascinatingly low fees of these dental magicians. Others, again, openly displayed their trades- man-like principles by keeping shops for the exhibition of anatomical preparations, casts of mouths, and metal- gilt dentures, and in some cases wrote np their names in decayed teeth. Sober-minded and really respectable men, who hoped by honourable effort and proper j)i'o-- fessional conduct to advance their position, felt it to be a reproach when -called by the name of dentist. Origin- ally drawn to this special branch of surgery by the highest motives, they found that to practise it they must be associated in the minds of the indiscriminating with those whose character and conduct they indig- nantly repudiated. "While the large majority of practitioners, then, were to be ranked among the partially educated or absolutely ignorant, still den- tistry as a composite profession, one embracing both science and art, was not without representative men. In each of these departments were to be found names which can never be mentioned without the respect that real worth, high princijDles, and unsullied integrity, coupled with skill, must ever command. Like lofty peaks in a mountain range, they showed clear and bright above others ; but they were the great and glorious exceptions to those around them. At their base lay the broad valley of emphicism, steeped and bathed in the mists of io-norance, and claimincp recoor- nition by the noise of its own impudent pretensions alone. Here and there were to be seen those who upon the smallest amount of information were prac- tising as dentists, some, perhaps, well content to know nothing more than the alphabet of their daily calling so long as the result, in the direction of fees, proved satisfactory; while others may have hoped to obtain knowledge sufficient to enable them to rise to a level above the unblushing rascality of so many among them. Tooth-extraction in those days appears to have been a principal source of revenue. Who has not heard of 4 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN; what we would fain hope was a legendary character' after all, viz., the blacksmith who drew teeth for sorrowful village urchins ? Barbers, for many years preceding, had enjoyed the almost prescriptive right to be considered dentists — that is, if extracting teeth constitutes a man a dentist. But in the time to which allusion is more particularly sought to be made, the extraction of teeth had gradually been relegated to the chemist, who perhaps might lay more claim to the savoir faire than the barber or the blacksmith. That this portion of dental practice largely obtained then 'there is no question or doubt whatever. The great cure for the terrible pain arising from a carious tooth was extraction. People flocked, especially the poor, to the chemist for help and deliverance from torture, and at a nominal cost to them he was prepared to operate. Wardroper in his work on tooth-drawing (1838) informs us in a foot-note (page 9) of this custom thus : " As a proof of the prevalence of tooth-drawing, I know a chemist in a large country town, who some time ago assured me that he received £200 a year from drawing teeth at one shilling each. On examining these teeth — the greater part of which he had preserved — I found none of the fangs in the least degree affected." If we can accept the above statement as true, we have the astonishing number of four thousand teeth re- moved by one man, in one town, in the course of one year. The calculation carried a little closer, and allow- ing fifty-two Sundays for rest — needed alike by ope- rator and patients we should say — there yet remain twelve and a fraction of teeth to fall to the busy chemist each day during the year. Those who prac- tised as dentists only were then in the habit of increas- ing their returns to a considerable extent by the sale of such accessories to the teeth as might find a place on the dressing or toilette table of their patients. This practice was not considered incompatible with the respectability or professional status of the dentist. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, 5 Aitliough distinctly appertaining to the shopkeeper, and really claimed by the vendor of drugs as legiti- mately his, nevertheless, the dentists of those days made no scruple of engaging in this branch of trade. Many based upon their possession of such and such remedies a more distinct appeal to the public for their confidence in and patronage of themselves, and in their published works drew the attention of their readers unhesitatingly to the fact. The following quotation from Woofendale (1833) among others is to the point : " Dentists have in general various preparations under the title of dentifrice, tooth-j)Oivder, electuary, &c., &c., which for many reasons they preserve as secrets; and each, no doubt, recommends his own. I have a preparation of that sort {dentifrice) peculiar to myself, which I have used for many years ; and as it has always answered my utmost wishes, I hope I may stand excused recommend- ing it for that purpose." And again, further on, " The lotion here alluded to is such as I can recommend, and is peculiar to my own practice ; and as it has in the course of an extensive practice fully answered my expectations, I am enabled to offer it in this place to the public. I hope the same reasons that have been offered when treating of the dentifrice (p. 17), will be thought a sufficient apology for not explaining its composition." With the merest verbal alterations to suit the articles on sale, such an announcement as the above would be admirably adapted for the flying circular of the smallest tradesman. No new trick by which apparent success could be hoped for failed to obtain a prominent place in the public announcements continually being made. The public were posted up with a remarkably syste- matic and ingenious regidarity concerning the won- derful discovery made by this or that individual, of course, after years of laborious research and patient investigation, and at the cost of a fabulous amount of money, whereby, for a consideration, all the evident advantages thus obtained could be placed within reach 6 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. of suffering liumanity. Those who thus appealed to the public seemed perfectly oblivious to the fact that they thereby cut the ground on which they essayed to stand from under their own feet, and forfeited every claim to be considered professional men. They had the soul of the shopkeeper, the spirit and method of the tradesman ; and although there can be, and in fact is, nothing of which any one need be ashamed in following the walk of commercial life, yet professional life is, and always will be, very distinct from it. At that time, a very heavy percentage of those who were in practice, if they could be called in the profession at all, were not at all careful to uphold its honour by their acknowledg- ment of and obedience to professional canons. It may- also be truthfully said that many were totally devoid of that education which would enable them to properly practise at all. Dentistry, in fact, very much resembled the border warfare of feudal times. Every man was "fighting for his own hand." Any step in advance, achieved either by industry or accident, was carefully hoarded as a secret, to be used for the possessor's own benefit, and recourse was had to the Patent Office that it might become legally his personal property. Nor should the fact be omitted, that the spirit of personal advancement by questionable, if not disreputable, methods was not confined to the lowest class of practitioners. It was no uncommon thing for men of better stamp to dabble with the dubious, though they might hesitate to touch the unclean thing. We have, indeed, only to look a very little way back to see gentlemen of the highest position permitting their names to be associated with tooth-powders, &c., sold at fashionable shops in the fashionable quarters of London. It would be an interesting study, and, to those whom it most concerned, perhaps a useful and instructive one, to try and ascertain how the amount of money, directly or indirectly gained by them in this unprofessional manner, looks by the side of the loss of respect which they have DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. J sustained through such transactions in the estimate of all true practitioners. Facts in parallel columns, as a rule, are easily remembered. The press has all along been brought into frequent requisition in connection with dentists and their art. With some honourable ex- ceptions, however, the publications which have appeared have had but one end in view, which the various writers sought, and too often with a transparent eager- ness, to attain. To use the mildest terms, it may be fairly said that they were written with an eye to popular acceptance. As a rule, their contents were interlarded with medical and semi-scientific phraseology to give a spice of profundity. The dainty appeals made to parents' susceptibilities about the teeth of their children — the enumeration of difficult cases for treat- ment overcome by the superior skill of the author — the ample resources at hand for meeting every kind of circumstance liable to present itself — and even the " getting up " of the productions in crimson or purple covers, gilt edges, superior paper, and every other possible attraction, could not hide the real motive of the writer. In looking over some of these produc- tions as they lie on one's table, with their coloured illustrations of " the human face divine " in one aspect, and distressingly human in another, accord- ing to the will of the beholder and the skill of the artist, the conclusion forces itself upon the mind, that if the publication did not answer the end contem- plated, it failed not from want of ingenuity, trouble, or expense, not to mention another though short and expressive word. In some of these books coloured delineations of the teeth and gums with their diseases appeared. The instruments also necessary for operations upon the mouth were represented by coarse engra^dngs, and their uses described in what must have been to the non-professional reader terribly suggestive language. A few quotations from the prefaces, introductions, or body of these books will speak for themselves ; they are 8 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. mrlatim et literatim copies. The following is taken from a work whicli appeared under Eoyal patronage and was dedicated to a Prince of the blood royal : — (1824.) " The short time allowed to individuals in this troublesome and transitory life, should induce sentiments of Samaritan feeling for fellow-sufferers, amidst mankind in general, and the Medical class in particular, who from inspections and calculations, behind the scenes, of the complicated cords, pulleys, and levers which keep Life's Theatre, the Human Frame, in motion, are best adapted, from reading and research, and the happy combination of Theory and Practice, to promulgate and establish most valuable additions to the general stock of useful know- ledge. Under this impression, the Opinions on the Causes, Effects, and Mode of cure for Tic Douloueeux, herein contained, are humbly offered to the Public, and if through their perusal, and subsequent consideration, they can be found to conduce in any shape to the com- fort, or amelioration of the many suffering victims of this disease, the happiness afforded to them and their relative connections, will be felt in a tenfold degree by the dehghted AUTHOE." (1826.) " Having recently obtained a double Patent for a newly-invented Instrument for extracting teeth, and also for a new and very superior method of fixing arti- ficial teeth, I shall, after a few prefatory observations, submit to the Public, in this tract, as concise a descrip- tion as possible of the two inventions above named, being fuUy persuaded that a simple statement of the subject will be sufficient to ensure a very extended approbation and patronage." (1836.) " That which was at first a duty, by dwelling long and intensely on it, is gradually exalted into a pleasure ; every difficulty overcome, every error detected, every new discovery made — all are so many fresh sources of gratification, tending to attach us to that particular study, and to create a proportionate indifference to other occupations. I mention this as some excuse if I should DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 9 seem to lay too great stress upon my own pursuits, or to triumph too immoderately upon the success of my efforts to found a rational system, in place of the crude and uncertain practice which has hitherto prevailed amongst the dentists. That I have succeeded, I must needs flatter myseK, since I have been so informed hy those who, from their liigh rank, are not likely to descend to compromise the truth, while their knowledge affords an ample assurance for the integrity of their judgments. " The object of this work being to inspire confidence in a system, resulting from long experience and mature consideration, by which the beauty and health of the mouth and teeth may be established for life, it is most respectfully dedicated to the most valuable portion of Society, the Mothers of the Eising Generation, by theh^ sincere friend and devoted servant The Authok. "But how different is the state of things in the present day (1836): the exclusive self-complacency of the empiric is considered as disreputable as it is found ordinarily unsuccessful ; and he who builds the hope of professional success on the basis of advertised self-praise, though for a brief time he may delude the ignorant or the unwary, in the end must find the level of his own merit ; whilst with the more rational classes of the com- munity, his expedient is as vain as it is dishonourable." Whether the above deliverance of what is intended to be a pure and virtuous statement is in accordance with established fact need not be discussed. The con- sideration of what appears in connection with another of these works may help those who care to do so to form a conclusion. It would appear that there must have been a considerable demand for these books if we judge by the inordinate supply. As literary produc- tions it may fairly be inferred they must have yielded no small profit. Whether or not, the following announce- ment, taken from the pages of the next on the list, is sufficiently significant; the little book alluded to 10 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, appeared in 1837, as tlie second edition. Concerning the first issue, we are informed in the preface that " the sale of eleven thousand copies in this country alone, in little more than four years, with few of the ordinary aids employed in such cases," had induced the author to prepare a new and enlarged edition. A foot-note then gives what, perhaps, after all, was the real incentive to this step : " It has also been reprinted in i'rance, Germany, and America, and has circulated extensively in each of these countries. The author has been con- sulted by persons from all parts of the continent of Europe, from America, from the East and West Indies, and in more than one instance from China, who had become acquainted with him through this little work in those parts of the world. He has also been informed that an edition in Erench has appeared, and that another is in progress, or published in German." What sort of information lay between the covers of this particular publication it is not necessary to mention, after such a circulation and reception by, up to then, an unen- lightened world. If anghng through the press could draw individuals to the consulting-room of the writer, and from all parts of the globe, another edition to tell the rest of suffering humanity the astounding fact is, perhaps, a sufficiently justifiable proceeding. When we arrive at the end of this second edition, and the record, consequently, of all the wonders of nature and art in this department of study, a final farewell appears in italics to the following effect : " Casts and preparations of the cases referred to, and others, as well as models illustrative of the various methods of Eestoring lost Teeth, I shall feel happy to exhibit and explain to any persons who may feel interested in the subject;" and then, in capital letters underneath, " At home from 1 1 till 4." How the writer of that work could escape or hope to escape from the condemnation of being an advertiser it is difficult to say ; at any rate, the way to such a conclusion was open and easy. The press, we JbENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRIJAIN, II are informed, however, accepted it, and the author w?« lecturer on the anatomy and diseases of the teeth at ont of the Metropolitan hospitals. But to take another instance : " The experience of the author for a series of years, in regulating the teeth of young persons, has been extensive. A long period is indeed necessary to make observations of the dental art. He shall be in a great measure recompensed for the years of laborious assiduity he has given to its study, if the following Treatise shall be the means of rescu- ing any individual from the afflictions which attend a neglected care of the teeth." This statement is brought to a close by the insertion of the writer's ad- dress also. The following is a specimen which speaks for itself, and is interesting as the deliverance of one who called himself " Consulting Dentist, &c., Member of the Eoyal College of Surgeons in London, and Hon- orary Doctor in Medicine." Its date is 1 842 : — "As some persons are under an apprehension that they must be put to great pain and inconvenience by the removal of teeth or stumps, and other painful opera- tions, before they can be supplied with artificial teeth, I feel it incumbent on me to remove this error, so far as it relates to my system, which requires no removal of teeth or stumps, or any pain or inconvenience whatever, any more than if the article in question were an ordinary piece of dress." . . . "The things called .mineral, or Jews' teeth, are now plentifully manufactured of porce- lain ; but they always look like what they are, and can never be mistaken for teeth. Placed in front of the dark cavity of the mouth, the unnatural material has, necessarily, a very different appearance in day and candlelight, and by acting as a whetstone on any of the natural teeth it comes in contact with, soon wears them away." ..." Long forceps, or tongs, of enormous weight, are used by non-surgical practitioners, for the purpose of tearing out molar teeth, by which the other teeth often suffer in the operation, from being made to 12 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, bear the weight of the extraction as fulciment : which, together with the nature of the instrument employed, often destroys them. These irregular practitioners affect to dispense with the lancet, under pretence of stripping the gum from the tooth by pushing their for- ceps up ; but it is sufficiently obvious that no part should either be stripped or torn that admits of being divided by the lancet." In another portion of this work the writer informs us, that "the 'London Directory' contains the names of upwards of one hundred and twenty-five individuals calling themselves surgeon-dentists, a large majority of whom are said to be Jews, while the list of the members of the Eoyal College of Surgeons reduces the number to seven." Another case may be instanced, where the writer, fearing to extend his rod and line to " earth's remotest bound," hopes by a happy cast among the medical men, and with an appropriate bait upon his hook, to draw out of these quieter waters a sufficient recompense for his ingenuity and trouble. The author has in his possession an autograph letter which accom- panied the presentation of the gilt-edged, illustrated hrochurey and of which the subjoined is a copy : — " Gentlemen, — I have taken the liberty of enclosing for your acceptance my Essay on the Teeth, a work treating generally on Dentistry ; and beg to inform you that for some years past I have made it a practice to remit gentlemen in your profession 1 5 per cent, on the amount received throucrh their recommendation. Ke- spectfully soliciting your favours on the above terms, I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant," This essentially " business man " requires no comment. His malady was chronic by his own confession, and so there is no need to further consider his case. The next instance quoted shall be the concluding one. It saw the light of day in 1854, and conveys to the reader's mind that the writer would not only increase his prac- DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 3 tice, "but at the smallest amount of inconvenience and expense to himself. The italics are in the origiriaL " The author would impress upon all who read or in any way profit by this work, that it would be an act of hind- ness to present it to any friend who may require the aid of the dentist." These, then, are a few selected speci- mens of the writings put before the public in connection with the dental profession about a generation since. The veil covering them is too miserably thin to prevent the merest tyro discovering the true intentions of the writers. There is no necessity to deepen the colour of this background, or disgust the reader by alluding to the grosser sort of publications. With these the pro- fession has been defiled and disgraced from the earliest date ; and in the absence of any enactment of the legis- lature to prevent, by prohibition, ignorant, unprincipled, and rapacious men from practising as dentists, we dare not hope for their cessation. If those among us who hold respectable positions will persist in rushing into print with their adulterations of Hunter, Blake, Fox, or other later and celebrated authors, and succeed in their fondest hope and strongest aim, it cannot create surprise in any intelligent mind that other and less fortunate men venture before the pubKc in the naked deformity of their own impertinent ignorance. This was the result of such practices in the days of which we speak ; and the constant flow of the baser sort of announce- ments, which incessantly invade our letter-boxes and the domain of our kitchen-maids, proves that the effect is of the same order now. Supposing the intentions of the writers of those days to have been irreproachably disinterested, the question remains. Was writing others down ever likely to produce a proper and complete result? But the shafts of ridicule and reproach which were thus launched against them by those more pretentious writers did not darken the atmosphere enough to hide the evident selfishness which actuated so many of those apparently indignant essayists in taking up the pen. 14 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. Out of nearly fifty of these publications at hand for investigation, scarcely one can be found with- out a doleful lament, and in the majority of them a positive Jeremiade over the naughty men and their doings. In the bulkiest of these books; all the way down to the cheapest of them all in price, we find either protest, fiery denunciation, or scorn, &c., &c., as the fancy flies. In some instances it is really laughable to read the remarks on this head. "With what plaintive printed sighs do our authors assure the public — that dear, kind, indulgent public — how gratified they will be if they " shall have corrected erroneous notions, or imparted salutary advice, so as in any degree to have arrested the progress of empiri- cism ! " They draw over their own ink-stained fingers the whitest of kid- gloves, and with lifted shoulders and outstretched arms implore the deluded, but patiently enduring, outside world to remember that they are the only individuals capable of taking care of its interests, so far as the teeth are concerned, at the least, and how delighted they will be to become the fortunate deliverers of the prey from the spoiler. Doubtless ! It appears that the idea never occurred to those gentlemen that example is stronger than precept. They were in ignor- ance of, uninterested in, or oblivious to the true prin- ciple of real reform. Charlatanism was the child of ignorance and presumption, and while those who could instruct, enlighten, and lead preferred the easier, and, to them, more remunerative method of writing works or pamphlets of indifferent merit, and thereby parading their names before the public, there could be no reason- able hope of professional pretenders taking a different course. Darkness was to be dispelled then as it is now by light taking its place, and this aspect of morality was not to be had then any more than it is now, by wish- ing for it on the one hand, or the mere denunciation of immorality on the other. As we endeavour to get a clear view of the state of dentistry at that time, one or DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 5 two matters become conspiciions. We see gross ignor- ance as the general characteristic of many if not most of those who practised it. Attempts at personal recog- nition constantly being made, some feeble, some furious, according to the idiosyncrasy and circumstances of the parties concerned. Those who were irreproa-chable in character and conduct holding aloof, as by a natural law, from those who were tainted in any degTee. Others who could not claim actual purity, trying to assume it, and wishing the beholder to believe it. While many who took the pen in hand could not wield it ingeniously enough to hide their thirst for greed, or disguise the (to others) distressing malady of " the first person singular on the brain," from which they were evidently suffering. The pictures they presented to the public were certainly enshrined in more decent frames and surroundings than the coarser sort appeared in, but the design was ever the same in all alike. When once these treatises had emerged from the press, the industry and ingenuity employed to circulate them was remarkable. The author lias heard of one method which has the merit of boldness about it. Advantage was taken of the opportunities afforded by the carriages of the wealthy and influential stopping at the doors of the houses of well-known dentists, to scatter, during the absence of the owners, a supply of these httle works through the open windows of the vehicles. This may be called the aggressive style. Another method which has come to the author's ears was the packing away, in large numbers, of copies of the work in question in cases containing other commodities destined for foreign parts. This may be termed the cautious style. But what is strangest of all is the favourable notice which was taken of some of the most inferior of these productions by the medical press, and by which a reading was gained for them in many directions where, otherwise, they would most justly have been altogether unknown. How this was obtained, whether by the reviewers' ignorance of 1 6 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN the subject before them, or by the mere printing of the notices in question prepared by some friendly hand, or even the hand of the original writer himself, or by the subtle and strong influence of another and easily-guessed agent, it is needless now to discuss. An indiscrimi- nating pubKc offered temptations too strong to be resisted by the rapacious and unprincipled empiric pretending to practise what to a very large extent was considered to be a semi-mysterious art. Opportunities abounded for throwing dust in the eyes, and the occasion was diligently utilised. Under the garb of censors many appeared upon the scene, book in hand, earnestly asking the same public to consult their pages first, and, through their writings, themselves afterwards, until the profused remedy proved as bad as the disease. Looking upon the thousand and one literary efforts in connection with the dental profession of the past generation, it is only after a terribly long process of sifting and sorting that the eye rests upon that which the judgment and a sense of justice can approve. The most of them were, in fact, but the nineteenth-century version of the old notice- board lately presented to the Odontological Society of Great Britain as a curious relic of a bygone age, and of which the following is a correct copy : — Tho! Smith Glazier, Let Blood & Draw Teeth »" ^ ^ea Kittels & Potts Buckels Lantrens Cups To ^® Handled Heare. ( 17) CHAPTEE II. In the year 1841 Mr. Waite issued a pamphlet embody- ing liis regrets at the then condition of the dental pro- fession, and offering suggestions for what he conceived would tend to its amelioration and improvement. The paper was called "An Appeal to the Parliament, the Medical Profession, and the Public, on the Present State of Dental Surgery. By George Waite, Esq., Surgeon-Dentist, M.E.C.S., &c. London : Highley & Co., Elect Street." The following are some of the writer's remarks : — " I purpose showing the necessity of the legislature and the medical profession recognising this {i.e., dentistry) as a legitimate branch of the science, and that no persons be permitted hereafter to practise without having undergone examination by one or more censors of the Eoyal College of Surgeons. As it now is, dentistry can be considered no profession ; a person, however illiterate and uneducated, may commence prac- tice : and society being unprotected, there is no reason why he may not be consulted ; in which case, there being no guarantee that he is professionally competent, he may operate on a tooth in the neighbourhood of an incipient malignant tumour, and thereby do the greatest mischief ; for it can hardly be supposed that he can know the diseases to wliich the jaws are liable, their intricate anatomy, and all kinds of irritability which iU-judged dental operations may give rise to." ..." To me it appears extraordinary that in this great capital, the most enlightened in Europe, and in this age of advanced science, such charlatanism should not directly be checked ; and I have no hesitation in saying, that tiie ranks of the profession and the interests of B 1 8 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. society demand legislative interference." ..." Among dentists, at present, no cordiality exists; first-rate science has been confined to a limited few ; no new and essential theories on practice have been suggested under fear of piracy; narrow feelings entertained towards each other ; and the practice of the one, how- ever perfect, depreciated by the other to answer his own selfish views." ..." The College of Surgeons might easily nomuiate a board of officers from dentists^ members of their college, who might issue diplomas to such dentists as undergo competent examinations, and act as censors appointed for that purpose ; and hereby they would place an important branch of the profession on a high footing, which would contribute materially to the welfare and health of the community. Dentists likewise would enjoy many advantages under such regulations ; for it is but fair to state that many are not properly remunerated under the present system. This would not be the case did a better understanding exist generally." . . . . " That it may not be thought I am adverse to the practice of many dentists in our metropolis, I beg most distinctly to assert that I wish by no means that changes should be made unacceptable to the regular and present respectable members of our profession, whether recognised or not by any scientific body. It is but justice to remark, that among their number are men who, although unprivileged by diplomas, are of high honour and respectability." .... "Accordingly, with all this evidence before us, it is manifest that the interposition of the legislature is demanded to place dentistry, which is d& facto a branch of surgery, on a legitimate footing. The interests of the medical pro- fession and the public alike support the appeal which I have thus, perhaps imperfectly, submitted. But perhaps I might subjoin a view of the system of education which I should recommend a dentist to pursue. Mathe- matics and mechanical philosophy should form the groundwork of his education. I would urge that it DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 9 ought to be imperatively demanded by the Medical Eeform Bill that he pursue a system of work for three years at least, to gain a steadiness of hand and a thorough knowledge of instruments." .... "I would have every dentist well versed in chemistry, have attended three courses of lectures on anatomy, physiology, and surgery, and also have pursued hospital practice. This should qualify him for examination. His licence to practise, or his diploma, should be given to him on his qualifications being proved, and his pupils afterwards always apprenticed to and examined by a board of officers. There might exist a reserved clause that all dentists being established at this time should be examined as to their qualifications, and their age noticed ; and wherever gross abuse has existed, and can be proved, the licence should be refused," These were some of the more salient points in the pamphlet, and are interesting when read under present circumstances, indicating as they do the existence of a strong desire for professional reform, and giving evidence of em- bryonic or fcetal life, prepared to make itself manifest in the direction of scientific progress. What was the result of this publication it is not possible to say. Whether it was ever extensively distributed it would be difficult to assert. But, assuming that it was largely circulated, and thoroughly considered, it could only claim to be classified with other and similar isolated attempts at improvement. Although a highly respect- able, and, from the surgeon's point of view, a qualified practitioner, Mr. Waite appears not to have possessed sufficient influence among dentists generally to induce them to respond to his desires; or else the dogged selfishness and want of cordiahty of which he com- plained was too deep-seated to give way before his individual " appeal." At any rate, the dark waters of ignorance and prejudice of that day seemed to flow on untroubled as before, and no light was yet on the horizon. 20 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, Whether influenced by Mr. Waite's appeal or not, or, if influenced by it at all, to what extent, it is not easy to say ; nevertheless, during the year 1 842, Mr. James Eobinson, whose name will be more freely mentioned in the course of this work, endeavoured to raise the pro- fession by means of a dental society. His idea was in the direction of organisation first, and, when that was effected, then education, with its upraising power, was to be introduced and energetically worked. Mr. Eobin- son was a man of such remarkable activity and energy, that it looked very much as though his proposal would succeed from this cause alone, yet, on trial, the terrible apathy and the strong jealousies which prevailed were too powerful for him, and his scheme unfortunately had to be abandoned. Further than this there does not appear to have been any particular manifestation made in the direction of progress. At any rate, a sort of calm prevailed. The essential quality of ripeness or readiness for definite action had not been attained, or, if it actually existed, no person appeared on the scene to take advantage of it. Those who have had to hold a prominent position in any such matters have given testimony to the fact, tliat reform in any class needs not only able leaders, but an assurance, more or less certain, that, at their signal to advance, there should be a sufficient number of followers to obey their word. The fitting moment was likewise to be evident to them. In the early part of the year 1 843 a Bill was being laid before the House of Parliament, in which, at the instigation of many provin- cial surgeons, certain clauses were sought to be intro- duced, whereby the charter of the Eoyal College of Surgeons would be materially altered, and, as the petitioners considered, improved. The college authori- ties were in the dark as to the general scope and tenor of the Bill, which was known as Sir James Graham's Bill, and had only been consulted upon several clauses, and at the last moment. The opportunity, however, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 21 seemed convenient to the minds of some of tlie leading dental practitioners for an effort to be made to introduce the claims of dentists to have the profession included in the measure. At a meeting held at the house of Mr. Arnold Eogers in Eegent Street, March 4, 1843, the following gentlemen being present, namely, Messrs. IsTasmyth, Tomes, Saunders, Stokes, Parkinson, Morell, and A. Eogers (chair), it was resolved that two of their number, Mr. Eogers and Mr. Stokes, should wait upon the president of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, and ascertain from him whether this Bill did or would include dentists in its provisions. On the following day, Sunday, March 5, 1843, the deputation saw the president of the Eoyal College of Surgeons (Mr. White), AAdio appears to have been ex- ceedingly cautious in his answers, and gave his opinion with what looks now like tartness. He considered that " the members of the college practising exclusively the dental profession were, in strictness, seceders," and even asked the deputation whether, " in the event of a case being brought to them, they would set a limb, or re- duce a dislocation." With the proper prudence which becomes the head of this learned and important body, Mr. White also " seemed desirous to know if they con- templated a participation in the government of the college." This aim the deputation instantly disavowed. The president was then informed that it was the inten- tion of the respectable body of dentists to memorialise the college and Sir James Graham. He begged they would not memorialise the college, but address a letter as members of the body of surgeons — those who held diplomas — and procure as many accompanying notes as they could from gentlemen practising as dentists, but not possessing diplomas, stating their regret that, at the time they became professors of the art, there was no compulsory law in existence. He further advised them to obtain all the facts possible, and lose no time in doing so. The conclusion of tliis interview was an f 22 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, ' assurance tliat tlie application should have his support, althouoh he as much as feared there would he some who would ohject to the proposal they sought to make. One or two things may be noticed here. The first is the construction placed by the president of the Eoyal College of Surgeons on the practice of dentistry by any member of that college. Whoever did so, according to Mr. White's opinion, had thereby seceded, which, if it means anything, means retrograded, or, in simple phraseology, the individual had lost caste. This idea has been, all along, very pronounced, and it has not yet become extinct. Then, again, we have a very clear evidence of the jealousy with which the sacred table of the governing body in Lincoln's Inn Fields was guarded. Had there iDcen on the part of this deputation the slightest trace of such a desire as that mentioned, no doubt the interview would have been abruptly termi- nated. Furthermore there is the information, politely enough offered, it is true, that the college authorities could only be appropriately addressed through members of the college. Men who were not diplomS, however high their acknowledged professional standing might be, could only appear as train-bearers, and words of regret at their unfortunate position are kindly put into their mouths by the president. Allusion is thus made to this condition of tlnngs here, as it will help to explain the difficulties which had to be overcome further on. It is useless to disguise the fact, that a stiffness of demeanour has always, more or less, characterised the members of the College of Surgeons in their intercourse with dentists as such. That such should be so is not surprisiug. If there is an advantage, both social and professional, in being able to write M.E.C.S.E. after one's name, those who cannot do so need not wonder at the assumption of a superiority by those who can. Whether the exhibition of this in a marked manner and measure has been politic, not to say polite, is a doubtful question. Certain it is that its reiteration has DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 23 not made respect for the degree, or the holders of it either, any easier than formerly. Especially so when the profession has seen so many painfully evident proofs that the membership of the Eoyal College of Surgeons did not confer upon its possessors the power rightly to understand or practise dentistry. Another" meeting took place at the house of Mr. Xasmyth, March 10, 1843. On that occasion Mr. ^asmyth occupied the chair, and Messrs. Cartwright, G. Parkinson, Tomes, Saunders, Morell, Eogers, Stokes, Bigg, Harrison, J. W. Parkinson, P. Parkinson, and Hyde (solicitor) formed the committee or meeting. The number attending was considerably increased, and the gathering, no doubt, was considered representative of the profession. It is evident these gentlemen were in earnest in the matter before them. Mr. Eogers reported the result of the inter^dew he and Mr. Stokes had had with the president of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, but he had not been contented with restino- thino-s there. Between the two meetingjs he had made use of the advantas^e which a professional acquaintance with Major Graham, brother of Sir James Graham, afforded him. He had enlisted that gentleman's interest in the subject they were con- sidering, and had secured his promise to assist them by presenting their stated ^dews to his brother. Xo tim3 had been lost, for a rough draft of a memorial had been already prepared by Mr. Eogers, Mr. Stokes, and Mr. Tomes, and was there for the consideration of the meeting. The document was read to the meeting by Mr. Tomes. A discussion then ensued concerninc^ the form of the memorial, which eventuated in its being submitted to the revision of Messrs. JSTasmyth, Eogers, Stokes, Tomes, and Hyde. These gentlemen were to meet two days further on (12th instant) at Mr. Eogers', for that purpose. Another important matter was discussed, namely, the propriety of all memorialisimr the Council of the Collec^e of Surg^eons. It resulted in the d'etermination to coromunicate with 24 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. the college. The liberty to bring any friend Avas ac- corded to each gentleman on the occasion of the next meeting, which was fixed to take place at Mr. Cart- wright's house on the 15 th instant. Considering who had taken part in these meetings, and the peculiarly exclusive views held by some, it is not very surprising to find a different tone adopted, and a very differ- ent condition of things evidenced, when the time came round for the next convention. As appointed, a meet- ing was held on the 1 2th, for the revision of the memo- rial to the College, but one gentleman of importance failed to attend. A little word, of three letters only, which had been introduced into the resolution which brought this meeting together, looks ominously signi- ficant as the reason for Mr. Nasmyth absenting himself. That little word is " all." From subsequent correspon- dence it will be abundantly manifest whether the author is right in his conclusions or wrong. At any rate, when Messrs. Eogers, Stokes, Tomes, and the soli- citor (Hyde) met, the first thing to be done was to read a letter from Mr. Nasmyth, stating his reasons for not attending the meeting, or continuing his assistance to- wards the intended object. Furthermore, on discussing the form which the proposed memorial should take, it was agreed by those present that the following suggestions should be submitted to the next meeting : — " That the best way in which the intended representation could be made to the minister, would be rather by private com- munication, by way of letter, expressing the opinions of those only who signed it, than by a formal petition or memorial ; for it a]3peared to them that the gentlemen who had hitherto taken part in the proceedings could not be considered to represent the body of dentists, and could not speak in their collective name without a public meeting were first called, and they were by such meeting empowered formally to address the minister; that they were of opinion that such a step would be attended with numerous difficulties, and that the object DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 25 to be obtained would be more easily or likely to be ac- complislied by a private communication in the form of a letter to be signed by the parties who should attend the next meeting." Perhaps it was the influence of the " legal " mind in the jDcrson of Mr. Hyde that superinduced the dawning of the truth as to the real position and the validity of action of these evident well-wishers to the dental profes- sion. Their aim and object was laudable, their energy was indisputable ; but their gatherings together were private, and entirely devoid of authority. The mass of dentists outside theu' circle was by no means an inviting object for contemplation, or that which courted their co-opera- tion in the direction of improvement, and any attempt to maintain and improve the respectability of the dental profession, where it did exist, was entitled to the thanks of every honourable practitioner. The thing to be lamented in this effort is that it did not rest on the right foundation. Those who thus met were truly representa- tive in the sense of their acquirements and scientific and practical knowledge generally ; but no one had commis- sioned them to act, even beneficially, as they imagined and desired, and therefore in that sense their o^epresenta- tive character was simply 7iil. While such men as Mr. IsTasmyth gathered with them they had internal as well as external difficulties to deal with. The severe spirit of caste and exclusiveness was often pain- fully manifest, and proved over and again an ob- structive to progress in the right direction. Such as he had to learn the difficult lesson that no practical sym- pathy can be displayed anywhere without a forgetful- ness of self. However, when the next meeting came to assemble, wdth Mr. Cartwright in the chair, the fol- lowing letter was adopted ; and after the solicitor had called upon Messrs. Bigg, Morell, Sherwm, and Oswin to obtain those gentlemen's signatures, it was forwarded the next day by Mr. Eogers to Major Graham, to be de-, livered to Sir James Graham for consideration : — 26 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. "32 Old Burlington Street, March 15, 1843. " Sir, — We, the undersigned, having heard of your Bill for the better regulation of the medical colleges, would most respectfully suggest for your consideration that part of the profession prac- tised by dentists, and would also present to you an opinion. We earnestly believe that much benefit would be gained by the public were a legislative enactment made which should oblige parties purposing to practise as dentists to pursue a course of educa- tion similar to that followed by those intending to practise sur- gery, and to gain for themselves a similar diploma. Evidence of patients suffering from the ignorance of parties who have not re- ceived any professional education, and yet practise as dentists, and who through advertisements delude the public by quackery and fraud, are constantly presenting themselves to our notice. Such gross imposition could not be practised by educated men, as all must be who are qualified as surgeons. We confidently be- lieve that such an enactment would meet with the approbation of the public at large, and of all the respectable members of our branch of the profession. That other nations have considered this subject of importance may be inferred from the enactments of France, Germany, Austria, and America, where those who practise as dentists are required to possess a certificate of qualification, given after examination by an authorised medical body. In Eng- land no qualification is imperative ; yet the importance of a pro- per knowledge upon the subject can hardly be doubted when England's greatest surgeon (Hunter) thought the subject worthy of a place in his mind ; and that he gave time and thought to it may be seen by referring to his work upon the teeth, their dis- eases and treatment. With these facts strongly impressed upon our minds, we have considered it our duty thus to address you, and have the honour to be, sir, your very obedient and humble servants, " Samuel Cart weight, 32 Old Burlington Street. G. H. Parkinson, Raquet Court, Fleet Street. J. H. Parkinson, 36 Sackville Street. ' Arnold Rogers, 296 Regent Street. Edwin Saunders, 16 Argyle Street. W. A. Harrison, 34 Keppel Street, Russell Square. Charles Stokes, 65 Brook Street, Hanover Square. John Tomes, 41 Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square. Frank Sherwin, 14 Bruton Street, Berkeley Square. Charles Oswin, 72 Harley Street. Dominique Morell, i Langham Place. *' To the Right Hon. Sir James Graham, Secretary of State for the Home Department." DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. S^^'t v With the general scope and purport of this petitiolj no fault can be found, although exception may be taken to that portion of it where the inference is dra^ai that the possession of a diploma would prevent empiricism. The history of the medical profession, and in fact every other also, refutes this idea. One thing is noticeable also in connection with this document, that all sicming it omitted inserting their qualifications. It is not remarkable, therefore, that Mr. I^asmyth's name was not appended. That gentleman was present when it was resolved that this petition should go forth, and even mthdrew his letter, but he was the only objecting party to the resolution. The polite letter by Mr. Eogers which accompanied it elicited from Major Graham the annexed satisfactory reply : — " General Eegister Office, Somerset House, 11th Ilarch 1843. " My Dear Sir, — I will with pleasure take a good opportunity of giving to Sir Jas. Graham the letter you have intrusted to my caie. — Very faithfully yours, George Graham. " To Arnold Rogers, Esq." It is thus seen that the original position and proposals of these gentlemen — who must be considered true friends to their profession, and as such deserving its thanks — had become considerably modified. Instead of assuming the place and power of dictators to their brethren, they had contented themselves with modestly signifying to the proper minister in parliament what their " opinion " was with reo'ard to the educational necessities of future dentists. True, this opinion thus expressed only bore the signatures of eleven members of the profession, but still several of the names that were appended were those of men of influence, who could claim the unfeigned respect of their brethren throughout the three kingdoms. One gentleman, who, on the score of the authority which his scientific writings alone gave him, Mr. Thomas Bell, does not appear personally to liave attended the 28 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. meetings which led up to the result thus attained. What amount of influence, if any, he may have indirectly used, the author is unable to say. His mflexible adherence to surgical ideas, and rigid severity in insisting upon all dentists receiving a medical education, and possessing a medical clegTee, can easily account for his abstention from any connection with this movement, or the pro- jectors of it either. Educated as a surgeon, he imbibed such strong sentiments as to the imperative necessity of all men having to do with any department of surgery passing through the college, that all who did not do so called down upon themselves his contempt. This peculiarity has clung to him throughout his • entire career. All honour must be accorded to him for his excellent contributions to the scientific literature of our profession, and by which his name is not only known, but justly celebrated ; but he cannot claim to have been helpful in the practical reform which has taken place ; and this is to be traced to the exclusiveness of his ideas on what constitutes professional fellowship or brother- hood. What his hearty co-operation might have pro- duced is a problem ; but, seeing it was not given, there is no need to speculate concerning it. The gentlemen who had been thus endeavouring to bring about an amelioration of the evils which flourished through icfnorance, and soucrht to introduce a higher resfime, and offer inducements for the students in dentistry to submit themselves to it, certainly demand the recognition of the profession for their desires to do good, although they could not be commended for the method they adopted of giving them effect. It will be well here to correct the impression which these meetings generally made when the fact of their having been held became known. They were characterised, if not actually stigmatised, as mere occasions of eating and drinking, when, after all, though the social features were not absent, they were really true business meetings. The subjects were formally introduced, discussed, "rejected, or adopted, according to DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 29 all recognised rules, and therefore it is neither just nor true to say that they were simply festive occasions. The document which had been thus forwarded to the state authority was followed up by one addressed to the college as follows : — *'To Anthony White, Esq., President, and to the Council of theEoyal College of Surgeons. *' Gentlemen, — The attention of the legislature being now distinctly and ostensibly directed to the subject of medical reform, every individual member of the profession, in whatever branch and of whatever rank, is naturally led to inquire into his present position, and future prospects ; and the profession looks with peculiar confidence to the high character of the present council of the College of Surgeons, so to carry out the projected changes as to leave no branch of the surgical practice unpro- vided with the means of gradual improvement in knowledge, and of elevation of professional character. Considering, however, the small number of persons recognised by the college who practise the branch of surgery to which we have directed our- selves, and knowing also the limited opportunities generally possessed of appreciating the circumstances and relations of that department of practice, we trust that our testimony in regard to its actual condition, and our advocacy of its claims to your con- sideration, may not be thought misplaced at this moment. The indispensable importance of this branch of practice to the com- munity at large, and the necessity there seems to be to encourage enlightened views on the subject, may be judged of from the fact, that at present there are no less than about j\jtli part of the whole aggregate number of practitioners in London occupied exclusively in the real or pretended practice of dental surgery, viz., about 2CX) out of 2000 ; but of these 200, twelve only are associated with any of the corporate bodies which preside over medicine, and those are members of the College of Surgeons. We are far from wishing to insinuate that amongst the number whom we have stated to be unconnected with the college there are not many whose high personal character and general knowledge of their profession entitle them to respect and consideration, but as our present object relates exclusively to the projected changes in the con- stitution of the college, it is only with reference to the few who are of its members that we now by permission approach its council. We are convinced that it must be wholly unnecessary to point out to the gentlemen whom we have the honour to address the intimate connection between the diseases of the teeth and the various organs in immediate relation to them as affecting 30 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. many of the most important local and constitutional derange- ments of tlie human frame ; the practice of every surgeon affords him daily proofs of this, and the council must therefore be sensible of the high importance of encouraging, this department of surgical science by all the advantages likely to result from the education necessary to become a member of your learned and distinguished body, and it is only by your recognition of this principle that we can hope to have our branch of the profession rescued from the obloquy which has of late been too frequently cast upon it by the malpractices of ignorant and empirical pre- tenders. Under these circumstances it is to you, the influential and ruling body of our college, that we naturally appeal at this important epoch, and most respectfully yet earnestly submit not only our individual claims, but also the claims of those few others w"ho, being with ourselves members of your college, devote them- selves to our branch of the profession, as not unworthy to be recognised in the arrangements now in progress, and to have secured to us that character and that rank to which we believe the regularly-educated surgeon-dentist legitimately entitled. A prominent feature we understand in the projected reform of our college is to consist in the creation of a new grade amongst its members to be called Fellows, and with whom the elective fran- chise of the governing body is to reside. Now, surely the fact of a member devoting the whole of his time and attention to the study and improvement, and bringing all his professional skill and acquirements to the produce of our art, or any other peculiar branch of the healing art, or to any other given class of diseases, ought to operate as no disqualification for that contemplated and distinguished order, and we do earnestly solicit for ourselves and others practising as surgeon-dentists, that we may not by this projected alteration be left on a footing below gentlemen with whom some of us have been long before the public, connected together either as professional associates or official colleagues. Earnestly confiding our claims to your protection, and relying on your appreciation of the justice thereon, we have the honour to be, gentlemen, *' Your most obedient and faithful servants." The names of those who signed this document do not appear on the copies of the transaction which Mr. Tomes has placed in the writer's hands, and therefore cannot he inserted ; hut it is probable that those who appended their signatures to the preceding one did not withhold them from this. At the present time, however, it is not of much importance to attempt to ascertain the certamty, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 3 1 and it therefore may be left in the region of conjecture. Here, also, all record of these meetings ceases. From the present standpoint it is interesting to look back upon and register this ' attempt to improve the status of the dental profession, and note the opinions Trhich then pre- vailed, at least ^dth those concerned, as to how it could be best accomplished. The leaning was e^ddently towards affiliation mth the Eoyal College of Surgeons, a tendency in the minds of those of the sur^i.vors which has not undergone alteration in the efforts '^i.th which they have been subsequently engaged. From many causes at that time in oj)eration, which, when regarded as a whole, doubtless left the impression on the minds of the gentlemen who had thus far acted in this matter that the attempt to better their profession was impracticable, the scheme, which had been de^'ised with the best intentions, and pushed forward with con- siderable energ}^, was very reluctantly but altogether abandoned. (32) CHAPTEE III. After tlie failure of tlie effort just recorded, for a decade onwards, at least, the profession was in a state of accepted qnietnde. The falling through of the project was in itself of a discouraging tendency. Either the time or the disposition again to make any further endeavour was evidently wanting. Such practitioners as were worthy of the name felt, or appeared to feel, the hoplessness of real advance, except as might be attained by their own careful and consistent conduct as scientific men. Their example, perhaps, might slowly achieve w^hat the Eoyal College of Surgeons was unable or unwillino^ to accord to them. Without a common centre or bond of union, the dentists of that time practised exclusively and primarily for their own individual inte- rests. It must not be understood, however, that the good men and true were callous and indifferent concern- ing the future of the profession. The position they held had been arrived at after long effort, nobly sustained, and by close and patient study, while the conduct of their practices absorbed their whole time. The habits of the uninitiated around them were, as they ever must be, repulsive to men of unimpeached integrity ; and the indisposition or inability of the legislature and the College of Surgeons to carry out their ideas may, together, be accepted as sufficient reasons for no further attempt at advance being made. But while this is easy to understand it is also to be lamented. There were many young and highly respectable men being educated as surgeons, with the ulterior object of prac- tising as dentists. There were others, also, who were serving their articles under those who were practising DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 33 dentistry upon a very scanty knowledge of its true requirements, but who, they hoped, might impart a sufficiency of practical instruction to them. To such as these the whole aspect and outlook of the profession was very gloomy. The published works to which they had access were by no means numerous, and their techni- calities and general scientific terminology were hindrances rather than aids to all who had not commenced their studies in a thoroughly medical school. However, they clung to their books, looked earnestly for opportunities for further information, valued every scrap of it when it was obtained, and were thrown back in dependence on their own courage and patience of hope. Such was the disconnected and estranged condition of the pro- fession, that very few except the parties immediately concerned were aware of the effort which had been made to secure an improved status generally. Even among those who had been so zealously at work there was no particular tie, and it cannot be wondered at that, when that which had brought them together for a time collapsed, they should be content to accept the inevitable, and each retire, as it were, to his own indi- vidual and private sphere. A select few occasionally met at each others' houses for social intercourse, but no new plan was talked of, and the profession remained unaltered, and apparently unalterable. Those were dull times and weary days to the young men at their studies. The general hospitals afforded them the only oppor- tunity for gaining experience in operative dental surgery, and it was not all of these valuable institutions that had a strictly dental department. Where, indeed, this was the case, it was but on certain days in each week, and then but for a very limited time, and with comparatively few cases before him, that the dental student might hope to improve himself in that impor- tant branch of his profession. Patient plodding on was the only method of procedure open to him. Xo journal represented him or his interests either. What c 34 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. lie wished to know or make known concerning den- tistry had to be sought for, or made public through the columns of the ordinary medical press. If he looked to the influential members of his profession, he found them at a great distance from him, and became dis- heartened by a feeling of isolation ; if he turned to the opposite side, he could but be disgusted. If circum- stances such as these tended to develop the manly virtues of honest effort and determination, they were none the less disagreeable tO' those who had to accept them ; and not a few felt that anything but dentistry, as a professional pursuit, would be a welcome change. Among those who most keenly felt the failure of the late project, in connection with the Eoyal College of Surgeons, wxre Mr. Arnold Eogers and Mr. Tomes. Whether the latter gentleman sympathised with the young men of that day in their disadvantageous circum- stances or not, one thing is certain, that about that time, or perhaps a little further on, he devoted him- self to the preparation of a course of carefully-con- sidered lectures, which', in his capacity as dental- surgeon to the Middlesex Hospital, he proposed to deliver to the students there. In due course they were given, and not unfrequently to- very sparse audiences, in itself another evidence of the indifference to dental matters which then prevailed. Mr. Tomes had largely availed himself of the use of the microscope in his researches, and the result of his labours was a compendium of most valuable information. Many ideas which had been held by other writers of repute who had preceded him were brought out in a new light altogether, and many new and most important theories were given to the profession when these lectures were published. Their reception by the profession generally, and by the younger members in particular, was a very cordial one ; and not only in this country, but upon the Continent, and also in America, Mr. Tomes' work on Dental Physiology and Surgery was acknowledged to be a well- DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, 35 advanced and carefully-written standard book of refer- ence. It certainly gave a quiet but strong stimulus to scientific investigation on tlie subjects treated, and must be considered as a valuable contribution in tbe direction of true professional progress. The whole scope and tendency of the work was remarkable as a contrast to the trashy productions wdiich were so unblushingly scattered far and wide. Young men found in it a safe and reliable basis on which to work for themselves, while the more difficult points were so treated as to render their comprehension by the student compara- tively easy. Apart from the new facts which histo- logical research had enabled the author to bring for- ward, the distinct advantages arisins^ from the use of " the adapted forceps " which Mr. Tomes had designed, w^ere set forth both in the text, and by means of well- executed illustrations. These same forceps had been the subject of a sharp wordy conflict between Mr. Tomes and the late Mr. Glendon, the latter gentleman having asserted a priority of claim to the design, which, liowever, eventually but signally failed in proof. The publication of Mr. Tomes' work was, perhaps, the most prominent event in the profession between the years 1848 and 1854. It very acceptably disturbed the ominous quietude of the profession at that time, and gave evidence that in one at least there was a determi- nation to render real service to the cause of progress, by making use of the best, and the then only, method which remained available, viz., instruction. It can be well seen now that had others, fully competent to impart knowledge, occupied their spare moments in giving the results of their accumulated experience to their co-prac- titioners, or those who were in training for dental prac- tice, instead of standing aloof from the profession as a whole, and to so large an extent from one another, the result would have been a clearing away of many obstacles which lay upon the path of progress. Whether the gentlemen who had endeavoured to rouse the College of 36' DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. Surgeons to give tliem tlie assistance tliey liad sought at their hands on behalf of the profession were watching the course of events, and prepared to act at any moment, is difficult to say. One thing is known, that year after year rolled peaceably on without a sign from high or low, educated and ignorant alike. While the dentists of this country were thus slumber- ing, or at any rate inactive, their brethren in America had been organising Dental Colleges for the purpose of properly educating the students who proposed apply- ing themselves to the practice of dentistry proper. The progress which these institutions had akeady made was noticeable, and doubtlessly noticed by many on this side of the Atlantic. It does not fall within the purpose of this work to give even a resume of the rise and advance of the profession in that country. What had been accomplished there was tolerably well known in Eng- land through the medium of the press, although it would be scarcely correct to say that this acquaintance with Transatlantic dentistry generally permeated the pro- fession in Britain. What feeling was shown in the matter was more of a scornful character than otherwise. Very little of the amicable spirit manifested itself, and that possibly arose from insufficient knowledge of the persons themselves, their principles, or their practices. Still, when these same Dental Colleges in America were considered at all, it was only a very natural thing to expect that a wistful, semi-envious feeling, especially among young men, should arise. The question would force itself on the mind, " If these things can be done there, why not similar things in our own style and after our own method here ? " At the best, how- ever, these were but mental exercises. No one seemed to care to take the initiative, even if any one had a scheme to propose, and consequently the same monotonous condition of things continued to prevail. Upon the authority of Mr. Eymer, of Croydon, the statement was made in a pamphlet published by him in ■DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, ^7 the year 1857, that during the year 1854-55 "the profes- sion appeared to recognise the importance of organisa- tion, and a general desire seemed prevalent that some means of intercommunication of ideas should be estab- lished." There is no doubt that Mr. Eymer had come to know that such was the fact from safe and reliable sources, but it may be safely asserted that the informa- tion he had obtained was by no means general or even largely diffused. The great bulk of the profession at that date was, so far as union even in sentiment was concerned, as far from it as it had ever been. jSTothing of importance appeared to break the long, straight line of the leaden horizon, and "each for himself" was more or less the motto of that epoch. Whatever may have been the purposes and plans in any indi^ddual instance, or whatever great transitions may have been in embryo, it was not until the 25th of August 1855 that any sign of advance was given, or any sound of progress was heard. The first pulsation originated with a letter which Mr. Eymer addressed to the editor of the " Lancet," and published in the columns of that journal. As that letter was the dawn of brighter days, it is but just to transcribe it. Necessity for a College of Dental Surgery. To the Editor of the " Lancet:' Sir, — There are few medical practitioners who have not had come under their notice cases exhibiting the serious consequences resulting from a recourse to the inducements so pertinaciously pressed into public notice by the host of ignorant charlatans practising the specialities of surgery and medicine. In these free- trade days it is not for any particular class of men to claim pro- tection for themselves in the exercise of their vocation, even though they be fitted through great sacrifice of time, trouble, and expense, to alleviate the sulferings and conduce to the comfort of humanity ; yet, when they witness, as the general medical practitioner in common wdth the properly qualified special practitioner com- monly do witness, such calamities as an eye rendered sightless through the maltreatment of a so-called oculist ; the frightful and sometimes irremediable condition of the victim of the quack cancer-doctor ; the total deafness occasioned through the pokings ■38 ' DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, and dressings of the puffing anrist ; the suffering and loss (l)oth in teeth antl pocket) from the ignorance and extortion of the sup- posed dentist ; and other distressing evils too numerous to men- tion, having their sole origin in the ignorance of impudent pretenders, — when, I say, such calamities are witnessed by duly informed and qualified persons, it becomes at onee their duty and interest to raise a warning voice, to admonish the fvMic at large on the danger of placing themselves in the power of unprincipled and ignorant men. But experience has proved the difficulty o-f arousing the public mind on so important a subject ; too often the warnings of professional men, be they never so wisely given, are disregarded, perhaps from a suspicion that they are prompted by interested motives, whilst the victimised suffering members of society are not willing to expose those by whom they have been duped, for this would involve the necessity of an expose of their folly in being taken in by the promises of impossibilities held out by charlatanism, as well as discovering to their friends and to the world the fact of their being troubled with corns, or of wear- ing false teeth. I can speak from experience as to the roguery (for that is not too strong a word) of a very large number of men who call themselves dentists, but who, in reality, are wholly igno- rant of the surgical anatomy of the mouth and parts adjacent, as well as of the principles (to say nothing of the practice) cf mechanism as applied to dentistry. No wonder such men are the origin of so much disappointment, pain, and, as I l>elieve, death. Now, the Cjuestion arises, How are the public to be saved from the efiects of disreputable practices ? It has been seen that pro- fessional remonstrance does not, as a general rule, avail, and that mauvaise honte seldom permits the victim of the charlatan to expose him. In the United States of America, Colleges of Dental Surgery are established, wherein the students receive a thorough professional education ; and in that country, unless a practitioner has been through the prescribed course of study in one of these colleges, he cannot be looked upon as an orthodox dentist. Some few years ago an attempt was made in this country to follow the example of our brethren in America, and to establish a seminary wherein the pupils would have the opportunity of acquiring such knowledge as would entitle them to certificates of qualification ; but, owing to some unfortunate misunderstanding amongst the projectors, this excellent scheme was abandoned. If the College of Surgeons were to appoint a properly-constituted board of examiners, whose duty should be to hold periodical examinations of such candidates as were desirous of obtaining such a distinction, for instance, as might well be termed " Licen- tiate in Dentistry," 1 believe that, on the one hand, the public would be spared a vast amount of injury, and that, on the other, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 39 dental surgery would take its just position by tlie side of other liberal professions. The adoption of sucli a course would in no way interfere with the establishment of a Dental College ; on the contrary, such an institution would become almost necessary ; for although the certiticate of apprenticeship to a recognised prac- titioner for at least three years might, perhaps, be deemed sufficient to entitle a pupil to present himself for examination, yet in all cases it would be desirable that a few months should be spent at college. I cannot but think that the question now sought to be brought under the notice of the constituted medical authorities will receive the attentive consideration it so eminently deserves. — I am, sir, yours, &c., Samu.el Lee Etmer. This, then, was the stone cast by the hand of a true friend to the profession into the silent if not stagnant waters, the widening circles from which have not yet ceased to expand in the direction of genuine reform. The then effects which this letter produced were of a double nature. Among the majority of the profession it was most favourably received ; the only hesitation on the part of those who were gladdened by it arose from the feeling that the prospect held out by it was too bright to be realised. This was to be attributed to the fact that so little was mutually known of the instincts, as they may be called, of the profession, that mistrust had ample room to work upon the minds of even the most enthusi- astic. The mischievous effects of isolation and estrange- ment were at that moment most keenly and deeply realised by every genuine practitioner. On the other hand, there were those who, considering themselves to be the heads of the profession, could not but feel the stimulating effect of Mr. Eymer's letter, and were aroused sufficiently by it to take action in the matter. The position and influence which these gentlemen claimed were points which were generally admitted, and most justly so too ; therefore they were not matters at all likely to be the subjects of dispute. Numbers, m fact, had, as a matter of course, been quietly and hope- fully expecting them to assume the position to whicli, by their acknowledged attainments, they were most fully entitled. If, indeed, the feelmg of the mass of the pro- 40 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. fession could have been then ascertained, there can be no doubt that it would have taken the form of disap- pomtment that the signal for advance had not emanated from them. Had they but instituted some public method of obtaining the opinion of the bulk of their confreres, there is not the least question as to the result being a willingness, aye, even an eagerness, respectfully to listen to any proposition they might have thought it prudent to make for the general benefit. Unfortunately a spirit obtained amongst them which inclined them to sepa- rate, if not exclusive, action. This can be accounted for by the general demoralisation which existed in the pro- fession. It was no easy thing to lay aside prejudice, and practise self-sacrifice. Apart from this, also, there was the fact that these gentlemen had their own views as to the method by which reform should be essayed. They were, perhaps, fully informed as to the probable difficulties to be encountered, not only from within but also outside the ranks, and it is but reasonable and just to accord to them full credit for a strong desire to see a proper status given to the profession they were themselves practising with so much success. It must never be forgotten that in England the spirit of " caste " is sufficiently pronounced. There is, and always has been, a certain amount of friction when broadcloth and fustian are brought into even momen- tary contact. A due consideration of these and other circumstances, as they then existed, may well account for the position which these gentlemen eventually assumed. That there were difficulties, in whatever aspect the position of things was viewed, will be fully demonstrated further on. Looking back now upon the step which eighteen of these dentists thought proper then to take, a feeling of regret as to the plan em- ployed is unavoidable. Many amongst themselves have doubtless felt that, if the end which has since been attained could have been secured by a public and open appeal to the profession, it would have been infinitely better than the method they pursued. However, it is DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 4 1 very easy to be wise after tlie event. Mr. Pi\Tiier being pre-eminently a man of energy and action, pro- ceeded to make nse of the columns of the " British Journal of Dental Science " * to reiterate his ^dews con- cerning the establishment of a society of dentists for educational purposes. In the second number of that periodical we find him saying, " I would suggest the immediate organisation of a society of dentists, to meet periodically for the discussion of professional matters generally, but with particular regard to raising the dignity of our body by the establishment of a Dental Collecje." He insertecl in the followincr number of that journal an advertisement, informing all whom it might concern, that he intended to call a public meeting of the profession. The date of this meeting was September 22d, 1856, and the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, was selected as the most central locality. As may be readily imagined, such an announcement pro- duced many replies. The condition of the profession was well typified in this correspondence. Some writers caught at the opportunity thus afforded them eagerly. Others wished the effort success, but had grave doubts concerning the issue. There were those who thought the state of things, professionally con- sidered, hopeless ; and some, again, were opposed to the project. It need not be added, that many from whom Mr. Eymer might fairly have looked for an opinion did not think it worth while even to notice his proposal. Like a wise administrator, he therefore classified his correspondents, and selecting the men whose ideas, as expressed in their replies, seemed to be most congruous and reliable, he requested their attendance at a pre- liminary meeting at the London Tavern, two days prior to the advertised gathering. This process of weeding out the faint-hearted and the despairing, left Mr. Eymer, on the occasion in question, face to face with the following : — Messrs James Bate, Bradshaw, Brindley, A. Hill, Hockley, W. Perkins, and C. Smith. The * First published July 1856. 42 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. number was not imposing, but there was in it resolution enough and to spare to form a nucleus for the arrange- ment of the meeting on the 2 2d. After the formality wliich always encumbers the first moments, when men w^ho have been hitherto strano-ers to each other meet for the first time, had passed off, Mr. Perkins was called to the chair, he being the senior ; and the business of that quiet little meeting in the City was proceeded with in such a systematic but cordial manner, that all present felt it to be a sort of foreshadowing of success. The description given of it in the " Quarterly Journal of Dental Science" — a publication of which some account will be given in the proper place — is correct. It says, " Those gentlemen, then, w^ho formed this little conven- tion, had ample cause for congratulation ; for although in itself unostentatious enough, it w^as the first stmu in the high wall of isolation loosened and thrown down — the germ of brotherly feelings, which was destined in its growth to eradicate the ancienc spirit of jealousy and distinction which so highly coloured and completely pervaded the dental profession," When the day of meeting arrived, and the large room at the well-known hostlery was filled, it was curious to see the looks of inquiry as to who this and that individual could be, w^hich spoke from the various countenances with silent but unmistakable evidences. It was indeed necessary that the feeling of separation, which had up to that time all but universally obtained, should cease, and that men should henceforth have ample opportunity of know- ing and being known to each other. Mr. Eymer had succeeded in inducing Mr. Alfred Carpenter, M.B., to consent to be present. This gentleman, on Mr Eymer's proposition, was unanimously elected to the chair. And here the question may be asked, " How was it that no leading practitioner took advantage of this evident opportunity for guiding the future destiny of the dental profession ? " It has been asked many times since then, and never without great significance. The materials for DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 43 manipulation were never more plastic than at that time ; and had some well-known dentist come to the front, he would not have lacked willing and respectful followers. One, perhaps, more than any besides, could have rendered great and imperishable service at this critical moment; that one was Mr. Thomas Bell. Had he been invited ? He had. A letter from him, however, was read, in which he declined to take any part in the evening's engagements. The presidency of the meeting was offered him, but he refused. True, some light showed itself in letters of concurrence from a few men of position. That which, at that time, had the greatest weight was from Mr, JE. Saunders. His letter, however, contained a proviso that certain " men who have leisure and zeal as well as ability " should be got as a nucleus and basis. " This," Mr. Saunders said, "you have probably done; and if so, I shall very willingly give it all the aid and support in my power." It was very evident that what was thought necessary to be done would have to be accomplished by those present, in conjunction with others who had only been prevented attending the meeting by circumstances be- yond their control, but on wdiose sympathy and sup- port reliance might be placed. The preliminary meeting which has been mentioned came to an agreement that the three following resolutions should be submitted to the general meeting, viz. : — First, " That it is the opinion of this meeting that the formation of a society of dentists would, by providing opportunities for intercommunication of ideas on matters of professional interest, prove the means of promoting the advancement of dental science in an eminent degree, and also of establishing feelings of brotherly concord amongst members of the profession, and that, therefore, imme- diate steps should be taken to organise such a society." Second, " That this meeting, bebeving that the inte- rests of the public as well as of the profession demand that an authorised system of professional education 44 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. and examination should be established, is of opinion that energetic measures should at once be adopted to secure the means necessary to provide these requirements." Third, " That a committee be now appointed to con- sider the best means to carry into effect the foregoing resolutions, and to report thereon at a future general meeting of the profession." After the chairman's address, Mr. Eymer, who was enthusiastically received, and deservedly so, explained the motives by which he had been actuated in thus inviting the profession to assemble together, and set forth in a clear and lucid manner his personal opinions as to what would best meet the exigencies of the body of dentists at large. His observations unmistakably proved the sincerity of his desire for reform, and the confidence he had concerning the success of the enter- prise. In a very business-like manner the resolutions were then considered. The first was proposed by (the Jate) Mr. E. Thomson, seconded by Mr. P. Matthews, and supported by Mr. W. Perkins, and, despite some few dispiriting remarks from Mr. Coker, when put to the meeting was carried unanimously. The second resolution was proposed by Mr. D. Mackenzie, seconded by Mr. A. Hill, It was at this moment a surprise was given to the meeting by a statement made by Mr. A. Coleman, who said that he believed " several leading members of the profession were more generally inte- rested in the question than was supposed. Several of these, feeling the necessity for a special course of lec- tures for dentists, had laid the matter before the College of Surgeons, and he believed that body was giving their best attention to the subject." This announcement, which was received with astonishment, created in the minds of all present a degree of irrita- tion which appeared ready at one time to develop into a vote of indignation. A spirit was quickly manifested that secret and quietly-coercive measures, from whomso- ever originated, would not be tolerated. The step which DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 45 had tlius been privately taken by an imautborised few was felt to be so .unconstitutional and ill-advised that the anticipation of its beiQg realised seemed too feeble to be seriously thought of. The resolution before the meeting was then put, and agreed to enthusiastically. Mr. A. Hockley moved and Mr. W. Perkins seconded the tliird resolution ; and the result was that the follow- ing gentlemen were appointed as an executive commit- tee provisionally : — Jas. Bate, Briglitoii. R. Bradshaw, Camden Town. T. Coker, Taunton. C. Davey, Lewes. C. J. Fox, London. W. Harnett, „ A. Hill, A. Hockley, „ H. L. Jacob, Bridgewater. J. Jones, London. D. Mackenzie, London. P. Matthews, W. Perkins, C. Rogers, E, Saunders, C. Stokes, E. H. Tweed, R. Thomson, Camberwell. C. Vasey, London. G. J. Watt, Chelsea. R. White, Norwich. A, Lows, Carlisle. With power to add to their number. S. L. Rymer and A. Hill, Honorary Secretaries. It is just to record that at this period of the evening's engagements there was manifested a desire still to have the co-operation of Mr. Thomas Bell in the movement about to be made, and although the wish was expressed by one gentleman present, it was reciprocated by all. So much was this evident, that Mr. E}Tner was con- strained to read the followincf letter from that crentle- man to prove the inutility of hoping for his assistance : — "17 New Broad Street, ^^ September 12, 1856. " My Dear Sir, — Although I assure you I do not underrate the importance of the object you have in view, I feel that the same reasons which led me to decline to take the chair at the proposed meeting would render my attendance at it equally inconsistent. Permit me to add, that the tone of your letter and the sentiment it expresses make me the more regret that it is not in my power to co-operate with a gentleman whose feelings and motives I must highly appreciate. — Believe me, dear sir, faith- fully yours, Thomas Bell." 46 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, This note was of course final. After the usual for- malities the meeting separated, with the feeling that there was a real prospect of genuine reform opening out before them. Although a sense of disappointment at the abstention of those who could have rendered power- ful assistance had been experienced, yet those who sincerely desired to see the condition of the profession advanced were by no means daunted, much less dis- mayed. Here was an opportunity for the manifestation and exercise of what money cannot buy, namely, whole-heartedness, with its inevitable sacrifices. There were sturdy spirits in that meeting ; and it was an unspeakable pleasure to them to know that the enterprise did not lean for success on the unstable props of patron- age or pm^se. Had it been so, there would have been the usual patting which generally accompanies the dis- tribution of the surplusage of influential people, or the crude overflow of some plethoric pocket opened, the owner of which desired a little cheap popularity. As it was, the building up of the profession rested on broader bases than bank-notes, or any amount of them, Nothing less than self-denial, energy, tact, prolonged activity, and thorough devotion, and these, too, not in spasms, but in nobly - sustained, disinterested effort, could by any means avail to secure the desired end. The question of that hour was. Could these qualities be found ? and if so, were they to be had in sufficient quantity to be made available to meet the necessities of the case ? Fortunately this question in its double aspect was answerable, and answered immediately, in the affirmative. The demand having been announced, the supply was secured in the first office-bearers, who, as a whole, met with a firm determination to prose- cute their labours with uncompromising consecration. This proved no empty boast, as has been frequently admitted by those who were opposed from the first to their method of procedure. The difficulties in their way were indeed formidable. Shunned by those who could DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 4/ have given "both direction and impetus to the thus expressed desire of a large body of dentists for a system of education, they had to push forward as best they could, in what is understood as " the cold shade." Having to manipulate the disjecta memhra of a profession noble in itself, but at that time suffering from empiri- cism and ignorance to a terrible degree, they were called upon to exercise largely tact coupled with conciliation and firmness. Conflicting opinions among the respect- able practitioners had to be delicately weighed, due consideration being given to all. And amongst many other impediments stood out prominently the novelty of the movement which in itself constituted a grave and serious obstacle. The national characteristic of slowness to adopt any new idea manifested itself very plainly, and the more so then as in this case the idea had such far- reaching, if not actually revolutionising, tendencies. Add again to these things the opposition which had been silently and suddenly organised in high places, and connect this with the sluggishness in the minds of some men, ranked as supporters, and the work which lay before this executive committee was by no means con- temptible for its quality or amount. It must be recorded to the honour of these gentlemen, that looking at it so as to embrace it in its entirety, they were not discomfited, but coolly settled down to their task with animation and hope. In Mr. Eymer the committee found one who had thoroughly familiarised himself with the scheme as proposed ; and his unbounded faith in ultimate triumph gTcatly, if not absolutely, disarmed the fear of failure which might have been, and probably was, secretlv workinc^ in the minds of his colleagues who had thought less upon the subject. The charac- teristic necessary to constitute a leader in any cause, namely, the courage of his convictions, he possessed. It is casting no indignity upon Mr. Eymer to say that up to this time he was generally unknown. The fact of liis having been so is a mortifymg proof of the injury 4S DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. isolation had been inflicting for so long upon tlie pro- fession. Those who had met him for the first time at that epoch were pleased to find a brother practitioner whose transparent candour was only equalled by his ardent desire to help forward a thoroughly good cause; and those who still know him have not had one reason for withdrawing or altering their good opinion con- cernins; him. To him belongs the credit of onvinf^ the signal for dental reform to be attempted in such a way as always .commends itself to Englishmen. In a public and thoroughly constitutional manner he had invited the dental profession to come together and discuss the subject of progress by means of acknowledged educa- tional measures, the gist of which by long consideration he was prepared to submit to them. The recognition of all who called themselves dentists, in a matter which concerned the body as such, seemed to him not so much a necessity, perhaps, as a simple, self-evident piece of justice and common sense. That it commended itself to so many pannot be therefore a subject of surprise. The obverse of the medal is • also true. It cannot be too distinctly understood and remembered that no indi- vidual, however exalted his position and great his attain- ments, has not thereby a prescriptive right to frame laws or cause them to be enacted, however beneficent they may be in their conception or effects, without the sanction and approval of his co-practitioners. As a matter of course, the same rule applies to parties, when they are only of numerical strength enough to form a clique or coterie. Xo amount of influence can justify dictation surreptitiously arrived at, neither can titles and degrees be accepted as an excuse for clandestine legislation. The spirit of openness and fair play is happily ingrafted in, or rather forms part of, our national life, and he or they who seek to ignore or violate this principle cannot escape the due measure of reproach which must follow in such cases as by an inevitable natural law. The thorough recognition and adoption of this principle in DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 49 his procedure fully accounts for the reception of Mr. Kymer, and his plan by the meeting at the London Tavern. There were other members of the profession, however, who chose to set it aside, and these gentle- men have since then been styled " The Memorialists." There can be no doubt that Mr. Eymer's correspon- dence in the public journals had led to the awakening to the need of reform in the minds of these practitioners. In December 1855 they met in private conference, drew up the celebrated " Memorial," appended their signa- tures and despatched it to Lincoln's Inn Fields, while thcK brethren all around, qualified and unqualified alike, were allowed to know nothing of their proceed- ing. The following is a copy of the notable document, with its preface, when it was sent forth publicly : — "London, Odo6eri856. "The expediency of forming a 'British. Institute of Dental Science,' being at present under consideration amongst certain members of the dental profession, — for the furtherance of their project, and for the support of their professional brethren, it has been thought desirable that it should be made generally known that the following ' Memorial' has been addressed to the Eoyal College of Surgeons, the answer to which has not been given : " TO THE PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL OF THE EOYAL COLLEGE OP SURGEONS, LONDON. " Gentlemen, — We, the undersigned, feeling that the depart- ment of dental surgery in England, in the absence of any recog- nised qualification, is wanting in that character and position which its importance merits, have consulted together to devise some means whereby a standard of qualification may be estab- lished. Of those w^ho practise dentistry, some have made them- selves members of the CoUeoje of Surgeons, some have obtained the medical degree at the University of London, while others possess that of Edinburgh. But a strictly medical or surgical degree cannot in itself prove that the possessor is familiar with the practice of dental surger}^ Yet the student, feeling the ne- cessity of some sort of recognised qualification, devotes that time to a strictly medical education which should have been shared in acquiring a practical knowledge of dental surgery ; hence it happens that men enter upon their professional career having yet D 50 DEXTAL REFORM 2N GREAT BRITAIN. to learn tliose practical details so essential to their legitimate suc- cess. Very many, however, practise without any medical degree, and among them mav be found some of the most eminent of our practitioners, who, nevertheless, are equally anxious that some standard of qualification should be established. In America tlie necessity of a special course of study was felt, and this led to the establishment of Dental Colleges, where the subjects necessary for the education of a dentist are taught, and the student, at the end of his pupilage, is examined, and if found competent, receives a diploma in testimony of his fitness to practise. These institu- tions send forth into the world year by year numbers of quali- fied dentists who, in virtue of their diplomas, assume a superiority over all other practitioners, and are consequently regarded with, confidence by the public, who reasonably look upon a special qualification as an indication of superior professional merit. Feeling that the time has arrived when it is imperative that some educational course should be instituted, and that an acquaintance with the general principles of surgery, anatomy, and physiology, and an intimate knowledge of such parts of tliose subjects as relate to the region of the mouth, are absolutely necessary to the duly qualified practitioner, we, the undersigned, beg to submit to the president and council of the College of Surgeons, whether an examination in the department of dental surgery, as in midwifery, might not be instituted. The adoption of such a course would, we are sure, prove a great boon to practitioners, and would, at the same time, secure a manifest advantage to the public. "(Signed) Samuel Cartwright, F.R.S. John H. Parkinson. John H. Parkinson, Jun., M.R.C.S. Edwin Saunders, F.R.C.S. William M. Bigg. Samuel Cartwright, Jun., M.R.C.S. G. A. Ibbetson, M.R.C.S. James Parkinson. John Tomes, F.R.S. H. L. Featherstone, Alfred Canton, M.R.C.S. Robert Nasmtth, M.D., M.R.C.S. J. L. Craigie. F.R.C.S. T. Barrett, M.R.C.S. Arnold Rogers, F.R.C.S. Thomas A. Rogers. M.R.C.S. Hubert Shelley, M.B., London, M.R.C.S. S. James A. Salter, M.B., M.R.C.S., F.L.S." A yery dlyiclecl opinion prevailed wlien this statement DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 5 I became known, as to the intentions of those who dis- patched it. Some asserted that it was evidently meant for the whole profession, and, therefoi'e, each member might hope to receive a copy, if he had not already had one. Others, and by far the larger number, inclined to believe that it was sent to a few, and to them only as a sort of safety-valve to the credit of openness, at last, of the memorialists. Whatever may have been the in- tention, it is certain that many members of the profes- sion were not in possession of it, and in fact came to know of its existence only when it was mentioned at the public meeting summoned by j\Ir. Eymer, as has already been stated. In his official capacity the author had, of course, to meet with a very large number of dentists, and he is not aware of a sins^le one to whom he wrote or spoke that had a good word to say of this particular action. Even those who were members of the College of Surgeons stigmatised it as an impertinence, they never having been consulted ; while the fact that there were names of unquahfied men attached to the docu- ment made the ignoring of those outside who were quali- fied a still more annoying injustice to bear. Amongst those who, at that time, expressed their strong disappro- bation, the late Mr. C. Clendon was, perhaps, the most prominent. In a letter addressed to the editor of the "Medical Circular," dated ISTovember 1856, that gentle- man undertook to review the agitation which had been produced by the attempts on the part of the promoters of the Dental College, and the signitaries of this obnoxi- ous memorial to the Collesfe of Suro;eons. He wrote incisively, and, as some felt, with dogmatic sourness ; not that he had ever done more to advance the true interests of the profession than others, or was even better known than they. Beyond practising quietly as an educated dentist, Mr. Clendon had no particular claim to be heard by his brethren. However, at this epoch, letter-writing to the medical and other journals prevailed, and this correspondent ventilated his views, 52 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, altlioiTgli lie took no steps to identify liimself witli either of tliese movements, or to suggest a really practi- cal issue to the matter in hand. He simply contented himself with pulling both men and things to pieces. (The late) Mr. Cartwright " had long been a most able and successful practitioner, but he never had any pro- fessional training." (The late) Mr. A. Eogers, F.E.C.S., was " a most successful practitioner, a worthy man and universally respected ; but there," says Mr. Clendon, " I must stop : I never heard of anything lu had done to advance science, to extend knowledge, or to further the interests of Ms profession." This was " damning with faint praise." But the College of Dentists in embryo, with its provisional committee quietly performing its appointed work in preparing a report to be submitted to the next proposed meeting of the profession, was not animadverted upon so much in this letter of Mr. Clen- don's as the proposed Odontological Society. As has already been stated, the memorial of the eighteen practi- tioners had been sent in to the Eoyal College of Surgeons in December 1855. This document was taken charge of and presented formally by Mr. James Moncriefi" Arnott. Throus^h the influence of Mr. Tomes, the interest of this gentleman had been enlisted in the direction of forming a dental department of the College of Surgeons, and his powerful influence and advocacy were from time to time brought to bear in ventilating the views of those who advanced the opinion of the necessity of such a union between surgery and dentistry as one of its specialties. Mr. Arnott well knew the immense difficulties of the case, and gave his intimate friend, Mr, Tomes, to under- stand that no speedy solution favourable to his views could be consistently hoped for ; but, as time and oppor- tunity served, he courageously advanced the subject from his own place at the council table. Altogether this was a very fortunate occurrence for that portion of the profession who, for the sake of distinction, may be called the " orthodox " party. Mr. Arnott's quiet saga- DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 53 city enabled him to deal in a masterly manner with the complexities of the subject ; his experience had also led him to see the desirability of having really capable men to practise this branch of surgery ; and while his pre- dilections leaned to an unostentatious but distinct step in the dhection of professional improvement, his exalted rank among surgeons and acknowledged worth gave him the most excellent opportunities of trying to secure all the advanta^res which would be sure to accrue throucrh well-directed educational measures. The result of Mr. Arnott's introducing the subject at Lincoln's Inn Fields had been the " Memorial " with the names of the eis^hteen signitaries attached. "WTiile this paper was lying at the College of Surgeons, the memorialists agreed to con- stitute themselves into a scientific society. This, how- ever, was not done without much cogitation and many meetiuG^s, all of which maintained their orio-inal character of privacy. At length a notice appeared from Mr. Eymer in the public press that the second meeting of the profession, to be publicly convened as before, would be held on Tuesday, November nth, 1856; and on the day when this was announced, the profession was made aware that the day previous (Xovember loth) the Odon- tological Society was formed. The significant fact that this society was born just one day (by date) prior to that when the efi'ort being made to organise the pro- fession, by a publicly instituted educational method, was advertised to take form, created minorled feelinos of surprise and mirth in the minds of numbers of the profession, while others saw in it a stroke of diplomacy, brought about by the increasing pressure of those steps which had been taken in the broad light of day. In Mr. Clendon's communication to the journals of the day, he stated both institutions to be comjiosed of " heterocreneous materials." The idea of a Dental CoUecje was condemned as "of American oriijin" — as though, forsooth, that would be utter obloquy; and then a sarcastic remark or two concernin.sj the "col- 54 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, leges/' " professors," and " degrees " of our Transatlantic brethren. " The Transactions of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgeons " came in for their share of oppro- brium, being stigmatised as unsatisfactory both in their scientific and literary aspects. So far as the proposed institute or college was concerned, all sorts of dark clouds and unpropitious circumstances — according to this writer's opinion — attended it. It was begun at an improper time of the year. Some names of eminent men were stated as connected with it, but these were soon withdrawn. Difficulties were already thick upon its path as to what constituted respectability, &c,, &c. ; uncanonical conduct was analysed, and then defined as a matter of taste, rather than morals ; and, in fact^ out of the attempts to improve the profession, Mr. Clendon was unable to extract a single grain of hope. Allowing the naturalness of the desire on the part of the great majority of dentists who were without legal qualification to have a college where " they could sever- ally display their profound anatomical knowledge and announce their physiological discoveries," he proceeded to assume the prophet's garb and vocation concerning it. An analysis of the difficulties attending the fitness for membership followed, and a sharp stroke about respectability. Comparing the poor but worthy prac- titioner with his richer brethren, he confessed that if the latter should enter into judgment with the former, the " til quoque " could be appropriately uttered. Speak- ing of the advertiser, Mr. Clendon said, "He may instance magnates and the ' Morning Post,' and eminent practitioners, with their shilling and sixpenny 'Five Minutes' Advice' indiscriminately distributed." The imminence of failure which hung over the College of Dentists extorts a sigh of regret; and with a hint, merely, of that which might be done, if certain men could be got to do certain things, which human nature has generally found to be very difficult, it was dismissed. But with regard to the Odontological Society Mr. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 55 Clendon liad mucli more to say. Its founders were " the remnant of former dinner-parties ; " their method of commencing it was culpable ; the pretence set forth in the prospectus was "a false one." The president was chosen " at the private meeting of a few friends," &c. Mr. Clendon also prophesied about this society thus : " Of this I am quite sure, a society commenced so insidiously, not to say under false pretences, and founded on injustice, can never prosper; foes will spring up within as well as without." The promoters of it were even made to soliloquise after the following fashion : '' We, who have memorialised the Collecre of Surgeons, praying for education and a diploma, on the pretext that we were rej^resenting the general feeling of the profession, proceed to form ourselves into a irrixate society, to elect ourselves its officers, and admit whom we please. And, although our plan of secret organi- sation, and admission of none but personal friends to conferences, by which we are seeking to govern our whole fraternity, may appear 'somewhat invidiov.s' we are too well aware that we are outrao-ino- rather than representing general feeling to hope for success by any other means." With such remarks he filled up a very long letter, casting on every side criticisms of the keenest kind, sparing none, and producing in the minds of the readers generally the very disagreeable idea that they were reading the sentiments of a self-inflated but sour-tempered man, who was out of humour with every- one else but himself. Mr. Clendon was very vexed with the promoters of the Odontological — or, as he termed it, "the dinner-party" — Society, and, indeed, said so in the following unmistakable terms : " I had already expressed much indignation on learning these proceedings from private sources, but after this public avowal I felt it my duty publicly and most emj^hatically to protest against them." In the matter of protest, as has already been said, this "^Titer was by no means alone, although, perhaps, few endorsed all the sentiments he expressed. 56 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. His opinions were framed upon those of such men as Mr. Bell and the late Mr. STasmyth, and therefore it was no strange thing to hear him advocating the neces- sity of every dentist becoming a full surgeon. He himself was a member of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, and lecturer on dental surgery at the Westminster Hospital. It was but natural, therefore, that he should speak highly of his alma mater. Eventually Mr. Clendon collected his letters, together with the correspondence they had produced, and published the whole in the form of a pamphlet, entitled, " Letters and Papers on the re- cent Dental Movement, with Eemarks upon the Present anomalous State of the Dental Profession." * His re- marks, however, produced no effect beyond that which was felt to be true of others besides himself at that juncture of affairs, namely, that it was easier to criticise than create. The tide of feeling ran strongly in various channels on one basilar subject — the proper proficiency to practise. Some advocated the full curriculum of the College of Surgeons ; others, that the amount of know- ledge necessary to constitute membership with the Col- lege of Surgeons was over and above that which den- tists, as such, required. The importance of sound mechanical instruction — on the score of dentists being art-practitioners — was insisted upon in one direc- tion; and the separation of the mechanical from the surgical or operative portion of dental practice in an- other. The combination of the two departments con- stituted the perfection of dentistry in some men's esti- mation ; while the mention of the laboratory appeared to be positive defilement with others. To those gentle- men who, mth a very legitimate pleasure and pride, laid stress upon the addition of M.E.C.S. to their names, was opposed the fact that in numberless instances sur- geons made shameful blunders in the treatment of dis- eases of the teeth and oral cavity. Such were some of the difficulties besetting and obstructing reform at that * Webster & Co., Piccadilly, 1857. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 57 time ; to mention them all would simply extend the pre- sent volume to an unnecessary length. To summarise, then, we find that at the close of the year 1856, a deter- mination had been displayed in two different directions to seek to elevate the dental profession by educational measures. With the larger body of practitioners en- gaging in the work, the result was sought for throucjh the instrumentality of open public meetings, to which the entire profession was invited to come. With the smaller but more influential body, the adoption of the private and exclusive course was taken. The former maintained the necessity and greater usefulness of an independent institution ; the latter asked for an incor- poration with and consequent dependence upon the Eoyal College of Surgeons. The profession had at last been stirred throughout the three kingdoms, and an op- portunity having thus been afforded for the free expres- sion of opinions on the important matter of dental reform, this was eagerly caught at by men of all ranks, the result being mental conflict and collision to a very considerable degree. Although the two main parties were prominent all through, the confusion of strife was the more palpable from the division and subdivision of opinion upon many subjects wliich, as a whole, formed the general idea of progress. It needed cool heads and experienced hands to direct matters, and so manipulate the material as to bring order and harmony out of the chaos that then abounded. The provisional committee appointed at the first public meeting of the profession for considering the best method of practically carrying out the resolutions which had then been passed had, for a period extending to some six weeks, assiduously prose- cuted their labours. They were prepared to make their report on the nth of ISTovember 1856, and, accordingly, due notice was given to the profession that a public meet- ing— this time to be held at the Freemasons' Tavern — would be convened on the evening of that day. The memorialists, too, had not been idle, for they had so 58 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. arranged tlieir affairs as to be able to announce the forma- tion of the Odontological Society, as has been seen, on the lOth of the same month. As chronology is an important feature in this history, precedence must there- fore be accorded to the newly-formed society. The following is the text of the announcement concerning The Odontological Society. At a meeting, lield November loth, 1856, a society for the encouragement of knowledge in dental surgery, entitled the " Odontological Society," was formed, and the following officers and council were appointed. The meetings, for the discussion of professional subjects and the election of members, will be held on the first Monday in each month, excepting September and October. The first meeting will be held in January next ; the hour and place of meeting will be duly advertised. Presidejit — Samuel Cart weight, Esq., F.E.S. Vice-Presidents — J. H. Parkinson, Esq. ; Arnold Eogers, Esq., F.RC.S. Treasurer— Et)-^!-^ Saunders, Esq., F.R.C.S. Council — H. J. Barrett, Esq., M.R.C.S. ; William M. Bigg, Esq. ; Alfred Canton, Esq., M.R.C.S. ; G. A. Ibbetson, Esq., M.R.C.S. ; R. Nasmyth, M.D., M.R.C.S. ; James Parkinson, Esq. ; John H. Parkinson, Esq., M.R.C.S. ; S. James Salter, Esq., M.B., M.R.C.S. ; Hubert Shelley, Esq., M.B., M.R.C.S. Honorary Secretaries — Samuel Cartwright, Jun., Esq., M.R.C.S. ; John Tomes, E.R.S. ; Thomas A. Rogers, Esq., M.R.C.S. In accordance with the general feeHng of the profession that a society of dentists should be formed, capable of supporting itself on an equality with other learned societies in this country, a meeting was convened in November 1855. It was then pro- posed by the undersigned members of the profession to memo- rialise the Royal College of Surgeons on the necessity which existed for some recognised qualification for those practising this specialty of surgery. This suggestion was carried into effect ; and on nth December 1855, an appeal to the College was made, stating the great benefit the public would receive, and the advantage which would accrue to the profession generally, if a diploma were granted to those who passed an examination in this branch of the medical science. This important measure being thus in abeyance, it was deemed by the memorialists desir- able to commence, •^^dthout further delay, the operations of the society. At a meeting held for this purpose in November 1855, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 59 the bye-laws for the society were framed on the model' of those of existing medical societies ; it was also determined that invita- tions shonld be sent to those members of the profession who were either personally known to the memorialists or were deemed anxious to promote the well-being of the society. This plan of selecting from among so many who are eligible wonld appear somewhat invidious, but the absolute necessity of securing at the outset a working body, the feeling of which would be unanimous, seemed to demand that certain limits should be placed upon the selection. It is believed that, by the means adopted, a nucleus will be formed, including the names of many gentlemen well known in the profession, capable of embracing ultimately within its circle all those who may desire to devote their attention to the objects comprehended by the society. (Signed) Samuel Cart weight, F.E.S. John H. Parkinson. John H. Parkinson, Jun., M.R.C.S. Edwin Saunders, F.R.C.S. William M. Bigg. Samuel Cartwright, Jun., M.E.C.S. G. A. Ibbetson, M.R.C.S. James Parkinson. John Tomes, F.R.S. H, J. Peatherstone. Alfred Canton, M.R.C.S. Robert Nasmtth, M.D., M.R.C.S. J. L. Craigie, P.R.C.S. H. J. Barrett, M.R.C.S. Arnold Rogers, F.R.C.S. Thomas A. Rogers, M.R.C.S. Hubert Shelley, M.B., London, M.R.C.S. S. James A. Salter, M.B., M.R.C.S., F.L.S. The laws by wRicb. the society was to be regulated were printed, and a copy of them ajopeared in the ''British Journal of Dental Science," in the number for December 1856. The statement thus made public did not tend to allay the irritation which had been very generally produced. To a large number of highly respectable practitioners the step taken by the gen- tlemen who had been the promoters of the society appeared both selfish and unjust. There was literally no valid reason why certain picked and selected dentists should combine and institute tliis or any other society in 60 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. such an absolutely private and clandestine manner. There were practitioners, members of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, occupying excellent positions in the pro- fession, who had never been consulted in this important matter, who felt keenly the affront to them by their non-recognition, qualified as they assuredly were to give an opinion or act upon the staff. In more than one instance the author had, subsequently, to listen to expressions of the deepest indignation concerning this transparent partiality. The originators of the Odonto- logical Society had evidently felt the injustice of the position they had assumed towards this class of their ''confreres,'' and admitted it in their circular, but the apology there offered was insufficient to appease the irritation. There w^as another class of practi- tioners who, although not cliplome, had nevertheless earned for themselves an undeniable position, and seeing that the signitaries of the celebrated circular were not all holders of medical degrees, they also had just cause for feeling aggrieved. Many excellent dentists asked the question, and justly enough, why they had been passed over, and their existence as dental practitioners totally ignored ? In their case, as well as the former, the idea of " selecting," as adopted by the founders of the society, pressed unjustly and with hardness. Seeing they with many others had never been consulted or even permitted to know of what was going forward, the excuse of the projectors that they wished to commence the society with unanimity of feeling and opinion was simply invalid. The plan which had been adopted had evidently been founded in a serious mistrust of the profession generally. Those who had thus united were more or less personally known to each other, and the accord which they sought for and arrived at was purchased at a very heavy price. The general mass of dentists, while they could not have ex- pected to be taken into the inner chamber of confidence of the magnates of the profession, had nevertheless an DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 6 1 andoTibted right to expect to be treated in a way wliicli would ensure their recognition. They accordingly did not fail to grumble both publicly and privately, and in general condemned the action of the Odontologists as unconstitutional and un-English, as indeed it was. Whatever had been the course of reasoning;* wliich led up to the decision of exclusive action, the result on the minds of the large majority of dentists was certainly a very distinct disapproval of the same. The first meeting of the Odontological Society was held on January 5th, 1857, at the house of Mr. vSaunders, No. 32A George Street, Hanover Square. Up to then, although it had found for itself " a name," it had not secured, as a permanency, " a local habitation." In the opening address of Mr. Cartwright, the president, as was, of course, to be expected, allusion was made to the reasons which had actuated the gentlemen who had originated it. The following are the words employed touching the celebrated "Memorial," which may be termed the foundation-stone of the enthe proceeding: "It was not thought necessary by those who pre- pared this memorial to procure to it the signatures of all the leading members of the profession, as the memorial contained only a suggestion for the consideration of the members of the council of the Collesre, which, if enter- tained by them, will be submitted for the approval of our profession. Circumstances, however, connected with medical politics have hitherto prevented the College of Surgeons from giving a definite reply to this requi- sition; but I believe I may say that the subject is favourably entertained by many, if not by most, of the members of the council. No other feeling guided those who prepared and signed this memorial than an earnest desire to benefit their profession, and a sincere convic- tion that a recognised connection with the College of Surgeons is best calculated to raise the status of the dentist to an equality with other medical practitioners, and rescue our profession from the anomalous position 62 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, it has hitherto held." In explanation of how the society had come to he originated, Mr. Cartwright said — " The memhers of the dental profession have hitherto kept aloof from one another, and retained in exclusiveness the modes and peculiarities of private practice. The want of a point of union among its members, where subjects interesting to the whole body of educated practitioners might be introduced and freely discussed for the mutual benefit of all, and through which the contributions to dental literature at present scattered through the pages of medical journals, and often lost to those to whom they are most interesting, might be collected so as to form an instructive and available library for reference, has long been felt. The necessity of such a union, generally acknowledged, but never carried out, has given rise to the formation of the Odontological Society. Founded on the basis of other scientific societies, it, like them, originated with one or two, and has been organised by several — the gentlemen applied to to form it being those who had signed the memorial to the College of Surgeons. These formed themselves- into a society, and out of their number appointed officers and a council for the first year. Having arranged the bye-laws for the governance of the society, it was then determined to invite a limited number of town and country practitioners to join it, so as to secure, from the first, a sufficient number of members for the purpose of carrying out the objects of the society, pre- vious to throwing it open to the profession at large for admission in the ordinary mode by ballot — a plan iDorne out by the early history of every society on the model of which the present is based. Such limitation of invited members was found absolutely necessary, and was made without the sliditest intention of creating any invidious distinction, it being evident that the names selected could not be considered as representing all the gentlemen who rank high in the profession, there being many not included who are equally respected, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 6^ as intelligent practitioners, as. any among those to whom the invitation to join the society. was sent." This official announcement was such a lame apology, that if it did not actually increase and intensify the annoy- ance so generally prevalent, certainly gave satisfaction to none but the few who composed the society itself. Thus, however, was the Odontological Society started. It emanated from the decision of eighteen dental j^rac- titioners, first to memorialise the Eoyal College of Surgeons to take action in the direction of professional reform by organising a dental department in connection W'ith it; and while this important subject was being considered by the council of the College, these same gentlemen met at each others' houses, as occasion offered, and proceeded to form a scientific society bear- ing the above name. There has never been a doubt as to the deep interest which the memorialists took in regard to the profession, and the sincerity of their motives in thus taking action in the matter. 'None could have felt more painfully than they the condition of the profession they were practising. It might, per- haps, be advanced, none so much, considering the position of several of them in it. But what made this step so unpalatable to the general body was the secrecy which had characterised the entire undertaking, and the painfully invidious distinctions they had ventured to make between men of equal eminence with them- selves. Even the success, which, as a rule, has attended the society, has not been sufficient to obliterate the remembrance of the unauthorised and sudden patronage which it was felt had been extended to the mass of practitioners of dentistry, not only in London, but throughout the pro\dnces of the three kingdoms. It is not to be wondered at that many letters appeared denouncing, not so much the scheme itself, as the method employed to consummate it ; and that more verbal expressions — to be likened to " curses not loud but deep" — were heard from time to time as the 64 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. meetings of dentists gave opportunity for utterance. It must not be forgotten, however, that a very large number of practitioners objected to connection with the College of Surgeons ''toto ccelo!' To the steps taken by these gentlemen — whose name, in compari- son with the handful comprising the Odontologi- cal Society, was " legion " — we must now return. The dentists who were willing to follow the leadership of Mr. Eynier, together with the profession generally, received a public notice of the preparedness of the provisional committee, instituted at the first general meeting, to deliver their report. The meeting for this purpose, as has been stated, was summoned for the nth of November 1856, at the Freemasons' Tavern. In the interval which had elapsed since the first gathering of the profession, the provisional committee had drawn up a code of regulations which they called " suggested rules," and a copy of these was forwarded to every known member of the profession, accompanied by a cir- cular signed by the two honorary secretaries, Mr. Eymer and Mr. Alfred Hill, and which contained the following questions : " First, Do the resolutions, of which the en- closed is a copy, meet your approval ? Second, Are the rules suggested in accordance with your views ? and if so. Should it be determined at a future general meeting of the profession to form the society to which they have reference, would you be a supporter of it ? " A very large response was the result of tliis, many of the replies containing suggestions of considerable value. The committee duly consulted over the whole corre- spondence, and drew up for presentation at the forthcom- ing meeting a set of " amended suggested rules." * In anticipation of the meeting, the writer had been deputed to obtain a chairman. He visited during two whole days several members of the profession for this pur- pose, but was unsuccessful in every instance. Many cogent reasons were adduced by these gentlemen for * See Appendix A. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 6 their non-acceptance of the post. Such, indeed, was the then condition of things, that a most disheartening unwillingness to venture into anything like a prominent position seemed to prevail universally. Last upon the list of the names which had been selected was that of Mr. James Robinson of Gower Street, Bedford Square. The interview, which took place in the presence of Mr. Eobin- son's partner, Mr. Thomas Underwood, was marked by great courtesy by both those gentlemen, but the former quickly perceived " the situation," and he duly estimated the position in which he had been placed by being asked in this matter last of all. It was evident to him that the failures hitherto made in the attempt to secure the services of a chairman for the forthcoming meeting had produced a crisis. The question in his mind was, " Was there any sufficient reason existing why he should be made use of for the solution of the difficulty?" He thought there was not, and said so. Although Mr. Eobin- son's refusal was distinct, it was not final. At the earnest solicitation of the writer he consented to think the subject over, and gave permission for another inter^dew. Tliis was to have taken place on the following day, but, through the pressure of Mr. Eobinson's engagements, it could not be effected. The pen was called into requi- sition where the person could not avail. An appoint- ment was given, the interview took place, and after a considerable struggle Mr. Eobinson at length agreed to take the chair, in answer to the committee's request. It was very essential that this post should be occupied by a gentleman of position and influence among his brother practitioners, and these two necessary C[ualifi- cations Mr. Eobinson possessed. In the conversations which had taken place, the objects and aims of Mr. Eymer's moA^ement were fully stated to him, and he not only grasped them in their scope and entirety, but they seemed very completely to meet his own views in the direction of dental reform. When the committee m.et to arrange for the public meeting, E 66 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. there was a very considerable amount of gratification evinced in the result obtained with Mr. Eobinson. A very large number of the profession, some two hundred or more, assembled at the Freemasons' Tavern on the iith of November. The announcement of the chair- man's name by Mr. Eymer elicited loud applause. His opening speech was practical, humorous, and to the point. The " amended suggested rules " formulated by the provisional committee were discussed seriatim with business-like zeal, and in their altered form agreed upon; the committee, by a unanimous vote, being empowered to proceed to form a society, according to the resolutions which had been passed. At this stage of the proceed- ings it was determined, mainly through the suggestions of Mr. Eobinson, that provisions should be made for dentislis' assistants in the society or institute, so that this important department might be made partaker of the benefits to arise from^ the union and consolidation of the profession. To this end a circular was addressed to them^ of which the following is a copy : — " To Dentists' Assistants, " Gentlemen, — From circumstances which have transpired, the committee at present organising a Dental Society or Institute consider it a duty to so- large and respectable a body that the advantages of membership with this society should be laid before them. It is proposed, then, that all gentlemen now acting as assistants to dentists be received as associate members at half the entrance fee and half the annual subscription of full members ; that such membership shall entitle them to all the uses and privi- leges of full membership, except that of voting for the election of council or the admission or introduction of full members ; that as soon as such associates commence practice upon their own account they be eligible for admission as full members. Under these circumstances, the undersigned will be glad to receive names at once — the list closing 13th day of December next. " Charles James Fox, ] " Alfred Hill, > Honorary Secretaries." ^' Samuel Lee Rymer, ) This step was a manifest evidence of the desire which the committee felt to make the Dental Institute as DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 6/ comprehensive as possible in its foundation and design, and was a strong contrast to the sentiments, so far as they had been made known, of the Odontological Society. The result of this appeal was a large and acquiescent reply. The next public meeting was con- vened at the Freemasons' Tavern on the i6th of Decem- ber to receive the report of the committee, who in the meantime had been diligently proceeding with their labours, and had drawn up a code of regulations called " laws and constitutions." ^ The chair on this occasion was occupied by Mr. Donaldson Mackenzie. The objects of the meeting, which was again numerously attended, were set forth in the chairman's address ; and Mr. Eymer,. who felt strongly on the matter of open discus- sion at all times, constantly maintaining its necessity, explained that, although the committee had been empowered to frame the society's . laws, they had resolved to submit those which they had drawn up to the consideration of the meeting, to ensure a full expres- sion from the gentlemen present. Each law was there- fore discussed seriatim, and after the free expression of those who chose to offer opinions or suggest alterations, the whole were adopted. The following is a list of the ofl&cer-bearers elected on the occasion : — President — James Eobixson', Esq. Vice-Fre&idents — Axdrew Clark, Esq., London ; Samuel CoRBETT, Esq., Dublin ; F. B. Imlagk, Esq., Edinburgh ; Norman Kixg, Esq., Exeter ; James Louis Oxlet, Esq., Leeds ; Egbert Eeid, Esq., Edinburgh ; E. H. Thomsox, Esq., Glasgo-w ; Somerset Tibbs, Esq., Cheltenham. Council — Wm. Cramptex, Esq. ; "W. L. Caxton, Es«[. ; James Harlet, Esq. ; Egbert Hepburx, Esq. ; William Huxt, Esq., Yeovil ; Henry 'Lgng Jacob, Esq., Bridge water ; W. H. Lintgtt, Esq. ; Donaldson Mackenzie, Esq. ; James Merry- weather, Esq. ; J. W. Mitchell, Esq. ; J. B. Murphy, Esq., Derby ; Adam Thomson, Esq. ; Thomas L'nderwgod, Esq. Treasurer — Peter Matthews, Esq. Honorary Secretaries— Crawled James Fox, Esq. ; Alfred Hill, Esq. ; Samuel Lee Eymer, Esq. * See Appendix, B. 6S DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. The duties of tke three Honorary Secretaries were thus apportioned : Mr. Fox — Library and Museum. Mr. Hill — General Correspondence on College Business. JMr. RYiiER — Conmunications in reference to the Council. Under the title of the College of Dentists of England, then, an amalgamated society of dentists practising in the three kinsjdoms was founded. The idea of such an institution originated with Mr. Eymer ; and that gentle- man having surrounded himself with many of his brother practitioners, had, with their assistance, in a very practical and always open and public manner, thus formed a nucleus from which expansion and advance could most fairly be anticipated. The result thus attained gave veiy great satisfaction to a large majority of town and provincial dentists ; and numbers, who had either never had hope of unity in the profes- sion, or having felt it had suffered it to die, now looked forward to the future with eager anticipation. It is diihcult for the present generation of dentists, especially the younger members, to realise the sentiments which had thus been produced. From a state of disorganisa- tion and estrangement, the profession had by a double effort, very like a spasm, emerged into a condition of plasticity and preparation for improvement beneath the manipulative administration of men of mark on the one hand, or of such who, though less known, were chosen from and by themselves, and intrusted with the powers of leadership and direction. The two institutions aimed at one object, namely, the elevation of the dental pro- fession to its proper position among kindred scientific bodies. The instrumentalities proposed to be used were the same in each instance, and may be summed up in one word — Education. Only in the matter of its source and application did they differ ; but this differ- ence was of so radical a character as to keep the two institutions apart from each other, not only by a sharp, well-defined line of separation, but by a considerable DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 69 distance also. It was evident tliat rivalry would become the order of the day, and this expectation was fully and speedily realised. While the Odontological Society leaned towards and depended upon the influence which name and position usually supply, and had demon- strated their trust in this direction by secret action in the establishment of their society, the College of Dentists of England looked to overwhelming numbers rather than name, and from the very first courted publicity, shrinking from any and everything which savoured of the clandestine or suggested a ruse. In the first president of the Odontological Society was seen a gentleman who, by natural gifts of a very high order, had elevated himself to the pinnacle of his profession, and was conducting a large and exceedingly lucrative practice. The name of Cartwright had been for many years, perhaps, the best-known name, not only in England, but in Europe. His great skill as a dentist had earned for him an enormous fame ; and although not a member of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, he had obtained the coveted prize of Fellow of the Eoyal Society, than which no higher scientific distinction in this country exists. Given to hospitality, and able to dispense it in a princely style, Mr. Cartwright had been long in the habit of surroundinsj himself with the celebrities in literature, science, and art; and at his re-unions, the greatest and most illustrious men in these departments were to be seen. The noble and wealthy flocked to his consulting-room to seek his advice and skill, and his name and reputation had been and still were very great. At the time of his acceptiag the presidency of the new society, Mr. Cartwright was not entirely in active professional life, his health requiring repose; but he was fully prepared to give all the time and energy he could command to the promulgation of such measures as this society hoped to advance — he being fully cognisant of the great advantages which would 70 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. accrue to the future dentist by a course of well-cliosen, appropriate, and systematic education — wliile the name of Cartwright was in itself a tower of strength. The choice of such a gentleman as the first president of the Odontological Society reflected great wisdom on the part of those connected with it, and was a proper tribute of esteem to one who had earned for himself so much respect, both in and out of the profession, and in the world at large. The president of the College of Dentists was an example in himself of what untiring energy, coupled with ability, can attempt and attain. Mr. Eobinson was a man of exceedingly strong will and deter- mined spirit. When a project lay before Mm with which he was connected, either as friend or foe, his dark eye would glance fire as he brought his fist vehemently down into the palm of his other hand, indicative of his resolution to take action in the matter. It needed not his expressive, " ITL do it ! you shall see ! " which he frequently made use of, to prove to the bystander that his mind was made up. Many times, as might be expected, his impetuous nature overruled his judgment, and led him into what he subsequently admitted to be mistakes. But the fiery courage which he possessed so abundantly was a most valuable charac- teristic at this time, if properly used and controlled. The author had had occasion to speak to many kindly- hearted men, to many amiable and genial-spirited men, and to many more who may have, and doubtless did possess, determination of character, the manifestation of which, however, they did not permit him to see. But when face to face with James Eobinson, and he seeing his way clear for taking up a certain line of action, there was no doubt on the mind possible as to the rapid, practical, and resolute manner in which he would proceed. Promptitude, if not precision, was his notable characteristic. He ever leaned towards action. A restless spirit, he found solace and support in energy DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 7 1 and hard work where most men only find exhaustion. From close and frequent observation of him, he ap- peared to the writer to partake of the character of the double-handed broadswords-man rather than the skilled fencer with the foil. Whenever and wherever his blade fell it made an ugly wound, although, at times, it missed its mark, and left his antagonist in possession of a momentary advantage. With such predilections, so strongly demonstrated, a new difficulty was experienced. This was to harness and then guide his impetuous will, so that it might subserve the end his friends and col- leagues had in view. His keen susceptibility, his almost instinctive discovery of anything like the curb- rein, made this still more difficult. With regard to the presidency of the college, which had thus been offered to and accepted by him, the committee had felt the matter to be a critical one, Mr. Eobinson having been — without any intention, however, on their part — a sort of dernier ressort. Simple justice to his memory demands that it should be put on record that no lower motive than the strong desire to be useful to the struggling members of the profession actuated him. By his own indomitable perseverance he had risen to an acknowledged position as a dentist, and was conducting a very large practice which fully absorbed his time and attention. It would have been a very easy thing, therefore, for him to have met the request made with a negative, as so many others had done. Without attempting to critically analyse the reasons which induced him to accept office at this juncture, it may be safely asserted that a spirit of daring, if not of defiance, was in active operation. Because others had been timid, he determined to show that fear had no control over him. To one of such a temperament there was also a certain amount of fascination in the post. It offered ample opportunities for the display of generalship in guiding the affairs of the institution itself; and every 72 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. now and then tlie elan of such a character and disposi- tion might produce marked and lasting results. At any rate, there would be sure to be found a certain amount of activity and excitement which were alike congenial to his natural tastes. As to the honour of the position, that seemed to have no effect upon such a mind as Mr. Eobinson possessed. The apparent satisfaction which he drew from it was that there would be plenty of work, a certainty of conflict with apathy, pride, and indifference, with just a chance of a happy hit or two in directions which had hitherto been sealed against him. Full of energy and hot blood, ready for the fray, and rejoicing in the expectation that battle would end in blessing, he quietly put all other considerations of self-interest into his pocket, and determined to serve heartily in what he sincerely believed to be a righteous cause. His remark to the writer at the time of his making his decision was, "Eemember, if I draw the sword, I fling away the scabbard." Henceforth, therefore, there was to be war in earnest, if not actually a outrance. So far as Mr. Eymer's views had been promulgated, Mr. Eobinson accepted and endorsed them. He thor- oughly felt the importance and necessity of educating the coming generation of dentists. He, moreover, most thoroughly believed in the wished-for reform springing up from within rather than from without the profession, and considered that the means being taken to ensure an independent position was a step conducive to the benefit of all. It is easy, therefore, to understand that the measures taken by the memorialists, both in petitioning the College of Surgeons for patronage and in secretly form- ing the Odontological Society, met with no stronger reprobation and fiercer opposition than fell from him. Although Mr. Eobinson was not a member of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, he did not despise such a medical degree, but held that its possession by no means guaranteed a proficiency to practise dentistry; and, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, J 7) therefore, maintained that it should be subordinate, and not supreme, as a mark of qualification to the dental surgeon. The College of Dentists had no firmer believer in the ability of dental practitioners, as such, to educate and examine the younger members of the body, than their first president ever proved himself to be. He vehemently opposed the idea of submission to or dependence upon the Eoyal College of Surgeons; and was, therefore, a thorough representative of the views held by those who had publicly formed the College of Dentists of England. Thus, then, it may be said, that at the close of the year 1856 two important institutions had been organ- ised, each affecting in the closest possible manner the deepest and dearest interests of the dental profession. The unhappy part of considering them as they stood forth prominently, lay in the fact that they were in antagonism one to the other, and that the animosity was both bitter and undisguised. When, however, the circumstances which had led up to their formation were remembered, together with the method proposed by each society for carrying out its object, there is not much room for surprise at the opposing elements, as such, or the intensity of feeling which prevailed. How- ever, there they stood, ha^dng in their birth and organi- sation created an amount of excitement through the ranks of the dentists in the three kingdoms such as had never been realised before; and, henceforth, it was apparent that everything necessary to enlist the sym- pathy and support of those who up to this time were non-adherents would be done, so as to prove inherent power of development, and, on the part of those who were guiding the affairs of each institution, wisdom and aptitude ; that so, in due time, results beneficial to the body of practitioners at large might happily be achieved. The Odontological Society at this time could not, perhaps, count fifty members on its list; the College of Dentists appeared upon the scene with more than 74 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. tliree times that number of supporters. The following published statement sets forth the objects and the pro- posals which the founders of the latter institution then had in view. "The objects for which the College of Dentists of England is established are to unite members of the dental profession into a recognised and independent body, and to provide means of professional education and examination. The manner in which it is intended to seek the attainment of these objects is to invite all dentists practising as such, exclusively and legitimately, to become members of the college. " This invitation is extended to the 31st of December 1857; after which period it is proposed to provide means whereby the competency of each candidate for membership must be satisfactorily proved by examina- tion. " The large number of practitioners who have already enrolled their names as members, with the approbation of the council, would appear to prove that the consti- tutional principles upon which the college is founded must prevail in bringing the profession together as a body, before the lapse of many months, when it is hoped a charter of incorporation will be obtained, so that the public may be effectually protected from the serious effects of charlatanism, and every duly-qualified practitioner be enabled to maintain his position with dignity." C 75 ) CHAPTEE TV. Allusion" has been made to dental journalism, and the present work would be incomplete without direct refer- ence to and mention of this important feature in the general advance of the profession. The year 1856 must ever be memorable in the annals of dentistry in this country from more causes than one. The first, how- ever, in the order of time, was the establishment and appearance of a monthly journal to represent the pro- fession. It was launched as the enterprise and property of a Mr. Walter Blundell, and bore the name of " The British Journal of Dental Science," the publisher being the well-known (late) John Churchill, of Xew Burling- ton Street. The dentists of that day did not concern themselves about the motives which had operated with the proprie- tor of this journal in inducing him to institute such a medium of communication throughout their ranks. They were content with the fact that a proper opportu- nity was thus given for literary and scientific inter- course. The announcement that a monthly journal de- voted to their interests was about to appear, gladdened them. In the opening number, issued in the month of July, the editor, in his address, assured his readers that " the columns of ' The British Journal of Dental Science' were open for free discussion, unfettered by cliqueism, and at the disposal of any and every member of the profession requiring a medium for the extension of accumulated knowledge, let it be ever so fragmentary or varied in degree of excellence." After stating the 76 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. general intent and scope of the periodical, tlie concluding paragraph ran thus : " Finally, we beg for mutual aid in this common interest, which we fervently hope wiD. unite us in the most friendly intercourse, and prove a lasting source of gratification and advantage." The contents in general were most encouraging as a specimen of what tlie future numbers would be. The " getting up," was all that could be desired, and, consequently, this new friend received a very cordial if not enthusiastic recep- tion. It gave rise to a hope in many plodding but worthy men's minds of the beginning of better things. At any rate, it could not fail of becoming the medium whereby the isolation throughout the profession might be altered, if not transformed into union among its many members. Through its columns men could fairly expect not only to receive but contribute valuable information, and thus, in the best possible way, be- come more fully known the one to the other. There were so many facts constantly occurring in every one's practice which could be chronicled with advantage to the entire body, that the wonder now is why a special journal for the profession had not been thought of before. The appearance of this periodical at the moment when the profession was being aroused from its dormant condition was to be considered fortunate, especially as the editor, in the second number, advo- cated in an unmistakable manner the necessity for organisation and education by means of a Dental College. It is highly probable that the writer of the article in question had, with many others, felt the force and justice of the remarks Mr. Eymer had made exactly one year previous in his letter published in the "Lancet." Whether this was the source of his inspiration or not, the editor of the new journal warmly espoused Mr. Eymer's views, for, in the number for September 1856, the month when the latter gen- tleman called a public meeting of the profession, we DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 77 find him writing thus : " To style ourselves ' surgeon- dentists/ therefore, is clearly an error. Even those who possess the diploma of the College of Surgeons, and now confine themselves to the speciality of dentistry, are no better off than the most ignorant of the profes- sion, who can equally assume the above title. The Col- lege of Surgeons, in common with the medical colleges, looks with an eye of little favour on ' speciality ' of any kind, and to demand of them an acknowledgment of our own would be utterly absurd. It follows, then, that any code of laws which may be framed for the pro- posed institute or college, should not be retrospectii-e ; that is, that tliose existing practitioners, who can fairly show an honest proficiency in their art, should not be debarred the rights and privileges which such an insti- tution would secure to them as a class." The gentle- men, therefore, who met at the London Tavern, Tvdth this very purpose in view, had every reason to congratu- late themselves upon the prospect of having their ideas to this end fostered and encouraged by the editor of the " Dental Journal." This hope was further strengthened when the next monthly number saw the light, for there was commendation in that enough and to spare. In re- marking upon that meeting, the editor observed, " A more business-like and practical set of men could not well have assembled; for each seemed to be imbued with the spirit that he was striA^ing for an object which, if attained, would not only amehorate and raise his ovm position, but hand him down to future generations as a benefactor of a useful and honourable profession. They had, in fact, something to do, and they did it offhand, and, rather singularly, without the interruption from any of those crotchety pests who generally haunt public meetings. The painstaking gentleman who ]iad summoned them together set before them at once three very lucid and practical propositions, which, with very few words, were adopted unanimously. Tarch scd tute must be their motto, and they must succeed. Chosen 78 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, by a fair representative body of their profession, tliey possess its entire confidence." Nothing could have been more animating than such expressions as these, and they were undoubtedly appreciated at that critical time. The next month's issue brought with it a state- ment, in the usual place devoted to editorial deliveries, which might, for the sentiments expressed, have been written even by a member of the College of Dentists itself. While assuring the gentlemen who were assidu- ously working at the open organisation of the profession that they should not fail to find a cordial helper in the " British Journal of Dental Science," the writer of the article proceeds to draw the attention of the magnates in the dental body to the necessity for their co-operation thus : — " Once more we say to the more prosperous members of the profession, a great responsibility rests upon you ; your brethren are aspiring for an organisa- tion that shall improve their social position and increase their public usefulness. Will you help them in tliis arduous effort ? Will you extend a hand to land them safe on firm ground, or will you stand complacently by while they work their way with many struggles through the rough , waters ? Once ashore they will not want your help, and depend upon it they will bestow the honours of success only on those who deserve them. We hope, then, that these gentlemen will exhibit a generous spirit, and set an example of union by at once enrolling their ' names on the register of the proposed society." It was evident that the writer of these words was ignorant of the separative spirit which actuated that class to whom he had appealed, and either did not know, or, knov™g, did not put any credence in the statement which had been made at the public meeting convened by Mr. Eymer, that several leading men had taken action in the matter, and had petitioned the Eoyal College of Surgeons for identification in some sort with them. Under whatever circumstances it was written, the editor was beside the mark; and if the DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 79 party imder Mr. Eymer's leadersMp had been inclined to trust for support to the only journal which repre- sented dentistry, there would have been but a short time for that trust to remain unchecked, if not absolutely broken. As it proved, there was left but one more month of favourable notice for the toiling men who had been appointed to the task of setting matters straight in the dental profession by the meeting of September 22d. With the closing of the year 1856 came the con- clusion of journalistic encouragement. • Whether the undertaking was too onerous and expensive for the proprietor of the " British Journal of Dental Science " to carry it on need not be discussed; but the result, from whatever cause it originated, was important just then. The journal having been offered to the committee under Mr. Rymer for a certain sum of money, the offer was refused, and it eventually became the property of some gentlemen in the profession, all of whom had either openly or tacitly espoused the Odontological Society. It is not necessary to quote the leading articles under the new regime. Little by little the difference of spirit and tone was made apparent, until the " British Journal of Dental Science," in a few months, was seen flying the flag of bitter opposition. From a friend it had become a foe. But journalism was not a thing upon which Mr. Eymer and his committee placed absolute reliance, although he and they were sensible of its many and distinct advantages. ' This defection, therefore, had no other effect than that of a healthy stimulant upon those who were making such praise- w^orthy efforts. With unabated vigour they prosecuted their difficult task. In a circular, signed by the Hon- orary Corresponding Secretary, the Council of the College of Dentists informed every member of the institution of the circumstances concerning the offer made to it of the purchase of the journal — these circumstances includ- ing unreasonable demands, accompanied by statements 80 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. which, looked very much like a threat, if the terms stipulated for were not acceded to ; and announced that " as it appeared indispensable that the transactions of the college should be reported, and its claims fairly advocated by an independent publication, it had every reason to believe that very shortly a periodical would appear for that purpose, wherein would be found matter abundantly interesting and useful to every member of the college and the profession at large." This prophecy was eventually fulfilled by the publication of the " Quarterly Journal of Dental Science," under a pro- prietary of gentlemen practising as dentists. As the " British Journal of Dental Science " had fallen into the hands of those who were members of the Odontological Society, so the new Quarterly belonged to gentlemen who were members of the College of Dentists. The undertaking was promulgated by Mr. Eobinson, who, with his usual spirit of determination, resolved that the college enterprise should not be written down or snuffed out without an earnest effort to prevent it. He cheerfully aided it by becoming a co-proprietor, and with his purse and pen helped it forward to the best of his power. The first number appeared in April 1857, and the contents reflected credit on all concerned. There was sufficient matter at that epoch to fill many of its pages, su.pplied by the college and its work alone. A regular staff of lecturers had already been appointed for the instruction of the members — the names of the lecturers, together with the subjects of their teachings, being as under, and commenced February 19th: — John Steggall, M.D., «&;c. Subject : Descriptive Anatomy of Bones, Muscles, Vessels, and Nerves of the Head and Face, embracing Physiology and Therapeutics. Jabez Hogg, M.R.C.S., &c. Subject : Histological Anatomy; its value to the Student— The Microscope — Historical Introduc- tion— Optical Arrangement— Appliances — Preparation of Objects —Histology of Cell Development— General Characters and De- velopment of Tissues— Hard Structure and Tooth Structure in DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 8 1 particular — Histological and Comparative Aiiatomr of Teetli — Diseases of the Dental Tissues — Dental Caries, &;c. G. Simpson, F.R.C.S., &c. Subject : General Anatomy — Special Anatomy. Dr. Gladstone, F.E.S. Subject : Bone Enamel, and the Metals used in Dentistry. Alfred Carpenter, M.B*, &c. Subject : Principles of General Surgery. As these lectures were delivered the "Quarterly Jonrnal " published them, together with the account of the various meetings and transactions of the coUesje as they occurred. It also contained much matter of general interest on many subjects, among which may be men- tioned extracts from a new work on dentistry by Mr. Eobinson, with illustrations. The wood-engraver's art was liberally introduced into the pages of the new college journal, and Mr. Purland added his quota by sending the whims and oddities of dental advertisements as they appeared in the publications a century^ or so back. The projectors of the " Quarterly " left nothing undone to provide dental literature for its readers, while they availed themselves of the medium thus in their own hands to push the principles of the institution they had established, by advocating and advancing its claims upon the great body of practitioners at large, giving full reports of the meetings and transactions of the college, and showing a bold and uncompromising front to their equally resolute adversary. The two sides of the dental question had thus organs of their own, and the various aspects of the movement were fully discussed, as from time to time necessity arose, from the opposite points of view. It has been often said " The pen is sharper than the sword," and the truth of the dictum was faMy proved in the keenness of the correspondence which appeared on the all-absorbing subject in hand. "VYliile speaking of dental literature, it may be as well to mention the opinions which the medical press held concerning the efforts at organisation 82 • DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. being made. The "Lancet," of 21st February 1857, makes the following statement : — " The ground which the dentists take is now clearly laid out, and its limits are distinctly defined. The intention, it appears, is to create a new body, separate and apart from any existing college. In a word, the dentists aim at being a distinct corporate body. . . . We hope, notwithstanding the criminal apathy of the council of the College of Surgeons, that the members of that college will not sanction such a proposal. . . . Surgery is a most important department of that science (medicine), and dental surgery is one of the most important branches of that department. We cannot follow the council of the College of Surgeons as guides on this occasion, ancj we protest strongly and urgently against permitting the legitimate practitioners of surgery to be robbed of one of the chief sources of emolument in the profession, and the public to be deprived of the benefits which the proper cultivators of that branch of surgery known as dentistry is calculated to afi^ord. Where are these divisions to terminate ? Are we to have colleges of dentists, colleges of oculists, colleges of aurists, colleges of cuppers, and colleges of chiropedists % The idea is monstrous enough. Amongst the dentists of the present day there are men of distinguished ability, who are legally qualified members of theKoyal Colleges of Surgeons of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Amongst the gentlemen who practise dentistry, but who are not members of any medical college whatever, there are also men — to their honour be it spoken — who have acquired high reputation, and who have made large fortunes. Why, then, if there be a desire to obtain for dental surgery that distinction which its importance and utility so fully warrant, do not these gentlemen unite and take part in forming an institution, wherein they may associate, cultivate friendly feelings, and combine in promoting their pro- fessional and the public interests % Why not endeavour to obtain a charter for a Eoyal Dental Institute, admitting during the present year the existing practitioners of dental surgery, but making it an unbending law afterwards that not any person shall be received as a member of the Eoyal Dental Institute who is not a member or fellow of one of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons ? .... Dental surgery, founded on the science of surgery, is a beautiful art, and the benefits that it has conferred upon the public are but as the merest trifles in comparison with what it can really accomplish. As it is not likely that the council of the College of Surgeons will be awakened to a sense of its duty on this subject unless the voice of the profession be loudly sounded, we trust that, before the next annual election at the college, the feelings of the members will be expressed on this question in a manner that cannot be misunderstood." DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. ^l This was strong and suggestive writing. Plans on paper are, however, much more easily drawn than carried out in actual practice. Here was a proposition which involved both an impossibility and an improba- bility. It would have been impossible to include every dental practitioner in such an institution, from the simple fact that the better class and legitimate dentists would have refused to be " levelled down " by associat- ing with impudent empirics and fraudulent quacks. And it was highly improbable that, even if such a heterogeneous mass could have been coaxed into com- bination, a charter could have been obtained and the institution established within the proposed time, so as to permit the free working of the suggested law of future exclusion. The idea of this writer had some affinity to the views held by the promoters of the college, inasmuch as it looked towards an institute, but with the essential difference of affiliation with the College of Surgeons. In a subsequent number (March 14th) the " Lancet," having scolded the council of the Eoyal College of Surgeons for not replying to the twice repeated application of the memorialists, although a period of fifteen months had elapsed since the celebrated petition was first presented, reverts to the attempt of Mr. Eymer in the following language : — " In the meantime, dissensions have occurred amongst the dentists, heart-sick at the deferred hope which it seems to have been the policy of the college to maintain. Hence the machinery of the Dentists' College has been independently arranged. Such an institution is in every way objectionable. It gives uo status like that which a connection with the College of Surgeons would liave conferred on a body of men whose occupation demands much skill, knowledge, and judgment — whose mission is so eminently the relief of one of the least endurable kinds of human suffering, that only the most narrow and selfish policy could exclude them from association with the profession." The "Pharmaceutical Journal," after indubinrr in some satirical remarks upon the gentlemen elected to 84 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, the office of lecturers at the College of Dentists, pro- ceeded to say in its number for March 4, 1857 : — " It would, therefore, be premature to pass judgment upon the curriculum of dental education at present ; but we may safelv predicate that the premises of the new college do not afford ac- commodation for entering into competition with the medical schools ; and that if the college is to stand or fall according to its efficiency as an educating body, the privilege of an independent existence will be purchased by its members at the expense of pro- fessional status, and the occupation of a dentist will be reduced to a craft, instead of being an integral part of a profession." It is unnecessary to criticise too closely or even at all the logic of such statements as these. Whether it was the avowed intention of the promoters of the College of Dentists so to arran2;e then scheme as to be able, at once, to enter into competition with the various medical schools was not, perhaps, worth this writer's while to consider more than problematical. However, it was evident that this journal was not favourable to in- dependent existence and action among the dentists as a body. On the other hand, the " Medical Cu'cular," under date February 25, 1857, observes: — " The new Dentists' College is, it appears, to pass through the fiery furnace of controversy before it shall be proved pure and genuine metal. A certain section of the profession seem to think that the College of Surgeons should examine men as to the most scientific way of taking moulds of ill-conditioned jaws, and of making false teeth from elephants' tusks. In that case Lawrence must commence an apprenticeship at the bench, and Stanley take a turn at the lathe. We have no objection to this, only that we should soon make a demand for a new College of Surgeons. Let the friends of the College of Dentists persevere, never minding the petulant twaddle of their adversaries." These quotations are sufficient to show the influence the attempt at organisation and education had made, not only amongst those immediately concerned, but in the ranks of the medical profession generally. It was also an unmistakable evidence of the difficulties which would beset the path of reform, and a proof that opposi- tion was likely to spring up in many different direc- DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, 85 tions. In the meantime, while the medical press con- descended to comment, according to the various views held by the writers in its journals, upon the struggle being maintained between the two parties into which the dental profession was divided, the " British Jour- nal " and the " Quarterly " did not fail to use their re- spective influences on every occasion. From the commencement of the year 1857, the atti- tude of the Odontological Society may be described as patiently expectant. The eyes of its council were in- tently directed towards the College of Surgeons, in the hope of seeing some evidence manifested of action being taken by the authorities at Lincoln's Inn Tields with regard to the petition which had been presented there. At that time the society could do no more than rely upon the claims wliich it undoubtedly had, on the score of name and fame of so many of its members, to the rest of the profession. It existed as a scientific society. As such it was a great boon, for there was need enough of more frequent opportunities being given for the reading and discussion of papers upon scientific subjects touching the theory and practice of dental art. Its promoters, however, were not without their plans concerning the future, which, when in the process of time they were made known, reflected credit both for the sagacity with which they had been formulated, and clearly demonstrated the deep interest felt by all con- cerned in the permanent and increasing welfare of the profession. If the Eoyal College of Surgeons could be induced to institute a dental department whereby the profession would be properly recognised, it would then become the immediate duty of those through whom this step had been achieved to found a dental school, in order that the curriculum, which would, of course, be imposed, might be carried out by those students who thought proper to pass through it. This again involved another necessity, namely, the providing ample opportu- nity for a full and practical education to be imparted to 86 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. those entering such a school. These important mea- sures, though, from the nature of the case, still in embryo, were doubtless the subject of reflection and due con- sideration. However, the main object of the Odonto- logical Society was clearly expressed in its first byelaw, viz. : " This Society is instituted for the encourage- ment and diffusion of knowledge of dental surgery, and for the promotion of intercourse among members of the dental profession." This purpose was being assiduously kept, and from the position and qualifica- tions of many connected with it, gave promise of un- wavering and unbroken benefit in this most important direction. The following remarks of the president — the late S. Cartwright, Esq. — on the occasion of the first general meeting of the society, held at 32A George Street, Hanover Square, January 5th, 1857, "^©re no doubt in accordance with the sentiments of those then assembled: — "But while, in a large class of practi- tioners, the educational acqu.irements are all that can be desired, it cannot but be felt that in another, and a large class too, the standard of education is calculated to form merely a successful artisan ; and, consequently, there are two distinct bodies of practitioners — the one practising dentistry as a profession, the other carrying it on as a trade or business. It cannot be doubted that a liberal education is of the greatest advantage to those engaged in practice ; and the more education is extended in all ranks of society, the more it becomes necessary that the members of our profession qualify themselves as highly as they can ; for those who employ the services of the dentist in these days have a right to look, and do look, to the qualifications of the mind as well as to the mechanical adroitness of the fingers." However much a large portion of the profes- sion may have taken exception to the manner in which the Odontological Society had been instituted, every well- wisher throughout the dental ranks must have felt that through it, as a medium, a great and invaluable benefit DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 8/ would accrue generally, by the distributioD. of intellec- tual wealth, hitherto locked up in the minds of its pos- sessors. On the other hand, the College of Dentists was gathering together all its strength for active and energetic work, taking its stand with regard to the future upon its second law, viz. : " The objects for which the College is established are to unite members of the dental profes- sion into a recognised and independent body, and to provide means of professional education and examina- tion." With such a progTamme before it, there was no room for idleness or indifference, and the council pal- pably felt the importance of utilising all the material it could command. Had there been no counter-movement in existence, the task they had allotted to themselves would have been onerous enough, but with their staff thinned as it was by the abstention of many gentlemen of influence, and actually opposed by these, the labour to be got through was simply enormous. The silence of the council of the Eoyal College of Surgeons was deenied by many both in and out of the Dental College as favourable to the designs of the latter. Yet, after all, that silence might at any moment be broken, and in a manner which could not but leave another and formidable obstacle, if not an actually insurmountable one, in their path. They resolved, however, prudently enough, not to ante- date their difficulties. In the arrano'ements for carrying out the projected college they found abundant opportunities for the absorption of their time and atten- tion, while as yet there remained a very large number of practitioners who had given neither sign nor sound as to what course they would eventually take. From calcula- tions which the '^Titer had officially to make, there were at that time, as nearly as could be ascertained, some 1300 or 1400 dentists practising throughout the three kingdoms. Putting the number of those who were connected with both institutions too-ether, the afro-reo-ate did not amount to more than about one-fifth, or there- abouts, of the whole body. Various motives had, no 88 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. doubt, actuated these dentists in not becoming associ- ated either with the Odontological Society or the Dental College. It is highly probable that the isolation and estrangement which for so many years had characterised the profession were operating still as against union. From whatever cause, however, the fact remained ; and this became a stimulus to exertion on the part of the council of the College of Dentists. It was most impor- tant to give evidence to what was then called " the outsider" that the party operating with Mr. Eobinson and Mr. Eymer was providing an institution which would meet the many requirements of the profession at large. The attempt in itself was a very bold bid for professional favour. Independence was a strong and wide-reaching word. Whatever had been done by our Transatlantic brethren, and however the system of sepa- rate institutions had succeeded in America, the experi- ment was a novel one in this country. The differences in the social as well as professional habits and charac- teristics of the two peoples constituted, in itself, a subject of the gravest consideration — to say nothing of the inherent objection which so many would most probably feel in becoming copyists of those who were nationally their juniors. There was not a single step which could be taken at that time but was upon new ground. The process of cohesion was in itself but in its infancy. Men were only just beginning, even remotely, to know each other ; and the more intimately they became connected and acquainted, the more freely and firmly might their prejudices and predilections be expected to display themselves. There was but one thing upon which the reformers on either side could with any security rely — namely, the desire, expressed or implied, for something in the shape of reform to be set in operation. In the firm belief tliat the course of pro- cedure adopted by those who had publicly solicited the opinions of the dentists as a body, was that which would most generally accord with the feeling of the mass of DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 89 the profession, the council of the College of Dentists prosecuted their work. It may be truly said that in Mr. Eymer's conclusions, based upon what had been already accomplished by means of public acquiescence in his views, there lay much force. He felt that he had hit upon the proper mode of procedure ; and in a pam- phlet which he published in February of that year we find him concluding with the following remarks : — " An INDEPENDENT existence is, however, demanded by the profession ; and it is in obedience to this demand that the College of Dentists of England has been established. It were heartily to be wished that fruitless opposition should now cease, and that all should unite to hasten the time — which must inevitably ar- rive— when the college shall become a national institution, and when no man will be recognised as a qualified dentist unless he has received authority to practise as such from its faculty. The government of the college is in safe and efficient hands — a most important point at the outset. Organisation is in steady course of accomplishment, a correct system of education will follow ; and the consummation of all will be seen in the elevation of the character of the dental profession by the authority granted to the College of Dentists of England as an IN'CORPOIIATED BODY." From the general tone of this pamphlet it was evi- dent that whoever might entertain doubts as to the necessity for and eventual success of the institution in question, the writer himself had none. So many as- surances of aquiescence and support had been given, that, with the faith which is a necessary basis and con- stant accompaniment of the efforts of projectors, as a rule, added thereto, it was not a matter of surprise that such strong confidence in the ultimate issue of the undertaking should be evinced. One out of many en- couragements to proceed with the work may be properly mentioned. ToAvards the end of 1856, in the Xovember of that year, when the project had become thoroughly known, a general meeting of dentists was called at the Literary and Philosophical Institution, Cheltenham, for * The Dental Profession : its Present Position and Future Prospects, considered in relation to the recent Pieformatory Movement. By Samuel Lee Rymer. Walton & Maberlj, 28 Upper Go\Yer Street. 90 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. considering the sclieme. Mr. Somerset Tibbs occupied the chair, when the subject, as it touched the dental prac- titioners in that town, was discussed. The result was that the following address was agreed to, and forwarded to the Committee of Organisation in London : — * " Cheltenham, Novemher 24^^, 1856. *' To the Committee of the Dental Association. " Gentlemen, — "We most cordially agree with jon as to the desirability — we might almost say absohde necessity — of an Asso- ciation of Dentists, not only for the protection of the unprincipled, but also for placing the members of an honoural)le and useful profession in their proper position. We fully acknowledge that such an association, to be successful in the present day, must be established on a broad and liberal basis ; and while we feel the great difficulty you must have to contend with in deciding who should be admitted members of such an association, yet, as a line must be drawn somewhere, we would suggest it should be drawn so as to exclude those only, at the formation of the society, who combine any kind of business with the dental profession, and those who issue puffing advertisements, with a ' scale of fees.' " Should you find it practicable to carry out these suggestions, we beg to offer ourselves as members and associates. Members — Alex. Montague. CuLLis Geo. Henrt. cunningam, m. g. Penney, G. S., M.R.C.S. Robertson, James. Tibbs, Somerset. Associates — Leatherby, William Sinthall. Collins, James Francis. Fox, J. John. Robertson, William." These suggestions had already been acted upon, as a reference to the laws w^ill show; but from such assurances of interest as this, and others from indi- vidual members of the profession which had all along been received, the council derived the encouragement to persevere in the due development of the college. It DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. QI was a time not only of great activity, but of careful and earnest thought. With their opponents watching each step that was taken, and with augmenting criticism in the editorials and general correspondence in the " British Journal of Dental Science," the utmost prudence was necessary. Meetings of councils, committees, and sub- committees abounded. Under the energetic presidency of Mr. Eobinson in connection with the first-named the business was systematically gone through. The presi- dent was noted for his punctuality, and any member of council arriving after the prescribed time was sure to be reminded of the fact. His leadership of these meetings was, if anything, rigidly severe. The slightest departure from the subject, the merest tendency to conversation, brought the ivory hammer upon the table with no small vehemence, while his quick glance and call to " Business, gentlemen ! " would speedily rally the defaulters in attention to the work before them. Those who were then engaged as the representatives of the college felt that it was no child's play to occupy the post to which they had been called by the voice of their brethren. There was much to be done in the direction of internal arrangement. A museum and library had to be formed. Valuable contributions in these departments were received, in response to the appeals made, the president being one of the most liberal donors, Mr. Fox acting as librarian and curator. The appointment of le.cturers on the subjects necessary for the purposes of education was attended with no small difficulty, but by the direct personal in- fluence of the president the majority of these was secured, and the arrangements for the delivery of the lectures accomplished, as has been already stated. The conduct of the affairs of the council grew daily in its importance, being directed by Mr. Eymer, and it soon became evident that the general correspondence would become so great as to leave no leisure at the command of him assigned to that particular duty. About this 92 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. time a Parliamentary measure affecting tlie medical profession closely, and involving the interests of the dentists, was under the consideration of the Eoyal Col- lege of Surgeons. It was known as Mr. Headlam's Medical Bill. Another measure, known as Lord Elcho's Medical Bill, was simultaneously before Parliament. The scope and tenor of these proposed legal enact- ments may be gathered from the following circular, wliich was issued by the College of Dentists of England concerning them : — " 5 Cavendish Square, January 5, 1857. " Sir, — I beg to draw your attention to the proposed Medical Bills now before Parliament. No person can be registered under either of these Acts, unless a member of some medical or surgical college or corporation. Again, none but a registered person can perform any surgical operation, or act in a medical capacity. Also, none but a registered person can recover any charges for surgical operations or medical advice. This latter clause will at once affect existing dental practitioners, and deprive them of that protection the law has hitherto afforded them. A petition, pray- ing the House of Commons to add a clause exempting the den- tists from the operation of the Act, lies for signature at the Col- lege of Dentists, No. 5 Cavendish Square. Your signature to the same is earnestly requested. Your answer by return of post ia requested, as the petition must be presented early next week. — I am, sir, yours faithfully, " Alfred Hill, Hon. Sec." The clause in Mr. Headlam's Bill, No. 31, and in Lord Elcho's Bill, No. 42, reads as follows, and, it will be easily seen, was threatening enough to the dentists situated as above : — " After the passing of this Act, no person shall be entitled to recover any charge in any court of law for any medical or surgical advice, atten- dance, or for the performance of any operation, or for any medicine prescribed, administered, or supplied by him to his own patients, unless he shall prove upon the trial that he is registered under this Act." At an ordi- nary meeting of the college, then, which was held June 2, 1857, Mr. Underwood drew the attention of the members to this clause, and proposed " that a general DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 93 meeting of the college be held on Thursday, the 4th of June, to adopt a petition to the House of Commons, praying that House to insert a clause into both Bills, exempting dentists from the operation of the Act, and to invite all dentists throughout the country, whether members of the Dental College or not, to append their names to the same." The necessity of such a step was very evident; and the proposition eventuated, after unanimous adoption, in a petition drawn up by the council, to be presented at the proper time to Parlia- ment. The following is a copy : — " To the, Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain arid Ireland, in Parliament assembled. *' The liumWe petition of the undersigned dentists showeth : — " That your petitioners humbly beg to represent to your Honourable House the great injustice they conceive •would be done to them, and especially to those Avho at any future time may enter into practice as dentists by either of the Medical Bills now before Parliament, should it pass into a law. That of the existing number of dental practitioners in the United Kingdom but very few are members of any medical colleges or corporations. That none but members of such colleges or corporations can be regis- tered under these Acts, and none but registered persons can perform surgical operations or act in a medical capacity, thus deterring the future dentist from following his professional calling, unless he become a member of one of the said colleges or cor- porations. That this, your petitioners would humbly submit, wiU be a great hardship on those who have entered on their pupilage without supposing such a step should become necessary. Again, no person, unless registered under either of the Acts, can, after its passing, recover in a court of law any charges for surgical opera- tions or medical advice. This, your petitioners would humbly represent, will at once affect existing dental practitioners, and deprive them of that protection the law has hitherto afforded them in the legitimate exercise of their calling. " Your petitioners submit that the following clause be added to the Bill : — ' Nothing in this Act contained shall extend, or be con- sidered to extend to prejudice, or in any way to affect the lawful occupation, profession, trade, or business of dentists.' "Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray your honourable House that the said Bills may not pass into a law as they now stand, but that they may have such relief in the premises as to 94 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. your Honourable House shall seem meet. And your petitioners will ever pray," &c. TKe president was enabled to state, when the meeting on the 4th of June had assembled, that he together with ^Ir. Hepburn and Mr. Underwood had elicited a pro- mise from Mr. Headlam and Lord Elcho alike to insert in their respective Bills a clause to exempt dentists. Mr. Underwood also stated that he had had an inter- view with Lord Elcho, and that his Lordship had under- taken to present the petition framed by the College of Dentists to the House. The activity of the college on this eventful occasion was most praiseworthy ; and the influence of that institution was likewise manifested by the result of their solicitations of the dentists generally to append thcK signatures to the petition. It was very numerously signed ; and many of the signataries con- sidered it worth the trouble of travelling long distances to do so. Thus while the Odontological Society had been pressing the Council of the Eoyal College of Sur- geons on the subject of the introduction of a clause into the Medical Bills which would, if assented to, empower that body to institute a curriculum of education, to- gether with an examining board for the purpose of certi- fying to the fitness to practise of such as passed the ordeal successfully ; so also the College of Dentists had been displaying a commendable alacrity in seeking to protect both present and future denti-sts from the opera- tion of what would have been a most restrictive en- actment. The workings of both these institutions were producing very favourable results. Although divided in opinion as to the method of progress, the profession was certainly more united than it had ever been before in the general desire for improvement. Its pulse was beating more vigorously, and while many yet remained on what may be termed neutral ground, there was a greater facility in ascertaining the feeling throughout the entire mass than had hitherto obtained. Provincial practitioners, whether leaning to this side or to that, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 95 were watching with the greatest interest the course, events were taking in the metropolis, and this alone was to be considered a matter of considerable congratulation. The great obstacle in the past had been the universal apathy which pervaded the profession. Within one short year this indifference had passed away, if not entirely, certainly to a very great extent, and was replaced at this time by an unmistakable desire to use such opportunities as circumstances produced or develo23ed for the bettering of the dental status. Meet- ing after meeting was held in quick succession at the College of Dentists. Certaintly what was thought necessary to be done there by the council was accom- plished in the most punctual and business-like way. Circulars were constantly being issued to the members and the profession at large, giving every information of what was either being done, or proposed to be acliieved, with astonishing rapidity. Something like an idea of the amount of correspondence wliich was taking place at this time may be formed from the fact that the author in the short space of twelve months from the establishment of the college received at his private house nearly two thousand letters from town and coun- try dentists, each communication requiring a specific and separate answer. The printed circulars which he had to despatch were so numerous that they more than filled up the pillar letter-box placed by the Govern- ment to receive such, and had to be carried by his ser- vant in huge bundles to other places. The council of the college considerately offered the assistance of a paid clerk, but on trial this individual not only did not give any appreciable help, but required so much instruc- tion that his services were soon dispensed with, and the work carried on as before. The truth is, that the de- partment was one which demanded expedition, and admitted of no blundering. Those who have had to fill similar offices will understand how the com- mon saying, " If you want a thing to be done do it 96 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, yourself," applied here. It was while thus engaged in the summer of this year (1857) that the writer, having sat at his table until half-past four o'clock in the morning, and had concluded liis work by filling to the full the pillar letter-box which was hard by his own door, that he determined to watch the effect pro- duced upon the faithful postman who in another half- hour was to come for its contents. In the quiet of the beautiful summer morning the messenger came whistling unsuspectingly along. On arriving at his destination, the key to the door of the box was applied, the door itself thrown carelessly wide open, and, as the result, the astonished postman surrounded, well nigh to his knees, by a perfect deluge of envelopes. The poor fellow lifted his cap from his head, rubbed his forehead, adjusted the red- bordered covering, and with an exclamation which needs no repetition, cast his big bag on the pavement, and commenced filling it up to the brim. It was a little diversion to the writer to watch quietly, and unseen, from his bedroom window, what may be called " this embarrassment of a man of letters." One thing was certain to both alike, there was more than he could carry with him, and so, while he replaced the redundancy and cruel overflow, the originators of all the trouble retired to his rest. But this is a digresion, for which forgiveness is asked. The occupation of Mr. Eymer as Hon. Sec. to the council involved a very large amount of time and trouble. Nothing, however, seemed to daunt, much less dismay him, and although each meeting in Cavendish Square, where the college was located, demanded his coming from Croydon to London, there was scarcely, if indeed ever, an occasion when he was not present and at his post. Mr. Fox, also, was unremitting in his depart- ment, and under his care the library and museum grew in order and development. Nor must Mr. Peter Mat- thews' name be omitted, for, as treasurer to the college, DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, 97 tlie members and council alike felt that they had a careful, trustworthy, and energetic friend. Such, indeed, lie proved himself to be ; his accounts were a perfect pattern of correctness and complete system, the pages of his books being absolutely without error, erasure, or blot. The writer can testify to the excellent feeling which had all along pervaded the council. As the execu- tive, they individually and collectively worked cheer- fully in their various offices, each \T.eing with the other in the effort to conduct the affairs of the institution to a successful issue. The distinct influence exerted upon the profession by the establishment of the Dental College was shown by the fact that at the close of its fet session, in June 1857, the number of its members was 218, while nearly twenty more were candidates for membership in the following month, July. The council had been exercising its power in the direction of purify- ing the profession from the disgraceful habit of adver- tising ; and in order that there should be no room for controversy on tliis head, had framed a form of declara- tion to be signed by all candidates for membership. The following is a copy of the document itself : — " Be,daration. *' In consideration of my being admitted a member of the Col- lege of Dentists of England, I hereby undertake and agree never to insert any advertisement or advertisements (except such as may be approved of by the council of the college) in any paper ; nor to circulate handbills, exhibit showcases, boards, or placards, or to follow any other profession, business, or calling, whilst practising as a dentist, or to do anything that may be in opposition to the 8th and loth laws of the said college ; and in the event of my departing from this agreement, I authorise the council of the said college to advertise my name in the public papers as being no longer a member of the College of Dentists of England, imme- diately upon which I agree that my subscription or subscriptions shall become forfeited to the college." The subjoined circular was to be sent to any offend- ing member : — 98 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. " College op Dentists op England, " 5 Cavendish Square, W. " Sir, — The attention of tlie council having been called to yonr mode of practice, I am desired to inform you that, inasmuch as they consider such to be in opposition to the 8th and loth laws of the college, they wish to know whether you are ready to sign the enclosed declaration, as by these laws all members pursuing a similar course are no longer eligible to be members of the col- lege. Awaiting your reply, I am, sir, yours faithfully, * -^ * " Hon. Corresponding Sec. " F.S. — Should you not return an answer to the above within a fortnight from this date, the council will consider that you de- cline to sign the declaration." ■ Nor was this a mere document to be spoken of or formally alluded to on rare occasions ; it was a veritable instrument for curbing the unruly, whether the delin- quent was in of&ce or only a simple member of the college. One case of the former kind did occur, and the result was a verification of these remarks. At the monthly meetings which had been held in March, April, May, and June, the following papers had been read and discussed : — " On the Production of Mineral Teeth," by Mr. D. Mackenzie; "On Diseased Pulp," by Mr. T. Underwood ; " On Dental Caries," by (the late) Mr. A. Thomson ; " On Pivoting Teeth," by Mr. W. Perkins. The meetings on these occasions were well attended, and unanimity of sentiment was stimulated by profes- sional intercourse. The council was watchful over the interests of the profession in general and its members in particular ; and those who were in connection with the college, at least, felt that it required but cautious perseverance to procure many great and durable benefits for themselves and others. The opposition from the other side appeared ineffectual to prohibit advance, and was accepted as useful in superinducing increasing caution and diligence on the part of the college executive. The Medical Bill which has been spoken of was Creating a very considerable amount of interest, not only in the medical but in the dental profession also. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 99 It proposed very great alterations in the existing state of things, and may be thus summarised : — It sought to prevent the evils which arose from the division of authority that obtained by the independent medical corporations of the United Kingdom. It proposed a general council formed from the various corporate bodies in the persons of chosen delegates from those bodies, together with a certain number of practitioners selected by the Crown. This general council would be intrusted with the power to determine the minutiae and general arrangements for future medical education, together with the issuing of diplomas, save and except such as pertained to physicians. The proposal included the abolition of the Apothecaries' Company. Those candi- dates for a diploma — which in effect was similar to that then granted by the Eoyal College of Surgeons and the Apothecaries' Company — would have to submit to an examination in medicine and pharmacy by a board com- posed conjointly of members of the College of Physi- cians and the Apothecaries' Company. Iii midwifery they would be examined by a board of members of the College of Physicians and CoUege of Surgeons ; and in anatomy, physiology, and surgery by the College of Surgeons. The examinations would have to be passed in the above order. A system of registration was also included in the measure, but very little was knoT^-n or made public concerning this important item. Looked at thus, the action proposed to be taken evinced an acknowledgment on the part of the corporate bodies of the general desire and necessity for the union of the then divided powers into a central and supreme autho- rity. As such, the circumstance appeared to be exceed- ingly opportune to those who held that dental surgery was a branch of general surgery, and, therefore, should not be severed from it, but recognised and associated with the parent stock. While the Odontological Society had much to say, and many cogent reasons to support their ideas on this subject, there was yet a large 100 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. number of tlie medical profession who were not content" to admit the force of their arguments. There was a certain amount of what maybe, perhaps, called jealousy lest the recognition of dentists by the College of Sur- geons, and the granting of certificates after examination to them, should be construed into meaning equality with those who possessed the membership of the college. From whatever cause the difference of opinion arose, many medical practitioners held with the College of Dentists of England that it was far more preferable that dentists should be an independent body, and look to their own college or institute for a certificate or diploma guaran- teeing the fitness of the several members to practise. The agit'ation which pervaded the dental profession was, therefore, not confined to it, but was largely shared in by the practitioners of general surgery. It is not, there- fore, a matter of surprise to know that the College of Dentists felt itself fortified in its efforts for an indepen- dent existence by the sentiments which were held by many general practitioners, and endorsing its own. The two dental journals received very copious matter for their columns under the head of " Correspondence," the writers of these letters in many instances, and on both sides, expressing themselves with a vehemence amount- ing to invective. Such contributions, wherever they ap- peared— and the medical journals had a considerable share of them — only fanned the flame of discord, and made the direction of affairs far more difficult for the executive on either side. Statements and counter-state- ments were unpleasantly frequent ; but one thing was made apparent, and that was the determination of the parties concerned to avow their opinions lustily, and maintain their views and course of action with the greatest pertinacity. A glance at the journals of that period will give abundant proof of this. Yet throughout all the confusion and strife of words the two institutions were aiming steadily at but one object. How to attain it, however, was the difficult point. Upon the subject DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 01 of tlie proposed dental department at the Eoyal College of Surgeons, both, sides of the profession had come to a tacit "understanding, viz., that those gentlemen Avho would form the examining board should not be simply surgeons. Although the idea had never been promul- gated by the Odontological Society that only members of the College of Surgeons practising as such should be the examiners, a very general notion obtained that such was indeed the intention, and it was, therefore, a matter of congratulation that this misconception had materially died away. The true basis for advance could only be hoped for in the gradual formation of a definite opinion as to what would really prove a permanent benefit to the future dentist. There had been and still were fiery spirits connected with these two movements ; but there were those also who, possessing a calmer mind, were con- tent to allow time to do its own specific work. A feeling among some of the more influential members of the College of Dentists was manifesting itseK in the direc- tion of united action with the Odontological Society, if that were possible, characterised by the publication of conflicting opinions concerning the workings and ulti- mate issue of the two rival bodies. As soon as the op- portunity of expressing ideas offered itself, the same was eagerly taken advantage of. Among the many writers who, either with their own names or otherwise, indited letters to the profession on the all-important subject before it, Mr. W. Perkins and Mr. D. Mackenzie were prominent on the college side of the question. Of course, their correspondence met with prompt replies from the opposing ranks, Mr. Spence Bate among others being conspicuously to the fore. As the year grew, however, the animus which had been formerly so painfully evident appeared to be moderated, and many looked hopefully towards the prospect of a blending of the divided energy of those who were so untiringly working one against another. With a considerable number of those gentlemen who had to tliis time been so actively 102 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. engaged in the matter of reform, tlie possibility of an amalgamation became a subject of the highest impor- tance. Their minds would involuntarily revert to it, and their whole conduct was in itself a proof that, if the thing could be accomplished, they would certainly assist to bring it about. Contrasting their indefatigable efforts with the supineness of the large number of dentists who had made no sign to indicate the direction of their indi- vidual proclivities, it was only a fair conclusion to arrive at that so difficult and decided a result would alone be obtained by those already in the field of con- flict. Whether odontologists or college supporters, they had alike displayed resolution enough to carry out such a measure. One of the evidences of the tendency towards united action appeared in a letter addressed by Mr. Perkins to the editor of the " British Journal of Dental Science," under date August 4, 1857, where that writer, who was one of Mr. Eymer's most ardent sup- porters, says — " I might just observe, that since writing the letter which appeared in the 'Lancet,' in 1855, Mr. Eymer's views have undergone some alteration in regard to what might be con- sidered a necessary examination. An examination of the kind there mentioned would certainly have been better than none at all ; but it has occurred to him, as well as to many others, that such an examination would of necessity be incom- plete, inasmuch as it would relate to surgery only ; and it was with a view to the complete instruction and subse- quent examination of all pupils intended to become dentists, tliat the establishment of the College of Dentists was first resolved on ; and as this object appears to be sincerely the aim of both parties into which the dentists are divided, I cannot help reiterating my regret that they do not work together to bring about so desirable a result ; for I repeat, that together they would easily obtain all they want, while, acting separately, they do but neutralise each other. They are, in fact, in the one case i — i =0, in the other they would be i-J-i =2." Every step towards a fusion of action on the basis of a common interest and professional elevation was fraught with difficulty. The proposer of any idea to DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. IO3 this end was -weighed in the balances as to his own stand- ing or the probable influence he might be expected to exert. Such, indeed, was the highly-wrought sen- sitiveness of that day that the motives of the lead- ing men themselves were subjected to the keenest and most critical analysis and dissection. Of course the editorial departments of both dental journals were regarded as the most reliable quarters to look for in- formation. In turning to the pages of the " British Journal of Dental Science," we note the following as indicative of the feelings pervading the Odontological Society, whose organ it was. In the number for October 1857, the following remarks appear in the usual leaded type : — " It is quite true that tlie College (of Dentists) has not an- nounced formally that the examination for the dental diploma may be given at the College of Surgeons, but this step is proposed in the October number of the journal, originated by members of the council of the College of Dentists, and published as the acknow- ledged organ of the college. Now, if the college is prepared to adopt the proposal respecting the mixed board of examiners at the College of Surgeons, it will in fact have embraced in all the essential particulars the course w^hich has been consistently held by the Odontological Society. Such being the case, the views entertained by the two societies have so few points of essential difference, that they may be said not only to be working towards the same end, but that they seek to gain that end by the same path. It is suggested that mutual concession must be made by the Dental College and the Odontological Society ; but we do not see what the latter body has to concede. Its views on the educational question are adopted by the College of Dentists, and they are received by the College of Surgeons ; so much so, indeed, that the latter body is virtually pledged to act upon tliem. As respects the fusion of the college and the society into one body, we confess we do not see either the necessity, or even the expediency of such a measure. Let the college be maintained as an educational body, like in character to King's College or University College ; W'hile the society will hold to the dental profession a similar position to that which the Medical and Chirurgical Societs" holds to the medical profession ; each institution may perform its own part more effectually than though it w^ere encumbered with the other, while the majority of the members of the one will also be connected with the other. Let one be strictly subservient to the 104 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. education of the students, and the other to the discussion of professional subjects by those whose education has been com- pleted. The third body — the board of examiners — must be alto- gether independent both of the society and the college. Let these arrangements be carried out, and the organisation of the dental will be similar to, and upon an equality with, that of the general body of the medical profession. Those already in prac- tice cannot be influenced directly by the proceedings either of the society, the college, or the dental department of the College of Surgeons. Honours given where they are not merited reflect discredit equally both upon the givers and upon the receivers. A title indicating acquirements which are not possessed only exposes its bearer to ridicule. An opportunity of raising the professional status of the future surgeon-dentist exists : let it be shown that neither ignorance, bigotry, or selfishness shall prevent our seizing the opportunity." The views of the College party were given in an editorial article in the "Quarterly Journal of Dental Science," in the numher for October 1857, thus — " Before these pages can be submitted to our readers, the mem- bers of the College of Dentists of England wall have received a code of propositions, the result of deliberations which have been going on between the councils of the College of Dentists of Eng- land and the Odontological Society on the all-important subject of amalgamating the two societies. We congratulate the profes- sion most sincerely, that thus far there is every probability of its being represented by a united body of practitioners, and that hereafter we may hope to see enrolled beneath one standard every respectable dentist in the three kingdoms. The College of Den- tists was instituted with the intention of offering the means of education to the younger members of the profession — to be, in fact, the recognised medium for obtaining that knowledge which was felt by all to be necessary in order that the future dentist might become a thoroughly qualified person ; and we are gratified to find that whatever changes are proposed, this vital, fundamen- tal'princiijiU remains unaltered. We trust that the members of the college will attend the meeting to be called on the 8th of January next, with a full determination to give the subject their most serious attention, and decide upon the measures with the strictest impartiality. Let us not forget that on the occasion in question an opportunity Avill be offered to cement the interests of the profession by a common tie, and that such an event will most probably not occur again. Those who have laboured so indefatigably in connection wdth either society cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to continue their labours ad infinitum, and DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. I05 ■we feel bound to conclude, that should these proposals be dealt with in any other than the most liberal way, there Y>'in be a de- clension on the part of many, whose services and aid the profes- sion should strive to retain. For obvious reasons we do not specify these propositions in detail, but we sincerely trust that shortly after the date of this meeting, the dentists of Great Britain and Ireland may be represented by one institution, let it be called by whatever name it may." Onwards, then, to the close of the year the idea of reform was carried, with more or less of variation in the views of the parties concerned, but the general feeling evidently gravitated towards a great effort at recon- ciling conflicting sentiment, and securing unity of action for the future. While thus looking back on the year 1857 ^s a w^hole, it will be necessary to consider it some- what more in detail, or at any rate to summarise its workings as they bore upon the profession at large. So far as the College of Dentists was concerned, its execu- tive had been unceasingly at their posts, and unwearied in their efforts to consolidate and utilise it as an insti- tution. Meetings had been systematically held each month. The promised papers, together with others, had been given with due regularity, and thorough discus- sion of the various subjects treated of had taken place. That the essays delivered were important the following list of them will prove : — " On the Production of Mineral Teeth," by Mr. D. Mackenzie. " On Diseased Pulp," by Mr. Underwood. " On Dental Caries," by Mr. A. Thomson. " On Pivoting Teeth," by Mr. W. Perkins. " On the Electric Cautery," by Mr. T. Harding. " On the Alveolar Hemorrhage Compress," and the " Dentition of the Lilliputian Aztecs," by Mr. R. Eeid. " On Refining and Assaying Gold," by Mr. ."W. G. Bennett. " On Mechanical Dentistry," by Mr. A. Hockley. The appointed lecturers had given excellent lectures to the students on the following subjects, viz. : — " Descriptive Anatomy," by Dr. Steggall. " Histological Anatomy, the use of the Microscope," by Jabez Hogg. I06 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. " On the Skeleton," by G. Simpson. " On Dental Surgery," l3y A. Carpenter. '• On Substances used in Dentistry — i. Bone enamel ; 2. Metals in Dental use," by Dr. Gladstone. The library and mnse"am had each received a very large amount of contributions, and could be considered excellent as storehouses of great value for the students, either for mental or material reference. The number of adherents steadily increased as the institution and its claims became better known through the influence of its own members, and the published account of its j^roceedings by means of the " Quarterly Journal of Dental Science ; " while the growing confidence in its essential usefulness and ultimate success, both within its walls and without, constituted it a most important subject for consideration, and object of wide-spread notice. There was no disguising the fact that, as a rival of and opponent to the Odontological, Society, it not only held its ground tenaciously, but made steady advance in its own proposed direction. During this year it had very carefully drawn up the laws and con- stitution, together with a code of byelaws, of the institu- tion, and included therein the means whereby the dip- loma of the colleo;e could alone be obtained. On the other hand, the Odontological Society had been steadily pursuing its course, its supporters constantly availing themselves of every opportunity to ^^romote its interests and progress. Its affairs were systematically published in the " British Journal of Dental Science," Avhich, as its own organ, did not fail to push forward its claims for acceptance by the profession at large. Papers, of which the following is a list, were read at its meetings,' and altogether its establishment had become considerably consolidated : — " On the Eeduction of Limaille," by Mr. Arnold Eogers. " On Absorption of the Ptoots of Temporary Teeth," by Mr. Spence Bate. " On the Best Method of Excluding Moisture from Teeth daring the Operation of Plugging," by Mr, John Tomes. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 10/ " On Dental Exostosis," bj Mr. Hubert Shelley. " On the Removal of the Four Permanent First Molars, at an Early Period, in Overcrowding Arches," by Mr. Samuel Maclean. " On Improvements in Operating Chairs/' by Mr. J. Barrett. <' On Cleft Palate," by Mr, E. Sercombe. " On the Cause of the Early Destruction of the Teeth," by Mr. Eobertsox. " On Capping Exposed IsTerve," by Mr. T. A. Rogers. " On an Improved Dentist's Lathe," by Mr. G. Owen. " On Gutta-Percha as a Permanent Stopping," by Mr. H. L. Jacob. " On the Mateiaals used by Dentists," by Mr. G. A. M. Duff. " On the Method of Taking Impressions of Cleft Palate," by Mr. E. Sercombe. « On Plate Casting," by Mr. J. H. Statham. With STicli a catalogue of efforts made on botli sides as have thus been recorded, it was abundantly evident that the latent energies of the profession were thoroughly astir. One other matter, however, must be mentioned before closing this chapter. Shortly after the middle of this year, memorable in the history of dentistry, a circumstance occuiTed wliicli, simple in itself, operated materially upon the future course of events. It was an illustration of the principle acknowledged by all, and not unfrequently demon- strated, that apparently insignificant causes produce large and important results. Mr. Eeid, of Edinburgh, was the actor, and, at the request of the author, has furnished him with a succinct account of the chcum- stance, which will be best given in his own words. Mr. Eeid says : — " In passing through London during the summer of 1857, I met with several of my professional brethren, with whom the all-absorbing subject of the division of the profession into two rival bodies formed the topic of conversation. From what I heard, I became impressed with the feeling that a considerable misconception existed in the minds of the Odontologi- cals I came across, as to the views and the honest working of those of the college, who in a straight- forward way sought to advance the status of the pro- I08 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. fession, and give it position as a learned body. That impression was strengthened and afterwards confirmed by wdiat passed during an interview I had with my old and valued friend Mr. Tomes. On thinking over all I had heard, the question arose within me, Could not a better understanding be effected between the two sections who, although estranged, were travelling in parallel lines v\^hile worthily working to attain the same end ? But how was that to be accomplished ? The only way that occurred to me was, to devise the means of bringing the motor powers, as it were, of each section together, so that, in coming to know each other, their views might be better understood, and miscon- ception thereby dispelled. Acting upon this, perhaps impulsive, idea — my stay in town being but short, and having a strong desire to place matters on a friendly footing ere I left, if at all in my power — I penned a letter to Mr. Tomes, feeling the while that I was tread- ing on dangerous ground on entering on such a delicate undertaking. I cannot do better than give you that document in extenso, from the copy I kept. It is as follows : — " ' My Dear Sir, — Casting over in my mind what passed be- tween US during the interview I had the pleasure of having with you to-day, I feel strongly impressed with the idea that a great deal of misapprehension exists between the two bodies at present representing the dental profession. I cannot express the concern it gives me that members of the same family, as it were, should thus be at enmity. Surely something might be done to end such an unseeml}'- state of things. My time in town is limited, as I propose leaving on Monday ; and could I in any way be instru- mental in bringing about a meeting betwixt individual members of each body, 1 need not assure you what pleasure it would afford me. I am now about to make a suggestion, which, believe me, comes entirely from myself, and which, if listened to on your part, will, I feel confident, be as readily responded to by the party I am about to name. Will you afford me an opportunity of in- troducing you and Mr. Underwood to each other as individual pro- fessionals ? If agreeable, I would propose that you meet on neutral ground — that is, in my apartments, No. 5 Duke Street, Portland Place, and that on Monday, at whatever hour you may find most DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. I09 convenient. As I have already stated, I leave on Monday even- ing, and no other chance is left me of mediating in this matter. An acquiescence on your part can be but regarded as a graceful act by every generous-minded man, and every well-wisher of our profession. Need I then say I feel hopeful — nay, confident, you will accede to my proposition. I shall call on you at half-past ten on Monday. If you can spare me two minutes I shall be glad. If engaged, will you kindly leave for me a note, sayino- how this is received. Believe me, my dear sir, ever yours most sincerely, Egbert Eeid, '■ist August 1857. 5 Duke Street, Pobtlaxd Place.' " As intimated, I called on Mr. Tomes on the Monday morning — found him very far from well; nevertheless, he said he would be happy to meet Mr. Underwood, if he would kindly waive ceremony by coming along to Caven- dish Square, as he was too unwell to leave liis room that day to get to my apartments. To this proposal I could give no other answer than to say I would carry it immediately to Mr. Underwood. This I did, and havinsf, with cer- tain misgivings, acquainted the latter of what I had done at my own hand — of Mr. Tomes' inability to meet him on the proposed ' neutral ground ' owing to illness, and at the same time deliverhig his message of in^^ita- tion to meet him, by accompanying me to Cavendish Square, Mr. Underwood in the circumstance promptly acquiesced. On being shown into Mr. Tomes' apart- ment I introduced the two plenipotentiaries in these terms : ' Gentlemen, you know each other, and need no introduction.' The frank and friendly way in which they met, assured me there was a mutual desire to know and be kno^\m, so that misconception might be dispelled, and a right understandiug arrived at of the views of those who were in truth, each after their own fashion, working to effect one common good. After a few commonplaces an amusing little colloquial passage-at-arms took place, thrust and parry foUo^dng each other in quick succession; the good-natured bantering give-and-take ending in mer- riment, and the hearty hand-grasp at parting, while evincing mutual esteem, raised in me a feeling of no DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, gratification that amply repaid the disquiet and the misgivings I had experienced as to the issue of my unauthorised attempts at mediation." It was a happy idea which occurred to Mr. Beid thus to bring together two such truly representative men, and his management of the whole affair reflects the greatest credit on his generosity of mind, and also on his excellent tact. There was in it all through la finesse of diplomacy. The proposed "neutral ground/' the carefulness as to the introduction, alike proved that Mr, Eeid not only understood the amount of sensitiveness which had been produced by the conflict of opposing sentiments, but demonstrated also his capital ability to deal with it under the circumstances. The effect of that interview was in itself admirable, and its results leave the profession indebted to the originator of it in no in- significant degree. It must be remembered that Mr. Underwood had from the first warmly espoused the College of Dentists' scheme, and tenaciously adhered to it as the most beneficial method which could be em- ployed to elevate the profession. "With excellent effect he had publicly spoken in advocacy of that system, and was well fitted to advance and discuss its merits in the presence of such a defender of the opposite plan as Mr. Tomes. Xo one who knows the latter gentleman could doubt for a moment the ability with which the principles and plan of the Odontological Society would be dealt with when such a close reasoner and acute thinker, as Mr. Tomes has ever proved himself to be, undertook to ex- plain and enforce them. They were, in fact, " foemen worthy of each other's steel." By this interview an important barrier in the way of union was, so far, re- moved. The difficulty of effecting such intercommunion, and the apparent danger of failure, were painful evi- dences of the estrangement which had been prevailing throughout the profession, and when the feat — for it was nothmg less — had been accomplished, every right- minded man felt not only a sense of relief, but could justly entertain a brighter hope concerning the future. ( III ) CHAPTEE y. Matters having worked up to this point, it was a happy augury that such men as Mr. Tomes and Mr. Under- wood could come together and calmly discuss the sub- ject in hand. The circumstance, of course, became known to both institutions, and this eventuated in the resolu- tion that Mr. Tomes should act in the capacity of the appointed delegate from the Odontological Society, and Mr. Underwood as the appointed delegate from the College of Dentists, to confer together upon the subject of an amalgamation of the two bodies. Armed with this official authority, these two gentlemen accordingly met, and the result of their conference was the fol- lowing : — " The parties delegated by the respective councils of the Odontological Society and the College of Dentists of England to confer upon the propriety of adopting a common course of pro- cedure in respect to the organisation of the dental profession, beg to recommend to their respective councils the adoption of the following conclusions : — " I. That a definite course of education shall be provided for those who may in future enter upon the practice of dental surgery. " 2. That those subjects which are taught at the existing medical schools, a knowledge of which is necessary to the dentist, shall be learnt at such schools. " 3. That those subjects which specially relate to dental surgery shall be taught at a school established for that purpose. "4. That a dental diploma shall be granted after an examina- tion, and that the examination shall be conducted at the College of Surgeons by a board composed of surgeons and dentists in equal numbers. " 5. That, in order to carry into effect the foregoing proposi- tions, a committee shall be formed, consisting of three members of 112 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. each, of the respective councils, namely, the College of Dentists and the Odontological Society. (Signed) " Thomas Underwood. " John Tomes. "-^TbremSer 24, 1857." This preliminary step met with the approval of both institutions, and the consequence was that it was deter- mined that the subject should be further considered ; and to this end three members of the council of each body were delegated for that purpose. After mature deliberation, the annexed propositions were mutually agreed upon by these gentlemen : — *' Proposed Terms of Amalgamation between the College of Dentists of Ungland and the Odontological Society, December 19, 1857. " I. That the two bodies shall be merged into one, and that the name shall be ' The Institute of British Dentists ' — to consist of a president, vice-presidents, council, officers, members, and as- sociates. " 2. That, in the event of the amalgamation taking place, the united body pledges itself that it shall press upon the College of Surgeons the necessity of granting, within a reasonable time, special dental diplomas, on the following terms. " 3. That the court of examiners at the College of Surgeons of candidates for the dental diploma shall consist of surgeons and dentists in equal numbers. " 4. That the dental portion of the court of examiners at the College of Surgeons of candidates for the dental diploma shall be chosen by the amalgamated body of dentists ; and that it shall not be essential that the dentists on such court shall hold the diploma of the College of Surgeons. " 5. That in the event of the College of Surgeons declining to grant the above -specified dental diplomas, the Odontological Society and the College of Dentists of England, in thus uniting, pledge themselves that the united dental body shall grant its own diploma. "6. That the united Dental Society shall be the chief educa- tional body iu all subjects connected with dental surgery and mechanics. " 7. That the council shall consist of eighteen members, six only of whom shall be country members ; and that the mode of nomi- nating the first council shall be, that the council of the Odonto- logical Society shall choose nine members from the present oliice-bearers of the College of Dentists of England, and that the DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. II3 (Council of the College of Dentists of England shall choose nine members from the present office-bearers of the Odontological Society. '• 8. That the above council shall nominate a president. " 9. That there shall be at least six vice-presidents, and that thev shall be nominated and chosen in the same manner as specified above for the proposed council. "10. That there shall be a treasurer. " II. That there shall be three honorary secretaries. '•'12. That an assistant-secretary be engaged, who shall act as librarian and curator. " 13. That the treasurer and secretaries shall be nominated by the provisional council, when formed. " 14. The above nominated office-bearers and council shall be submitted for election at a meeting of members of the united body, to be convened for that purpose, and scrutineers to be ap- pointed at such meeting. " 15. One-third of the council shall retire at the end of each year, but such members of council shall not be eligible for re- election until a year has expired from the time of such retirement, and that no member shall remain on the council longer than three consecutive years. " 16. After discharging the liabilities and obligations of each society, the funds of each shall be merged into one fund. (Signed) James Eobixson. Arnold Eogers. John Tomes. Samuel Cartwright, Jun. Thomas Uxderwood. . PiOBERT HePBURX.'"' These propositions displayed abundant evidence of the deep interest in the future of the dental j)rofession which the committee, both individually and collectively, felt. As the product of their joint and earnest efforts, it was most creditable to them all alilvC ; and it was evident to those who knew the spirit and candour of the signataries that this document had cost them much in the direction of those sentiments which they held so tenaciously. There were the traces all through it of struggle. Had not the permanent benefit of the future dentist been the supreme idea in the minds of each and all concerned, no such conclusion could have been even hoped for, much less arrived at. Considering the H 1 14 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, amourit and quality of conflicting opinion around them at tliat time, it was a matter of congratulation that so much forbearance and mutual conciliation had been mani- fested. The important consideration was, would these terms prove acceptable to the supporters of the two societies ? So far as the Odontological Society was. con- cerned, when the proper moment for their discussion came, they were duly submitted and approved. It re- mained, therefore, to be seen how they would be dealt with by the College of Dentists of England. Those whom the matter concerned had not long to wait in suspense. A meeting of the members of the college was an- nounced to take place on the evening of January 8, 1858, for the purpose of considering the proposed plan of union. In the meantime, however, the Odontological Society had resolved to hold its first public dinner ; which event was to take place on the 2d of that month, at the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen Street, London. To this festival Mr. Eobinson, as president of the College of Dentists, had been invited ; in itself an earnest of goodwill towards the institution he repre- sented. In return Mr. Eobinson very properly, and with a generous spirit, waived all other considerations, and accepted the proffered courtesy ; believing that by so doing he would facilitate matters in many du'ections, and smooth the path towards a better understanding on all sides. By Ms influence he also obtained the support of the personal presence of several other members of the College of Dentists of England on the occasion. Mr. Arnold Eogers, in the absence of the president, occupied the chair, and was supported on the right by Mr. Eobinson, and on the left by Mr. Jacob Bell, the latter gentleman being then the president of the Pharmaceutical Society. Many were the friendly expressions used, and great the cordiality experienced by gentlemen of both sides. Differences seemed to die a hasty and very natural death in the particular atmosphere of goodwill, and expectations of the best order appeared to grow and DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. II5 strengthen as by an instinct. In proposing tlie health of the president of the College of Dentists of England, Mr. Eogers made the following among other remarks, which will serve to throw a little light upon events which were in the immediate future : — " I speak," said Mr. Rogers, " from behind the scenes ; I have never had the pleasure of Mr. Robinson's acquaintance until, as one of the delegates, I met that gentleman upon this important business (the question of amalgamation). I shall never forget the cordiality of feeling displayed by the delegates of the College of Dentists, nor their heartiness in the cause of dental surgery, and their disposition to carry out ever}^ arrangement by which the profession might be benefited, 'WTien we came to compare notes, there was scarcely any difference between us; and I venture to say that if the delegates had the power granted to them, we should have settled the question there and then. We had eight hours most agreeable companionship. There was sometimes a little controversy, but it was all conducted in a most amicable disposition. I do not say there was any sacrifice of principle, for there was nothing to sacrifice ; nor was there any compromise, for we were both pointing to the same object, and it would have puzzled the Lord Chancellor to have detected any real difference between us. ... I consider that the circumstance of our having had tw'O courses has been the happiest thing for the profession." Mr. Eobinson in reply said — " With regard to myself and the gentlemen present, I assure you we never had any other wish than to raise the status of the profession. The best way to do that has been the subject of difference between us, but we certainly have broken the ice now, and I trust we shall all be able to unite and form ourselves into one strong and powerful body of dentists, equal to any other profes- sion in the kingdom." Although these were post-;prandial observations, and as such may be accepted at only a certain value, yet subsequent events proA'ed them to be very faithful re- presentations of the sentiments held by an ever-increas- ing number of dental practitioners. Undoubtedly this gathering together, under pleasant social circumstances, of gentlemen who had held aloof from each other, and even had opposed each other, was no unimportant ele- 1X6 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. ment in tlie direction of future union and progress. It seems strange that up to the year of grace 1858, a use- ful and honourable profession had been so uncared for and integrally separated as to permit two practitioners of position, like Mr. Eogers and Mr. Eobinson, to be altogether unknown to one another in the manner Mr. Eogers thus stated. The occasion in question appeared to be a happy prognostic for the dentists of the United Kingdom, and the interest concerning the forthcoming meeting of the college members was heightened mate- rially thereby. On the 8th of January the gathering at No. 5 Cavendish Square was duly held. Mr. Eobinson, as president, was in the chair, and sixty-one members were present — a number which could hardly be said fully to represent the college on so important an occa- sion, as the names on the list at that time numbered, with the associates, somewhat over three hundred. The president, in introducing the subject, announced that the propositions to be submitted were to be con- sidered as a whole, and not to be taken seriatim. This constituted the first difficulty. It next transpired that the council of the college in their deliberative capacity were not unanimous upon the subject. This produced a feeling of uneasiness. There were, evidently, those present who would not allow the matter to pass without critical analysis. Such was the overwrought sentiment which existed, that a sense of jealousy was manifested in even the way in which the idea of amalgamation originated. "Who," it was demanded, "first made the proposition to unite the two bodies ? " And here, it was apparent, lay the value and importance of Mr. Eeid's procedure. Tliis question having been satisfactorily answered by Mr. Underwood, the meeting went as far as receiving the propositions of the delegates. The real contest then began — Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Lintott, Mr. Turner, Mr. ]\Iatthews, and Mr. Perkins making strong objections to the terms before them. The chief diffi- culty, at least with many, appeared to be in the for- DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 11/ feiture of the name. Tlie College of Dentists of England was certainly a good and euphonious title, which had been determined upon after much discussion, and was admittedly most appropriate for an educational institu- tion. No wonder that Mr. Eymer objected to the new scheme, considering the earnestness and sustained zeal he had exhibited in inaugurating, and so far helping to develop, his idea of what would meet the necessities of the profession. He firmly believed that there were within the dental ranks men competent to examine future dentists, and in every way capable of instructing them in the various departments of their profession. Besides this, he had been led to the conclusion that an independent existence was that which dentistry, as such, needed and demanded. Amongst others, there- fore, Mr. Eymer, while desiring an amalgamation with the Odontological Society, felt that the terms proposed were incompatible with what he considered principle and honour. The meeting was a prolonged one, and after an animated discussion, the proposed terms of the delegates were put from the chair. The votes recorded were — For the amalgamation, 27 ; agains-t it, 34 — majority, 7. The measure was accordingly lost. The result thus attained was productive of much feeling on all sides. The college delegates, Messrs. Eobinson, Hepburn, and Underwood, construed it into an expression of want of confidence in them, and consequently resigned their of&cial positions — the first as president, the two latter as members of council. Messrs. Eogers, Ghrimes, Fox, and the writer having supported the delegates at the meetings of council, and also at the general ^neeting, felt that the same course was alone open to them, and they also con- sequently vacated their of&cial positions. With regard to those members of the governing body who had voted against the plan proposed, it may be asserted that much regret was experienced by them at the failure of this attempt at union \ so much so, indeed, was this the case Il8 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. that they by no means abandoned the hope of succeed- ing througii another attempt which they were prepared to make. Outside the college regret deepened into dis- satisfaction, because it was generally thought that had the meeting in question been more numerously attended, the opposite result to that which had been arrived at would have been secured. With the Odontological Society there was the settled determination to do no more in the direction of uniting or attempting to unite with the College of Dentists. The council and members generally of that society had placed the measure in the hands of three gentlemen in whom they had unlimited confidence. Their proposals had been accepted by them, and when they were rejected by the College of Dentists in meeting assembled^ they concluded that it was unnecessary to try further. This resolution was confirmed \)^ their determination to hold no more cor- respondence with the Dental College on the subject. At the annual general meeting of the college, which was held January 21, 1858, the subject, as might be expected, was included in the report presented to the members for adoption. The chairman, Mr. P. Matthews, brought it forward, expressing his own regret, and that also of the council, that the proceedings on this important matter had terminated in the way then so well known. He also alluded to the great loss the college staff had sustained in the resignation of those gentlemen whose names have been already mentioned. Admitting that the meeting, whose decision had produced so much sen- sation throughout the profession, had been deprived of the opportunity of a full expression of opinion by the members generally, tl^ough the fact that no provision had been made in the laws for receiving votes by proxy, Mr. Matthews acknowledged the necessity of immediately attempting to remedy tha,t palpable defect. There can be no doubt that the feeling of that meeting was that the amalgamation question was either not settled at all, or not properly settled. Mr, Rymer himself was under DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITA.IN. II9 that impression, for he remarked that he should use his influence with the council to call another meetinsf to reconsider it * Mr. S. Tibbs expressed his earnest desire that the gentlemen who had resigned, as a consequence of the rejection of the terms proposed, should be pressed to continue in office or withhold their resi2;nations until the question had been submitted in such a manner as that town and country members might have ther oppor- tunity of recording their opinions. Mr. Tibbs was a vice-president of the college, and he believed that if this action were taken the decision of the former meeting would be reversed. In submitting his proposi- tion to the meeting then assembled he met with a very cordial response, every hand being held up in token of acquiescence. Mr. Eobinson, in concurring with the unanimous wish of those present, that he and others who had resigned should return to office, and speaking on behalf of those gentlemen who had resigned, said — " We now go on, then, upon these terms : — If we are beaten by proxy upon the amalgamation question, we con- sider ourselves open to take any course we please ; and if we should not be beaten, we shall join in any and all measures to advance the interests of the associated members and of the profession at large." This meeting ended by Mr. Matthews vacating the presidential chair in favour of Mr. Eobinson, a vote of thanks being passed to the former gentleman for the efficient manner in which he had fulfilled the duties of his office, to Mr. Fox for his exertions as curator, and, finally, by the adoption of a resolution proposed by Mr. Eymer tliat the special meeting for the alteration of the bye-laws should be adjourned to a day not named. On the 8th of February 1858, the meeting here alluded to was held at the college rooms for the purpose of adding the following words, by way of amendment, to Law No. 1 3, viz. : — " Members of the college residing beyond twenty miles of Charincj Cross shall be entitled to vote by * Quarterly Journal of Dental Science, vol. ii. p. 95. I20 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. proxy in the election of council and officers, and all other questions of importance in general, and special general meetings." Mr. Eobinson was in the chair. Mr. Matthews proposed the motion, and Mr. Under- wood seconded it. Such, however, was the spirit of dis-^ agreement, even upon such a plain matter as this, that an amendment was proposed. The power to move an amendment was ruled against by the chairman, and after a considerable discussion on the original motion, the same was at length carried, with only one dissen- tient voice. Another and special meeting was held " to reconsider the terms of amalgamation proposed by the late delegates," which, through real or supposed tech- nical difficulties touching the 13th law of the college, resulted in the dissolution of the meeting without any agreement being arrived at. This was on March 4th. It was speedily followed, March 27th, by a special general meeting of the college, " for the purpose of taking the sense of the members upon the course to be pursued in consequence of the rejection of the proposed terms of amalgamation." Mr. Eobinson occupied the chair. Having explained that the then position of the council was considered to be anomalous, it had been determined to consult the members upon the position of the college. All the proxy papers which up to that time had been received were destroyed — a motion to that effect having passed the meeting. In consequence of the terms of amalgamation having been rejected, several of the original office-bearers declined being put in nomination for the new council. Mr. Mackenzie moved " that as the council has never been dissolved, it is still in active existence, and consequently cannot be in an anomalous position ; and that it be requested to call a general meeting to fill up the vacancies in its body occasioned by the resignation of some of its members." Mr. Underwood, with his usual clearness, stated that it was his decided opinion that the delegates were requested to return to office for the purpose of testing the feeling of DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 121 the members at large upon tlie same terms wMch had been placed before the members on the 8th of January. This opinion, it is certain, was that of the delegates and those who supported them. However, Mr. Tibbs moved an amendment to the effect that a sub- committee of five should be appointed whose duty should be to endeavour to collect a council from amongst the members who would act with unanimity ; which motion, having been duly seconded, was, after considerable discussion, car- ried. The gentlemen elected .for this purpose were Messrs. Purland, Weiss, Bartlett, Imrie, junior, £ind Harding. Apart from the feeling of disapprobation which was felt by many members of the college at the refusal to accept the terms of the joint- delegates, the college had to suffer the loss of its president, six vice-presidents, eleven members of council, its honorary corresponding secretary, and the curator and librarian. Tliis maybe con- sidered the commencement of the throes of dissolution. The president and council of the Odontological Society summoned a special general meetmg of its members on the evening of the 19th of March 1858, to hear the report which the council had to make concern- ing its communications with the College of Surgeons on the subject of the introduction of a dental department into that body, and also what had been the results touch- ing the proposed amalgamation of the society and the College of Dentists. The report presented the various facts with which it had had to deal in the order in which they had occurred. Hence we come to the statement of the well-known circumstance that eighteen gentlemen had, on nth December 1855, sent in the celebrated me- morial to the Eoyal College of Surgeons. That document has already been frequently alluded to ; it is not, there- fore, necessary to introduce it again here. It appeared that "no definite reply having been received to tliis memorial down to February 1857, and Mr. Headlam, M.P., having given notice that he would, dicing that 122 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. session of Parliament, introduce a Bill for the regulation of tlie medical profession, it was thought desirable again to draw the attention of the college to that memorial, to solicit an answer, and to press upon their considera- tion the further suggestions contained in the following memorial : — " To the President, Vice-President, and Council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. " London, February 22, 1857. " Gentlemen, — It will be recollected that a memorial was presented to your college in November 1855, in which the present state of the dental profession was set forth, with a statement of its educational requirements ; and it was suggested for the consid- eration of the council, whether a department of dental surgery might not be instituted. The memorialists have not received an answer to that memorial, but they have heard incidentally that the charter held by the college does not empower the council to institute a separate department of dental surgery. " Since the presentation of that memorial the Odontological Society has been formed, and the majority of the memorialists are members of its council. They collectively entertain the opinions exjjressed in the memorial, and beg to address you from their present position. The council of the Odontological Society, feel- ing strongly that dental surgery is, if legitimately pursued, strictly a i3ranch of surgery, consider that the absence of an answer to the memorialists indicates that the subject of the memorial was favourably entertained by the president and council of the College of Surgeons, and that the legal difficulty has, for the present, interfered with the adoption of any definite line of action. They consider that the college presides over the subject of surgery, and regard an unsanctioned attempt to remove from its guardianship any department of surgery both as disrespectful to the college and injurious to the interests of the profession. If this interpre- tation of the silence on the part of your council be correct, they beg to suggest whether power may not be obtained, under the Medical Bill which is about to be brought before Parliament, which shall enable the college to establish a department of dental surgery, consisting conjointly of members of its council and of gentlemen engaged in dental practice. The excitement which at present prevails in the dental profession renders it necessary that some definite course should be at once adopted in respect to the education and recognition of dental practitioners. The council of the Odontological Society beg, therefore, to solicit the imme- DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 23 diate consideration of the memorial, in order that they mar be placed in a position to pursue such measures as may be deemed expedient. (Signed) W. A. Harrison, M.E.C.S.E. John H. Parkinson. Arnold EoGERs, F.E.C.S.E. William Eobertson. Thomas A. EoCxErs, M.E.C.S.E. John Tomes, F.E.S. H. J. Barrett, M.E.C.S.E. Edwin Saunders, F.E.C.S.E. James Salter, M.B., M.E.C.S.E. J. A. Ibbetson, M.E.C.S.E. John H. Parkinson, Jun., M.E.C.S.E. James Parkinson. William M. Bigg. Alfred Canton, M.E.C.S.E. Hubert Shellet,M.B. Loud., M.E.C.S.E." In the list of simataries to this address it will be noticed that the following, which were appended to the original memorial, do not appear, viz. : — Messrs. S. Cartwright, H. L. Featherstone, and J. L. Craigie ; while those of W. A. Harrison and William Eobertson are new. "Within a month the college through their secretary replied to this as under : — " Royal College of Surgeons op England, March 13, 1857. "Sir, — The memorial from the council of the Odontological Society of the 22d ult., together with a former memorial from certain practitioners of dental surgery, have been laid before the council of this college. I am desired to acquaint you that the reply to the memorial from the practitioners of dental surgery was delayed, pending the issue of the conferences between this college and the other medical corporations of the United King- dom with reference to the legislative measure lately brought before Parliament. I am also desired to acquaint you that the legal advisers of the college are of opinion that the college cnn- not institute the proposed special examination in dental surgery without the authority of a supplemental charter, and that the council would not feel justified in applying to the Crown for such charter under their existing engagements with the other medical corporations above referred to ; but wishing the society 124 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. every success in tlieir laudable efforts to raise the character of their branch of the profession, would suggest that the society might petition Parliament to be placed, either independently or in connection Avith this college, under the supervision and authority of the general council proposed in the Bill of the medical corporations. At the same time the council enter- tain a strong opinion that the surgical qualification for the pro- posed examination of practitioners of dental surgery should be the same as that required for the membership of the college. — I am, sir, your very obedient servant, " Edm. Belfour, Secretary. '•W. A. Harrison, Esq." The petitioners had waited long — since December 1855 — and patiently, and this answer arriving at last could not be said to carry much comfort with it. The explanation concerning the time which had elapsed was satisfactory enough, considering the importance of the subject which had absorbed it all; but the result of the council's deliberation upon the prayer of the petitioners was altogether unsatisfactory. Whatever the College of Surgeons thought its executive might desire to do for the dentists, the ability was wanting. An altered charter alone could effect the purpose proposed : this they did not feel disposed to ask for from the Crown — at any rate, not just then ; and so the memorialists, if they still thought proper to pursue their course, might just as well do their own business by appearing as applicants, or rather suppliants, at the feet of Parlia- ment. The final clause of Mr. Belfour's letter, even in the event of the memorialists obtaining the sanction of Parliament to be affiliated to the College of Surgeons, left matters pretty much in static quo ante. It is not a matter of much surprise, then, to find the Odontological Society, through its council, taking up the pen to address the College of Surgeons once more. The society con- sidered the college rejoly indefinite, and believing that there was some misunderstanding of their ideas upon the subject of what they proposed as qualifications for future dentists, a committee was appointed to address the college authorities again. The College of Dentists .'DENTAL RjEFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 12$ 'of England, and those wlio sympathised with it, were re- joiced beyond measure when the reply from Lincoln's Inn Fields reached the Odontological Society, and was made public through the "British Journal of Dental Science." •The exultation which abounded was represented in the " Quarterly Journal of Dental Science " thus : — " In all the controversy that has taken place with respect to the dental movement, we have not read or heard of defence of the conduct of the eighteen, except from themselves. Even those who have most strongly op- posed the establishment of the College of Dentists have admitted that these dozen and a half of gentlemen com- mitted an act of unpardonable assumption. They would have had just as much right to speak for the surgeons of England as they had for the dentists ; and we have too high an opinion of the distinguished men who sit on the council of the College of Surgeons to imagine for one moment that they would countenance such an imposition. They have stamped the arrogant preten- sion of the memorialists with the most withering brand they could affix to it, by not deigning a reply to their humble prayers ; and the council of the college could have done nothing else, without being guilty of an assumption equally as unwarrantable as that of the petitioners ; for by what right could the College of Sur- geons deal with the whole body of dentists without the consent of the parties to be affected? ^Ylien driven to it, the eighteen had to admit that they spoke only for themselves — that is, that they had no autho- rity but their own, though they demanded from a body not entitled to grant it an act of professional legislation which was to affect every dentist in the king- dom. What would have been said of tlie College of Surgeons had it hated such a proceeding as that ? Why, that it and the eighteen were well matched, and that the sooner a reformation was introduced into its councils the better." In the meantime, the Odontological Society appointed 126 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. a committee for the express purpose of addressing the College of Surgeons, in order to rectify any misappre- hension concerning the views it held, and further to promote the all - important subject. The following memorial was accordingly drawn up, and presented to the college : — " To the President and Council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. ' " Odontological Society, April 4, 1857. " Gentlemen, — The president and council of the Odontological Society beg to acknowledge a communication from the council of the Royal College of Surgeons in answer to two memorials addressed to the college on the subject of the dental profession. The memoriahsts beg also to state that they fully appreciate the consideration which has been given to the memorials, and the approval which the council has expressed in regard to the efforts they are making for the advancement of their branch of the pro- fession. There are, however, certain points mooted, both in the memorials and in the reply to which the president and council of the Odontological Society respectfully request the further atten- tion of the council of the college, and uj)on which they solicit a more explicit expression of its opinion. At the time the subject was considered by the college, a Medical Bill was before Parlia- ment, and the council was pleased to suggest that the Odonto- logical Society might petition Parliament to be placed under the general council proposed in the Bill, either independently or in connection with the college. But the Bill is now no longer before Parliament, the time of its introduction is indefinitely postponed, and its eventual introduction in the form recently proposed is, in the minds of many, a matter of great doubt. The council of the Odontological Society beg, therefore, to suggest, whether, under the new combination of circumstances, means for instituting a department of dental surgery, in the manner origin- ally suggested by the memorialists, might not be taken, without immediate reference to a comprehensive Medical Bill ; and to ask, if such a step should at the present time be deemed inexpe- dient, whether the college, in any measure which may hereafter be brought before Parliament for the regulation of the medical profession, would induce, or render active assistance in inducing, the recognition of dental surgery as a department of the medical profession to be placed in connection with the College of Surgeons, somewhat in the manner proposed by the memorialists. In the communication referred to, the council expresses the following DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 12/ opinion : — ' At tlie same time, the council entertain a stron^ opinion that the surgical qualification for the proposed examina- tion of practitioners of dental surgery should be the same as that required for the membership of the college.' The president and council of the Odontological Society are fully prepared to show that the acquisition of a fair amount of proficiency in the re- quirements peculiar to dental practice necessitates close applica- tion on the part of the student oyer a period of little short of three years ; and are of opinion that any attempt to materially shorten that term would be attended with great disadyantage. If three years be added to the curriculum already enjoined by the college, the education of the dental surgeon becomes more extended, both as regards knowledge and the period of ptipilage, and more expen- sive than that required of the surgeon. The memorialists do not suggest education and an examination inferior to that required of the medical practitioner ; but propose a certain difference in limd only — not a difi"erence in degree — an education and an examination specially adapted to the requirements of the dental surgeon as dis- tinguished from that fitted to the general surgeon. They would suggest a curriculum extending over four or five years, and embracing all the subjects necessary to a perfect qualification. Under existing circumstances, the dentist must pursue his special studies either after he has passed the college or before he enters upon the medical curriculum. Either course is attended with so much inconvenience, and so large an expenditure of time, and the college diploma, when obtained, is regarded as so imperfect an indication of the possessor's fitness for the pectiliarities of dental practice, that out of 1500 individuals who follow this branch of the profession scarcely more than 30 have become members of the college. The president and council of the Odontological Society are of opinion, that if a suitable course of education were insti- tuted, and an examining board established by the College of Surgeons, upon the plan indicated in the communication from the Odontological Society, very few dentists would in future enter upon practice without previously acquiring the proposed qualifi- cation ; but that, if the existing curriculum be insisted on, and a special one superadded, the dental pupil would feel that a higher qualification was required of him than of the surgeon, and in the absence of a legal prohibition would probably dispense with the profi"ered qualification, and enter upon practice, as at 'present^ wiili such attainments as may have fallen within his reach. The favourable manner in which the suggestions advanced by the memorialists have been received by the council of the College of Surgeons has encouraged the council of the Odontological Society to solicit attention to the foregoing points in connection with a reconsideration of the preceding memorials. They feel that the more fully the subject is investigated, the more apparent will it I2S DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. become that the establishment of a department of dental surgery by the College of Surgeons upon the principle advanced by the memorialists, to meet the existing necessity, will not only prove advantageous to dental practitioners and the public, but to the medical schools and the profession at large. The anxiety for educational advancement among members of the dental profession evinced by the present agitation, renders it necessary that some measure should be taken for the recognition of this branch of the profession ; and the president and council of the Odontological Society feel that the College of Surgeons is the proper source from whence these measures should emanate. They beg again, there- fore, most respectfully to direct the attention of the council of the college to the subject, and to solicit a decided expression of its opinion upon the general points advanced in this and the former address. . (Signed) W. A. Haerison, M.E.C.S.E. Arnold Eogers, F.E.C.S.E. John H. Parkinson. Edwin Saunders, F.E.C.S.E. John H. Parkinson, Jun., M.E.C.S. Samuel Cartwright, Jun., M.E.C.S. John Tomes, F.E.S. James Parkinson. Thomas A. Eogers, M.E.C.S.E. Hubert Shelley, M.B. Lond., M.E.C.S.E. William M. Bigg. Alfred Canton, M.E.C.S.E. H. J. Barrett, M.E.C.S.E. G. A. Ibbetson, M.E.C.S.E." TMs document was valuable as explanatory, to a far greater degree, of the views and desires of the peti- tioners than tliose which, had preceded it, and it must not be forgotten, in considering it, that it was not now the embodiment, to this point, of the sentiments of the eighteen gentlemen only who first memorialised the College of Surgeons. It was fairly to be under- stood as representing the feeling of the entire Odon- tological Society on the subject. This gave to it a very much greater importance, and although the con- tinued petitioning from this quarter of the authorities in Lincoln's Inn Fields was still without the sanction of the profession at large, and also, that a portion, by DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 29 no means an insignificant one, of the body of dental practitioners was distinctly opposed to the step thus taken, yet its increased representative quality could not be ignored or denied. In other words, there were very inany more than eighteen members of the profession, and several of these men of the highest position as dentists, who not only had come to think, but were thus willing to act, with the original memorialists in asking for affiliation with the College of Suro-eons. The council of the college doubtless recognised the augmentation of influence thus brought to bear : but whether it did so or not, there was no longer the disagreeable waiting for a reply as formerly. A pause of only four days sufficed to elicit the following answer : — " KoYAii College of Surgeons of England, A'gril 8, 1857. " Sir, — I am desired to acknowledge the receij^t of the memorial of the 4th instant, addressed to the council of this college by the president and council, of the Odontological Society, acknow- ledging the receipt of the reply from the council of this college of the 13th ultimo to the former memorials from the Odontologi- cal Society, and suggesting — as the Medical Bill referred to in such letter of the 13th ultimo is no longer before Parliament, and its eventual reintroduction is, in the minds of many, amatter of great doubt— that the recognition of dental surgery as a dej>artment of the medical profession be placed in connection with this college. And I am desired in reply to the said memorial to state, that the council of this college have the strongest assu- rance that the Bill for the regulation of the medical profession will be introduced without delay on the reassembling of Parlia- ment ; and that having entered into engagements with the other medical corporations in respect to the qualifications for obtaining a license to practise surgery, they are withheld, pend- ing the fate of the said Bill, from entering into any negotiation, the object of which would be to admit members or associates of the college upon other conditions than those proposed by the Bill ; and that the council can therefore only repeat the recom- mendation oHered to the Odontological Society in their reply ot the 13th ultimo, that the society should petition Parliament, when reassembled, to be placed, either independently, or in connection with this college, under the supervision and authority I 130 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. of tlie general council proposed in the Bill of the medical cor- porations. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, Edm. Belfour, Secretary. "^y. A. Harrison, Esq." AltlioiTgli this response was not all that could l)e wished, still the Odontological Society could congratu- late itself on the advance made, for such it really was ; and so, having succeeded in gaining the attention and enlisting the sympathy of the College of Surgeons, it determined to leave nothing undone that could be ac- complished ; and, accordingly, believing that further explanation would m.ake the future progress easier, it addressed another communication to the council. The following is a copy of the same : — " Odontological Society, April 30, 1857. " Gentlemen, — We are desired by the president and council of the Odontological Society to acknowledge the receipt of the communication of the 8th instant from the council of the College of Surgeons in reply to the memorial presented by the Odontolo- gical Society on the 4th April, and to thank the council for the promptness of their reply. As it would appear from that reply that the council of the college feels some difficulty in entering at once upon the consideration of the establishment of a dental department, in consequence of its engagements with the other medical corporations in respect to the pending Medical Bill, we are desired to inquire whetlier the council of the Odontological Society may expect that measures will be taken for the institution of a department of dental surgery when the fate of the said Medi- cal Bill has been determined ? We are also desired to draw the attention of the council of the college to the fact, that the memo- rialists, in suggesting the estabhshment of a department of dental surgery, have contemplated, not that students who may pass such department shall be considered as members of the college, but as licentiates of this department only, — the terms of the reply of the 8th instant having led the council of the Odontological Society to sup- pose that this point has not been fully understood by the council of the College of Surgeons. And we are desired to state, that although the present position of the dental profession may notnecessitate the immediate institution of an examining board, and a curriculum of education, yet that the feeling entertained by dental practitioners upon the suV)ject is such as to require an assurance that this will be effected without any unnecessary delay. The j)resident and council DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. I3I of the Odontological Society beg, therefore, to again call the attention of the council of the college to the points mooted in the memorial, and in the present communication. (Signed) John Tomes. Samuel Cartwright, Jun. Thomas A. Rogers. " To the President and Council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England." Gradually, then, the more detailed ideas of the peti- tioners were, as in this address, made plain to the Col- lege of Surgeons ; and little by little the perseverance of the Odontologists was acknowledged by expressed hopes, assurances, and promises from the executive in Lincoln's Inn Fields. The willingness to enter into the consideration of the subject proposed to them was only equalled by the business-like promptitude of the replies sent. To those who know how difficult it is to gain the ear of corporations, as a rule, and with what wonderful facility and complacency the most important subjects are often quietly shelved, the result thus far secured will appear, as indeed it was, a very distinct success for the petitioners. There must have been an immense ■amount of energy displayed somewhere^ and the author will have no difficulty in pointing to the spring and source of it in the proper place. Fifteen days more and the following reply came to hand : — " Royal College of Surgeons of England, MoAj 15, 1857. " Gentlemen, — In reply to your communication of the 30th nit., I am directed by the president and council of this college to call your attention to the suggestion offered in their letter of the 13th of March last, of petitioning the House of Commons, or, at least, of putting yourselves into communication with the members of the House who have the charge of tlie Medical Bill. The council are of opinion that this mode of proceeding would be the most direct and eifectual plan for promoting the object which the Odontological Society has in view. The council of this college, in s-;inctioning such application to the Legislature, cannot be imaware that they are encouraging the wish expressed by the Odontological Society of the connection of its members with the College of Surgeons '; and the council beg to assure you that it is 132 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, only in consequence of tlieir present engagements with, other medical corporations, and of the uncertainty in respect of the future powers of the college, pending the discussion of the Medical Bill, that they are now prevented from considering and duly weighing the conditions under which they would be disposed to accede to the proposal of instituting a new class of surgeon-dentists. — I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your very obedient servant, Ed:m:. Belfour, Secretary.^^ So far as this correspondence had gone, there was miicli to be gathered from it which would go to inspire with hope those who felt that association with the College of Surgeons would hest promote the interests of the dental profession. Still this last letter left the work mainly in the hands of the Odontological Society. They were recommended to petition the House, or win over the members of Parliament connected with this Medical Bill to see with them in the matter. This involved an extra effort, and accordingly a deputation was selected and appointed to wait upon Mr. Headlam. Arrangements were made for an interview with that gentleman, and the same took place on the 2d of June. A technical difficulty, however, lay across the path. It appeared that at that particular stage of the Bill Mr. Headlam, beiag the proposer of the Bill, could not in- troduce a clause into the measure. He, however, not only did not object to a clause embodying the proposal of the Odontological Society to the College of Surgeons, as such, being inserted, but promised his support to it, if some independent member of the House could be obtained to propose it. This member was, therefore, to be sought and his acquiescence obtained, while the clause to be inserted must be drawn up, and that also with particular care. The council of the Odontological Society, therefore, put themselves into communication with the solicitor to the Eoyal College of Surgeons (Mr. Wilde), who drew up the following clause for the purpose in hand : — " The Medical Profession Bill No. i. — Clause proposed to be added after Clause 38: 'It shall, notwithstanding anything DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 33 herein contained, be lawful for Her Majesty, bv charter, to grant to the Royal College of Surgeons of England power to institute and hold examinations for the purpose of testing the fitness of persons to practise as dentists, who may be desirous of being so examined, and to grant certificates of such fitness.'" The next step was to obtain the assistance of such a member of Parliament as had been indicated by Mr. Headlam. In reference to this, the late Mr. Arnold Eogers felt sure of the aid of Mr. Walpole, but, from causes beyond his control, that gentleman failed him. Mr. Tomes, however, with his usual caution and forecast, had reserved his action in the matter, and was prepared to ask Mr. A. Beresford Hope to introduce the clause, to which that gentleman courteously acceded. The council of the College of Dentists, on the other hand, had not been idle. Their attention had, of course, been directed towards the Medical Bill, and Mr. Under- wood, who from his first connection with the collec^e had worked ^^ith great assiduity and zeal in its interests, called the notice of the members to what would be the effect of the measure on dentists without a medical qualification ; hence the action taken by the executive of the Dental College, as already recorded. The decision on the part of the latter to reject the terms of amalgamation, and the resolution of the Odontolo^ical Society to entertain no further proposition concerning them, left the breach already existing between these two sections of the profession as wide, if not ^vider than ever. The result, as it touched the college party, was, that not long after the verdict had been given, a loss of about sixty members in all had to be sustained. The council of the college needed reconstruction, and even- tually this was accomplished. Difficulty had been experienced by those to whom tliis duty had been assigned, especially in obtaining a gentleman to fill the presidential chair. The reason for the non-compliance with the sub-committee's request is given in the circu- lar or report of their action in this matter. It is there 134 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. stated that some gentlemen declined to be nominated unless previously assured that an amalgamation with the Odontological Society was certain. The names of these gentlemen whether proposed for the office of president or for seats at the council table are not given, but the fact is significant. When the meeting took place, May 21, 1858, the nomination papers appeared mth a blank opposite the word "President," while twelve new names were printed as those of gentlemen designed for the council, together with one for the hono- rary corresponding secretary, and another for the libra- rian and curator. At that meeting between twenty and thirty only of the members attended. After a great deal of discussion, coupled with numerous protests from Mr. Fox, the house list, with Mr. Peter Matthews as president, was accepted by the meeting. One of the first acts of the new executive at No. 5 Cavendish Square was to issue a circular, signed by the honorary corresponding secretary, Mr. A. Hockley, and addressed to the members of the college. One of its statements was to the follow- ing effect, viz. : — " The bye-law requiring candidates for membership to. undergo an examination prior to admis- sion has not been submitted to a meeting of the body of members for sanction, and that the intention of applying for such sanction is not for the present entertained. All dentists practising as such exclusively and legitimately are therefore eligible for membership." It is needless to say that the abandonment, thus prefigured, of the examination test aroused many, and made them feel that the original ideas of the promoters of the college were being distinctly departed from. The author was therefore requested to prepare a counter circular, which is here appended, signed by fifteen London members and himself, as under : — "38 EusTON Square, July 8, 1858. " Sir, — A communication having been sent to each member of the College of Dentists of England, signed by Mr. Hockley, stating that the bye-law requiring examination as necessary for DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, 1 35 membersliip is not to be enforced, -^'e consider that if tliis — tlie fundamental principle of that institution — be not acted upon, the college "will sink into the position of a mere club, and fail to raise itself in the eyes either of the profession or the public. Should this be your opinion, Tve shall feel obliged by your signing the accompanying protest, and returning the same to the above address without delay. — We are, sir, yours, &c., J. EOBIXSON. F. EOGERS. C. Carter. C. Rogers. "W. Crampton. A. J. RoBi>:soN. C. S. Fox, F. A. Sass. S. Ghrimes. W. D. Sauxder. K. Hepburn. J. L. Statham. A. Hill. T. Underwood. J. W. Mitchell. B. West. " I, the undersigned, hereby protest against the constitution and acts of the conncil of the College of Dentists of England, alleged to have been elected at a general meeting of members, held Friday, May 21, 1858, on the following ground, viz. — That by law No. 4 it is expressly declared ' that two-thirds of the new council shall consist of memhers of the last it/ea/s council' Of the list of council as at present put forward, only eight were members of last year's council, and consecjuently a fundamental law of the college has been broken. And I furtlier protest against all acts of the council as illegal, and demaml that all moneys of the college expended by such council be refunded, each member of the conncil being personally liable for the same. (Signed) ." This document was portentous. According to its suc- cess might the college regard its future standing. It was promptly followed on the next day by one signed by Mr. Eymer, as honorary secretary to the council, in wliich he stated that there was inconsistency between the circular and the protest itself, and called upon the members " to determine whether lawful authority shall be supported, or whether faction shall be allowed to offer obstructions to all attempts at progress." The fact was, the amalgamation question had acted as a crucial test with a larf^e number of those connected with the colle<?e. Many had felt that division and strife were intoler- able, and looked eagerly forward to union, or at least combined action, throughout the dental ranks. With 136 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. aclmira"ble tenacity Mr. Eymer held to the college scheme ; but he could not help realising that a source of weakness had been originated by rejecting the dele- gates' proposals. The numbers on the council had been acquired, but it was evident to him and to others that the influence of those then occupying seats there was not of the order which those who had seceded exercised, both within and without the institution. One week after Mr. Eymer's circular had been sent forth a meeting of the college was convened, July 16, 1858. Mr. P. Matthews presided, and several of the leading members appeared to protest against the then existing state of affairs. Mr. Underwood stated this, and declared that those gentlemen who objected to the action of the council, did so solely on the ground of its dej)arture from the original and fundamental principles on which its existence was based. A copy of the pro- test which had been issued by the sixteen signataries, but now signed by sixty-eight members of the college, was handed to the chairman, with the demand that it should be entered upon the minutes of the college. Mr. Underwood then left the room, being followed by the major part of those present. Whilst meeting followed meeting at Cavendish Square, the Odontological Society was turning its attention to two most important subjects. These were the forma- tion of a dental school and a dental hospital. The society itself was to be viewed in the light of an advanced school. At its various meetings the mem- bers were to continue to unite for mutual edification by discussing such subjects as had been found worthy of combined thougrht. The dental school, or school of dental surgery, was to be so organised as that, by the delivery of lectures by members of the society, or by gentlemen in the profession of acknowledged ability, the students could be instructed in the various depart- ments of their studies, so pre-eminently necessary to their being furnished and fitted for thorough scientific DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 3/ practice. Sucli an institntion involved the necessity of an opportunity "being given to the learners of seeing practically illustrated the theories taught them by their instructors. This could only be efficiently carried out at a special dental hospital. Although rich, even to profuseness, as the metropolis was at that time in the direction of charitable curative institutions, there was jet ample room for such an hospital among the rest. Its importance, even on public grounds, could not well be overrated, and on the score of professional educational needs it was unmistakable. The project, therefore, was most creditable to its proposers, and the results which have since been accomplished through its instru- mentality are patent to all, and will be mentioned in the proper place. Although the originators of the College of Dentists subsequently asserted that it was their inten- tion from the first to accomplish such a scheme, still to the Odontological Society must be accredited the praise of instituting the London School of Dental Surgery and the Dental Hospital of London. Before these important proceedings could take form there was much to be accomplished. The selection of an appropriate site con- stituted no mean difficulty ; but this, with the other necessary preliminaries, was at length overcome. Mr. Harrison and Mr. E. Hepburn, with others, spent a good deal of their valuable time in endeavourinc^ to secure a suitable house and premises for the hospital, and their labours eventuated in the possession of No. 32 Soho Square, upon lease for a term of years. Mr. Harrison acted as chairman of the committee of organisation. On Wednesday, 6th October 1858, a meeting was summoned by the committee who had organised the institution, for the formal transfer to the committee of management which had been elected of the hospital itself and its future conduct, together with the duty of making the necessary arrangements for its public opening for the reception of patients. There were present on the occasion Messrs. A. Eogers, E. Hepburn, S. Ghrimes, J. 138 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. Tomes, W. A. N. Cattlin, W. A. Harrison, Dr. Babington, J. Parkinson, J. H. Parkinson, T. Dyer, S. Cartwriglit, jun., — Illingworth, J. Barrett, Campbell De Morgan, 0. Clayton, Scott, AY. M. Bigg, J. Hutchinson, E. Sercombe, and A. Hill. Mr. De Morgan was called to occupy the chair. JMr. Harrison, as chairman of the committee of organisation, explained the circumstances which led to the foundation of the hospital \ and further, that that committee had organised the institution, taken the pre- mises in Soho Square, had framed laws, obtained a highly influential list of vice-presidents, committee of management, trustees, treasurer, medical staff, and lionorary secretary, for the future management of the institution, and had collected £1(^2, 5s. 8d,, with the promise of £6^ — total ;^255, 5s. 8d. Mr. Harrison announced that they were prepared to hand over the hospital to the care of the future committee of manage- ment so soon as that committee had legally elected from their own number a chairman and deputy-chair- man for the year of office. Mr. De Morgan was then unanimously elected as chairman, and Dr. Babington as deputy-chairman, for the ensuing year. This having been effected, Mr. Harrison, in a formal address, trans- ferred the hospital — the charge being duly accepted. The rent of the premises was stated to be £\']0 per annum, but tenants were ready to occupy a given por- tion at £^0 per annum. Sub- committees were then appointed to proceed with the necessary details — viz., a furnishing committee, and also a publication committee for issuing prospectuses, &c., — the writer being invited to act as honorary secretary. The event was one of the most auspicious kind, and all present felt that a distinct step towards the safe and ef&cient elevation of the pro- fession had that day been taken. That the circum- stance would be left unnoticed by the college party was not very likely. To show the difficulty which beset every effort at improvement in those days, it may be mentioned that the founding of this excellent institu- DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 39 tion was caustically animadverted upon by the opposite side in a notice which appeared in the college journal. Even the motives of the gentlemen connected with it were called in question, and the patrons' names being published evoked the ire of the writer. The notice of the opening of the Dental Hospital to the pubKc was thus given in the " Quarterly Journal of Dental Science : " — " On the ist of November (1858) an institution nnder this title was opened in Solio Sqnare. The hours for receiving patients is half-past eight to half-past nhie every morning. We have heard nothing of the working of the charity, but one hour in the morning seems rather a short period for giving relief at an hospital. Great publicity is given to the institution, and the names of the dentists in connection with it are printed in large letters in the circular sent to the affluent soliciting contributions for the rehef of the indigent." Like all kindred efforts of benevolence, the Dental Hospital of London had to run the gauntlet of criticism, and endure the trial of opposing opinions. It was but an evidence of the ill grace of some of the profession that such remarks and insinuations should have ever appeared in print. Jealousy, however, is seldom seen in a reasonable mood, and is, perhaps, never philosophic. The attitude of the two societies towards each other from the time when the amalgamation question had been settled was that of determined opposition. Strong re- action had set in, especially with the College of Dentists, the executive and members of which too'ether resolved to hold on their prescribed course on the original basis of independence. While the Medical Bills were before the late session of Parliament, the consideration of which had resulted in the passing of the Medical Act (1858), the college showed itself active on behalf of the profession at large, as has been mentioned already. From whatever cause, the results which were aimed at received attention, and were accomplished. The clause which would have operated prejudicially to the interests of dentists as a body was omitted, and the recognition 140 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. of dentists as a professional class, entitling tliem legally to recover charges made by tliem as such, was allowed in the last clause of Mr. Cowper's Bill. Internally, the College of Dentists was reorganised, modifications and amendments of its laws being made from time to time. Distinct regulations concerning membership were made, and a curriculum adopted on the vote of town and country members, the latter recording their opinions by proxy. Instead of the transactions of the college being printed and distributed yearly, it was determined that after that year (1858) they should be forwarded to members and associates alike every three months. During the year the subject of painless dental operations, to be performed by means of electricity, was made known, and this idea was one which it was determined should be thoroughly tested by competent practitioners. A committee was formed from members of the college for this express purpose. The institution was to be one of a very practical nature, if it were possible to make it so, and most creditably and earnestly did the executive set itself to the accomplishment of this work. Lectures were delivered by eminent gentlemen, and papers of interest and merit were given by members of the college. Still the end that had been proposed by the Odonto- logical Society — namely, the association of dentists, by examination, with the Eoyal College of Surgeons, rested heavily upon the efforts of the independent party, and was increasingly the MU noire, of that time. The jour- nals of either side discussed the subject constantly, and with an animus which was far from creditable. The " British Journal " was held up to scorn by the promo- ters of the college movement, while in return the action of the Dental College appeared to form a fit subject for ridicule or contempt by the Odontological Society's organ. Before discussing the subject of the college operations, and the intentions of its executive, it will be but just to record an important matter suggested by the late Mr. BeU, of Margaret Street, Cavendish Square. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. I41 At one of the college meetings, lield August 25tli in that year (1858), the following resolutions Tvere pro- posed by him, and were carried unanimously, viz. : — " I. Candidates shall also be required to produce a certificate of having been articled to a dental practitioner for a period of not less than four years ; such certificate to be delivered to the secretary of the college thirty days before the candidates shall be ehsrible for their dental examination. " 2. Associates of the college enrolled, and pupils who shall have been articled to members of the college, previous to the foregoing resolutions coming into operation, shall be ehgible for membership by passing a dental examination only. " 3. Any member -who shall maintain his membership for a period of three years after the ratification of these rules shall be entitled to the diploma of the college. And any person who may become a member previous to the foregoing regulations coming into force shall be entitled to the diploma of the college upon the expiration of the third year of his membership." It was considered by many connected with the college, by Mr. Eymer in particular, that if the rules as then amended, and with these latter three included with them, could be strictly adhered to, there would re- main nothing else to be acquired but a charter of in- corporation to ensure for the undertaking complete success. What, then, they had to do was to steadily work forward in this direction, endeavouring to foster similar opinions among the outsiders, and affect to the utmost of their power the profession at large with the reasonableness of theii' ideas, taking for their motto, " Courage, perseverance, and hope." How far this could be considered justifiable was a matter of individual opinion, seeing that the Legislature had taken action in harmony with the petition of the memorialists to the Eoyal College of Surgeons. On the 6th of July, in a committee of the whole House, a clause was intro- duced into the Medical Practitioners Bill, by which the Royal College of Surgeons was empowered to institute examinations, and to grant certificates of fitness to practise dental surgery. The success of the Odonto- 142 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. logical Society's scheme was rendered all the more apparent from the fact that when, after due notice having been given, Mr. Beresford Hope proposed the insertion of the clause, the House adopted it without one dis- sentient voice. Over all the confusion and strife of party feeling which had characterised the year, this fact stood forth prominently as that which would most un- mistakably affect the future of the dental profession. It was the most conspicuous event of the time, and it only remained to take the necessarily consequent steps thereupon, and await the manifestation of professional feeling on the subject, which time only could develop and declare. ( 143) CHAPTEK YI. The year 1859 opened with the introduction of a new dental journal, under the title of the " Dental Eeview." It was to take the place of the " Quarterly Journal of Dental Science," and would appear monthly. Its first editorial set forth its objects and intentions. It de- plored the professional division which existed, and the writer's statements on this subject were — ""Wejoin heartily in the regret, that from any cause whatever there should be any kind of discussion. We are for peace, and the law and practice of * goodwill towards men.' Without cant, this is our creed. But while selecting this line of policy, while casting away from us all promptings to avenge even friends whom we have known to have been most cruelly and libellously pur- sued in the recent strifes, we should be wanting in firmness, as in rectitude, did we not support those broad principles of justice and equality, those catholic principles we may call them, with- out the acknowledgment of which no body of men can become efficient, not to say powerful." With such a basis for future journalism to rest upon, the " Dental Eeview," whether knowingly or otherwise, had taken up a very difficult position indeed, consider- ing the condition of things in the profession, if it was to carry out these principles in their integrity. AVithout re- ferring to the reasons for discontinuing the " Quarterly," which had been from the first a staunch supporter of the college, for which object, indeed, it was originated, the " Eeview " could not hope to disguise the fact that it was to all intents and purposes the organ of the Dental College. How it was to steer a middle course under such circumstances seemed difficult to understand. 144 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, One montli later, the opportunity of a test being applied offered itself, and the following remarks will speak for themselves. Commenting upon the fact that Mr. Matthews, then acting as president of the College of Dentists, had occasion to make certain statements at the annual general meeting of that institution in Janu- ary of the above year, the editor remarks — ^' These revelations must, indeed, have taken the meeting by surprise, for we venture to affirm that, disapj)ointed as many of the pioneers in the dental reformatory movement must have been at the illiberal feeling which was manifested in certain quarters against the college, there were none who for a moment could have believed that a system would have been organised to undermine the foundations of the college worthy the darkest days of the In- quisition. Nor do we believe that out of the college would be found men with a spark of British feeling within their breasts who could look otherwise than with painful feelings upon the discred- itable proceedings which have characterised the acts of some few — we trust and believe they are hut few — whose feelings of virulence against the college have so far outrun all discretion as to lead them to employ the basest means to endeavour to throw discredit upon the fair fame of a body of their fellow- practitioners." The " Dental Eeview " was evidently occupying the position of a distinct party supporter already, a step by no means unnatural, and most easily accounted for. The truth concerning that journal was simply that it would do, in its own style of course, exactly what its predecessor had done — viz., advocate energetically the college cause. How this was to be accomplished, and yet the ground of " peace and goodwill " to be held while the Odontological Society was determined to pursue its course, that being such an one as would, if successfully maintained, completely supplant the college by supply- ing the means for professional education and examina- tion in a totally different direction, it was difficult to divine. It was evident to all concerned that the two societies would continue to try their strength against each other, and that neither side would lack a journal to support its views, or register its action. The truth DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 45 of this is apparent from the tone of the leading article in the "British Journal." In that for January 1859, the editor, in alluding to the College of Dentists, and referring to the secession which it had suffered, says — " Differences which had existed for some time between several of the leading men were in the first instance effectually terminated, and a party which at one time threatened to create a schism in the profession virtually ceased to exist, save in the shape of repeated advertisements in the daily papers. Who they now are, and what are their numbers, no one knows — we suspect not even their secretary. As a public party, therefore, we say they have ceased to exist ; and as a petty club, holding together for self-glorifica- tion, their influence is no longer to be feared. They do but serve the useful purpose of a safety valve, through which may escape the vapourings of individuals who would be neither congenial, associates in a professional society, nor themselves feel at ease therein, even if they had been admitted on the mistaken plea of liberality," While the Odontological Society was more " in e^d- dence " than it ever had been, and had taken up impor- tant ground as towards the profession, it is also true that the College of Dentists of England had not di- verged from its original idea of becoming a means for the independent existence of the profession, and certainly was very far from being without influence, or ceasing to he, altogether. Eegardless of the loss that had been sustained by the college party, it had held, during the year 1858, no less than twenty-nine meetings of council, besides its ordinary business and monthly meetings, and had arranged for regular lectures throughout the then current year also. Mr. P. Matthews, who up to the annual general meeting of the college had acted as presi- dent, on that occasion resigned his office. Under very disadvantageous circumstances he had conducted the affairs of the institution most creditably, and always with business-like method. So far as tlie numerical strensrth of the college was concerned, there was less for him to do, the list of members haviag sunk to about one-half, or less than 150. But touching the circumstances surrounding the 146 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. institution and arising within it, there had been hitherto no such difficult passages to pilot it through as fell to Mr. Matthew's lot to deal with. The fact of the Odon- tological Society's gradually augmenting strength, and growth in numbers and influence, was not to be over- looked as that which would have a very decided tendency to dispirit and dishearten him as a leader in an opposite cause. Nevertheless, like his colleague Mr. Eymer, he had strong faith in the ultimate success of the scheme, and most earnestly laboured to effect it. Althougli declining for the future to act as president, he did not withhold his services, or rather the continuance of them, as chairman at any meeting where they might be of avail. As a firm friend to the movement organised by Mr. Eymer, he had few as his equal, and, it may be safely said, none as his superior. With regard to the Odontological Society, its principal action may be recorded as having been in the direction of promoting the establishment of the Dental Hospital of London. This had been accomplished by the joint efforts of gentlemen both within and without the society. In fact, several practitioners, who but a short time since were active and influential members of the College of Dentists, had co-operated with the Odontological So- ciety in founding the hospital in question, and several of them were elected to the staff. Mr, Fox and Mr. Ghrimes had seats at the committee of management, Mr. James Eobinson was one of the trustees, Mr. E. Hepburn, Mr. C. Eogers, and Mr. Underwood were to act as dental surgeons, and the writer held the post of honorary secretary. The power given by the Legisla- ture to the Eoyal College of Surgeons to constitute a dental department in connection with their l])ody had not yet been acted upon, and the Odontological Society felt that it was necessary to take such steps as would facilitate such a measure, by preparing a curriculum most likely to be accepted by the authorities in Lincoln's Inn Fields. To this end a committee was appointed DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. \a;J "to draw out a scheme for the education of future dentists." This committee was presided over by (the late) Mr. Harrison as chairman. The following extracts from the report presented to the society early in the year 1859 ^"^ explain the action taken in the matter, and the principles which had been kept in operation throughout the committee's labours. The report says — " It will "be remembered that, in the memorials addressed to the council of the College of Surgeons, the council of the Odontological Society has stated that it sought to establish for the dentist a qualification different somewhat in Tcind, but not inferior in degree, to that at present required by that college from its members. "This point your committee has kept in view, and it will be seen that, although in the curriculum proposed for the considera- tion of the council, certain courses of lectures required by the college from its members are om/itted, other lectures have been added, which, in an educational point of view,, will be found equal to those for which they have been substituted. " Your committee has felt that, in proposing a course of edu- cation for those who may now enter the dental profession, it must also be guided by the two following considerations : First, that the curriculum must be such as would be received by the College of Surgeons, should that college form a dental department ; and, second, that it must be such as would be received by an 'inde- pendent dental institution,' should it ultimately be found neces- sary to form such an institution." These remarks make it evident that, although the first and principal difficulty had been overcome, there had been no positive assurance yet given that the council of the College of Surgeons would accept the power, and act upon it in the direction the memorialists so much desired. The determination to provide means whereby a full and sufficient professional education for the future dentist should be secured was a strong one ; and there is no question or doubt whatever that the Odontological Society was firmly resolved to achieve this as the con- summation of their efibrts, first through the College of Surgeons, and then, if that could not be done, through an independent institute. The care and foresight of 1 43 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. the committee is amply demonstrated in tlie following extract from the report : — " Your committee is of opinion that it is necessary tliat the council should feel fully assured that the foregoing conditions are fulfilled in the subjoined scheme before it is adopted ; for inas- much as the proposed school is to be brought into existence hefore the establishment of an examining body, it will be apparent that it will be absolutely necessary that the dental pupil, on com- mencing his studies, shall be fully satisfied that the curriculum to which he is conforming will be received by any recognised examining board which may be hereafter instituted. "Your committee has not lost sight of the fact, that there are many students at present engaged in their pupilage who may hereafter desire to avail themselves of a recognised qualification ; and that it would be unreasonable to expect them to recommence their education, in order to conform to a curriculum established subsequent to the date at which they entered upon their profes- sional studies. " To meet these exceptional cases, your committee would recommend that any examining board which may hereafter be formed should be invested with a discretional power to admit for examination those who may have commenced their professional education, prior to the establishment of a dental school." Then followed the proposed curriculum, as under : — Lectures and Hospital Practice to be attended at the EXISTING Schools and Hospitals. Courses of Lectures. Two on Anatomy, with dissections (one being special). Two on Physiology and Pathology, One on Practice of Physic. One on Practice of Surgery. One on Materia Medica. One on Chemistry. One on Practical Chemistry, Hospital Attendance. Twelve months' surgical practice. Six months' medical practice, with attendance upon chnical lectures. Lectures and hospital practice to be attended at the Special Dental School. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 49 Cou7'ses of Lectures. Two on Dental Anatomy and Physiology (human and com- parative). Two on Dental Surgery. Two on Mechanical Dentistry. One on Metallurgy. Dental Hospital Attendance. Two years' attendance at a recognised dental hospital, or at the dental department of a recognised general hospital. Candidates for examination to be required to bring proof of being twenty-one years of age, and of having been engaged at least four years in the acquirement of professional knowledge, and of having devoted a period of not less than three years in acquir- ing a practical familiarity with the details of mechanical dentistry under the instruction of a recognised practitioner. The report coneluded by expressing the opinion of the committee on the necessity of establishing a special dental hospital, together with the method of its organi- sation. As, however, this had already been accom- plished— and, in fact, this very report was read at the society's rooms in the Dental Hospital, where it had taken np its abode en loermanencc — the matter needs not to be repeated. The president, the late Mr. J. Parkin- son, announced on the occasion in question, that the council of the society approved and adopted this report. He also stated that between its commencement and its acceptance by the council of the society, the council of the Eoyal College of Surgeons had signified its assent to the proposal of the memorialists, and that a copy of the report had been forwarded to the autho- rities at Lincoln's Inn Fields, but up to that time no official answer had been received. Looking, then, at the condition of things as they existed in the early f)art of 1859, it cannot be denied that the position taken by the Odontological Society was much strengthened. They had been successful in two important directions, the first being the power whieh had been granted to the College of Surgeons to alter their charter so as to include dentists in their ranks, and the next the acceptance of 150 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. the proposal of the memorialists that a dental depart- ment should be established. Added to this, the curri- culum thus suggested by the committee of the society was under consideration, with every prospect of its being accepted by the college executive. As may be supposed, the scheme of the Odontological Society thus arranged for met with criticism, especially by the opposite party, principally on account of the ex- penses it would involve. The ideas on professional education and examination, as stated in the " Dental Eeview," may be given in the words of one of its edi- torials thus — " We affirm, as a principle, that if the dental body is to be advanced at all, the question of qualification must rest solely on. examination, and that the idea of a coercive curriculum must be cast to the winds, as opposed -alike to the spirit of the age and to common seiase." And again — " We urge the profession to allow no apedom of a medical cur- riculum— of a curriculum coercive in its pretensions, and signify- ing nothing in its results — to be thrown in the way of improve- ment. The dentists, as an organising body, are in the first stages of life ; and if, as a body, they would progress into manhood, they must pick up the modern in principle, and, of all things, escliew those old academic garments which, glittering feebly with tarnished embroidery, are as much out of character with the time as stage-coaches and hour-glass timekeepers." It may be fairly asked, in face of such observations, what method did the College of Dentists itself recom- mend ? The answer to this was given in the same article. The writer says — " We would certainly advocate, as heartily as could be wished, the establishment of one, if not two, well-arranged dental schools, in which first-class instruction should be supplied at a moderate cost, in anatomy, physiology, elements of chemistry, and natural philosophy, dental surgery, pathology, and dental practice ; and, in a word, every subject which shall tend to make the dentist an accomplished man, and to aid him in preparing for his examinational test. For all the rest we would trust a sound and practical examination, and would base qualification on this DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. I5I alone, leaving it witli tlie candidate to gain the required informa- tion by reading a printed lecture, or hearing a written lecture, according as his own taste and opportunities mav lead him on his way." It was very miicli doubted at tlie time wlien these remarks were made public wbetlier the opposition to the Odontological Society's method was the sole reason of a counter method. There still continued so much violent party spuit, that the fact of a plan emanat- ing from that body at all was amply sufficient to call forth a different scheme, and bring the support of many to it. From whatever cause it arose, the Col- lege of Dentists objected not only to what' had been done, and what was proposed to be further done, by the Odontologists, but gave, as above, an outline of what they considered better and more applicable to the necessities and interests of the junior members of the profession. It was while commenting upon the action taken by their opponents that the College of Dentists began to feel that there was a certain incongruity in their then position, as altered by the amended rules passed at the meeting in the August of the last year, contrasted with the programme which they were pre- paring touching ulterior steps. The '• Dental Eeview " goes on to say — *' Tied recently from circumstances, by an absurd law also, to the College of Surgeons, the College of Dentists has sold its birth- right for a mess of pottage, which its enemies have feasted on. If the college would stir and re-live, it must perforce reclaim its birthright ; it must return to its original laws and its original independence ; it must aim again at gathering all into one com- monwealth, and at instituting an examinational test for member- ship, which shall be the primary step towards legal incorporation." What remained, therefore, to be accomplished was the obtaining a charter; the appointment of a board of examiners from amongst themselves ; the estabhshment of the rule that candidates for the membership of the college should not be expected to pass any particular curriculum, and that the reward of those deemed effi- 152 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, cient before the court of examiners should be the college diploma. The first step to be taken was the rescinding of the laws so lately passed, and by which it was con- sidered the principle of independence had been injured, if not actually lost. On the 2 2d of February in the year 1859 a requisition signed by ten members of the college was forwarded to the council, requesting that an early meeting of the members should be convened " for the purpose of taking into consideration the present position of the college, and to determine what course shall be pursued with regard to its future management." A meeting was accordingly called by the council for the 1 6th of March. It was numerously attended, and Mr. Matthews occupied the chair. The fact was elicited during the discussion which ensued, after the first pro- position had been submitted, that a sense of despondency had been experienced by some of the members, and that the subject of dissolving the college had been mentioned at the council meetings. It appeared, however, that 170 members still existed, and, moreover, that a considerable balance was yet in the hands of the treasurer. Tresh courage instilled itself into those present, perhaps, from the numbers attending ; and after the old ground of " independence " had been gone over, and it was found that, through some informality in the notice summoning the meeting, the proposition before them — which was to call upon the council to frame bye-laws by which the original principles of the college should be carried out, and which also included the making provision for granting diplomas without examination to members of the profession noy\^ in practice, with sundry other details — could not be carried, another resolution was submitted instead. The following is a copy : — " Eesolved : — That this meeting being now in possession of all the facts relating to the present jDosition of the college, and feeling that the college, by departing from its original objects and inten- tions, has been deprived of mnch of its usefulness to the dental body at large, is of opinion that the regulations passed Se^^tember DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. I 53 22, 1858, should be rescinded, and that a special meeting of the members be called by the council to consider such question." This resolution "^as adopted. Another resolution was also submitted and likewise adopted. It was to the following effect : — " That, for the information of the members of the dental pro- fession, the council of this college be desired to communicate with the College of Surgeons, to know their intentions with respect to granting dental certificates ; and that, should the Col- lege of Surgeons give no satisfactory reply within one month, this college pledges itself to consider the question answered in the negative." Although this meeting may be considered a rallying point in the history of the Dental College, it could not be concealed from the ordinary observer that it was from a very palpable and painful condition of weakness that it had rallied. The chief and leader of the movement admitted very frankly what had been his own expe- rience. He had been " deeply depressed," and very naturally so too ; for there had appeared many vacant places in the original list of members, and, coupled with this, a noticeable inertness and want of support had been manifested. So much so, indeed, was this the case, that from Mr. Eymer himself had emanated a resolution in council having for its ultimate object the power and the opportunity to dissolve the college. When one so full of determination and uncomplaining energy as Mr. Eymer had shown himself to be felt constrained to take such a step, there can be no doubt whatever of a prime necessity being in existence. For two years and a half, wdth a devotion which was simply admirable, he had laboured strenuously for the attainment of what he con- scientiously believed to be the means of securing the per- manent benefit of the profession. When others flagged or failed in their faith of success, he resolutely proceeded in the cause, permitting nothing to daunt him. Sm^ely there had been enough to dishearten the bravest, yet he held on perseveringly ; so that if, under the then circum- 154 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. stances, liis heart failed him temporarily as he looked around him, there was no reason for surprise ; the real matter for astonishment rested in the fact that he had never once evinced anything like discouragement before. About a month later another meeting was called, which resulted in the amendment of the college laws in accordance with the views then entertained by its members.* The varying events in the profession were not only watched with interest both by dentists and the medical profession generally in England, but attracted no small amount of notice of dental practitioners in America and elsewhere. Commenting upon the con- dition of things at this time, the "New York Dental Journal " remarked, after reviewing the steps which had hitherto been taken to ensure dental reform in this country : — " Thus grew up the ' Odontological Society ' and the ' College of Dentists ; ' and the difference Ijetween them seems to have been just this : The Odontological Society, very properly relying little upon their own unaided efforts for stability, feeling that a spinal difficulty was rapidly becoming chronic, and that they were indeed weak, ]3roposed to combine with the College of Surgeons, and obtain their diplomas in the old manner. The College of Dentists, on the other hand, Avished to throw aside all connection with that body, and, obtaining a charter, educate their own men for their own profession, and in their own way — thinking a dentist could but obtain his education from dentists, and not from surgeons. Fortunately for the progress of the profession in Eng- land, there were found men who were unwilling to sacrifice their independence and prospect of proper education and future success to the childish scruples of a few old fogies. They saw that a pro- fession including so many members as our own, a science in which something new is daily being discovered, surely were entitled to their own teachers as well as their own exponents. Thus the Dental College came to be established ; and it is with pleasure that we are able to record its complete success thus far. Lectures are being read by the best men in England ; professorships are being established ; and there is little doubt but the College OF Dentists will yet become as successful, as creditable, and as honoured an institution as the London College of Surgeons." * See Appendix. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 55 Sucli a notice as the above, coupled with others of similar import, may have served, and very probably did, to stimulate the hopes and eiforts of the college party. It is certain that, from some cause or other, the deter- mination to proceed with the institution on its original basis was formed. On the occasion of receivimr the report of the committee on '•' Electricity as an Anaesthe- tic in Dental Operations," * — a committee whose ap- pointment reflected credit on the College of Dentists — ■ Mr. Matthews took the opportunity to observe, '' We have many eminent physicians who have sent in their adhesion to us, offering their services to forward our views in every respect ; and a great number of members of the College of Surgeons of England have assisted us, and are cflad to find that we are Q-oinc^ on well. This oives us encouragement to do our utmost night and day to carry on the College of Dentists of England." On the 24th of June 1859, George Waite, Esq., M.E.C.S., and a member of the Dental College, was by the council elected to the office of president. In this month it was announced that the Metropolitan School of Dental Science had been fully organised, under the immediate auspices of the college, although practically distinct and separate from it. The court of examiners, also, was about this time constituted, some of whom, the profession was in- formed, were members of the College of Dentists, others fellows or members of the Colleo-e of Suro-eons, but un- connected then with any dental association, and others independent dentists unconnected with the College of Surgeons. The charter by which the institution alone could be consolidated and enabled to claim respect for its proposed certificates or diplomas was, however, still unpossessed, and to some the difficulties in the way of its obtainment appeared both numerous and formidable. In the meantime the Odontolocjical Societv had been hard at work. Since its inauguration the Dental Hospital * For entire report see " Dental Review," vol. i. p. 438. 156 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. of London had been working so as to fully justify the highest anticipations of its founders. Their object was to ascertain the practical value to the profession of such an institution — the importance to the public being percep- tible from the first — before further action in the direc- tion of providing a proper school in connection with it. In the interval between the opening of the Dental Hos- pital and the middle of the year 1859, the council of the Eoyal College of Surgeons having obtained a charter,* as has been already stated, took the initiative, and insisted that a curriculum should be drawn up, which was to be submitted for their approval, and steps taken to organise a school of dental surgery, by which a prac- tical effect should be c^iven to the legislative enactments that had been passed. The first requirement was at length met by the now well-known curriculum being formulated."!* At the same time the London School of Dental Surgery became a fact, and the education of the student in dentistry was provided for in the fullest manner, with the ultimate object of the licentiateship of the Eoyal College of Surgeons of England being the coveted prize of all who should pass the examining board of the latter institution. To revert again to the College of Dentists. The announcement was made in the August number of the " Dental Eeview," that what it had in its last issue pre- dicted concerning the appointment of a board of exa- miners was fulfilled, and that the following gentlemen had been called to the office aforesaid : — Mr. James Harley, M.C.D.E. Mr. Eobert T. Huhne, M.R.C.S., F.L.S,, M.C.D.E. Mr. Peter Matthews, M.C.D.E. Mr. B. W. Richardson, M.D., L.R.C.P. Mr. James Robinson, D.D.S., M.C.D.E. ]\lr. Alexander Stewart, F.R.C.S.E. * This had not yet received the Royal assent, t See Appendix. DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, 1 57 Mr. Somerset Tibbs, M.C.D.E. Mr. George Waite, M.R.C.S., M.C.D.E. Mr. T. Spencer Wells, F.R.C.S. These gentlemen met to decide upon the requirements which they deemed necessary from all candidates for examination at their hands, July 26, 1859, and the deci- sion was for the following subjects : — 1. Anatomy of the Head and Neck. 2. Structure of the Teeth. 3. Elements of Surgical Pathology 4. Injuries of the Teeth and Jaws. 5. Diseases connected with Dentition. 6. Operative and Mechanical Dentistry in all departments. 7. Pathology of the Teeth. Gentlemen successfully passing an examination on these subjects would be thereby entitled to the use of the letters M.C.D.E., indicating thereby that they were members of the Collesfe of Dentists of Enoiand. It o o was further announced that the examinations would be essentially of a practical character, and would be held quarterly. The condition of the College of Dentists at this time may be best described by a quotation from an editorial in the "Dental Eeview," The writer asked — " Does the college want more to give it strength ? A httle more. It wants law. Give it incorporation, and its stability is complete. Towards this the members must advance, they must neither hesitate, nor pause, nor tire, till this great object is at- tained— their charter. . . . But the charter is, after all, the true compact. The dentists of England must have a charter." This was easy enough to write, and looked well enough when written, but the question was, "Were the essentials in hand which would justify a hop)e of the attainment of this desideratum ? The important fact appeared to be overlooked or forgotten, that a certain amount of in- fluence, arising from the professional and acknowledged position of those who asked for a charter of incorpora- tion, would be absolutely necessary in pressing such a claim or demand. This the institution in question did 158 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. not possess. The secession from its ranks of several gentlemen, who would have contributed largely to the success of the scheme, had they remained in connection with it, naturally left it so much the weaker in this matter. The seriousness of their resisfnations told more against the project than the mere loss of numbers to the body at large. "WTiatever was the estimate of the step thus taken in the minds of the college executive and the members generally, the opposite party very naturally counted the secession in itself a direct gain to them, and a double gain when several of the seceders went over to them. It was not merely like so many guns captured from the enemy, but those very guns turned against the artillery of the opposing side. To put a good face on adverse circumstances was, perhaps, creditable and politic too ; but that did not necessarily neutralise the effect of palpable weakness. The idea which obtained with many at the then position of things was, that the two societies had no need to com- bine. It was set forth that the Odohtological Society was a great good in its own specific department. As an organisation for the elaboration and perfecting of the scientific portion of dentistry, a large and free course was open to it. On the other hand, the College of Dentists of England had its own distinct sphere of operation in the direction of educational and dental politics. Numbers of gentlemen held these views, and felt that such a division would prove of the greatest practical value. Whatever was the opinion .upon this point of those outside the Dental College, the executive there determined to hold on its way towards the desired goal, and set itself to bring to perfection its own inter- nal arrangements for that purpose. It was announced that three courses of collegiate lectures were to be deli- vered during the coming winter. Professor Erichsen had been engaged to deliver the first course on a surgi- cal subject. Mr. Hulme would take the second course, his subject was to be the development of the teeth ; and DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 59 Dr. Pdchardson was appointed to give the third course, on subjects relating to special pathology and the history of dental tissues. Four conversaziones were also to be held at the college, while the examiners would be pre- pared to fill their office with regard to the students desirous of passing their ordeal. The 5 th day of Octo- ber was fixed for the opening of the Metropolitan School of Dental Science, and six courses of lectures were to be given — \dz., on " Physiology, or the Laws of Life ; " on " Elements of Surgery ; " on '' Dental Surgery ; " on " Dental Mechanics ; " on " Chemistry and Metallurgy;" and on "Comparative Anatomy." The students had the' promise of three medals, as prizes to the successful competitors, the council having resolved to offer these as a stimulant to earnestness and exertion. However the college, as an independent in- stitution, had been opposed by those holding contrary views, it would be idle, and unjust as well, to ignore the benefit which, as an educational centre, it was desirous of conferring upon the younger men of that day. Its most determined adversaries could not overlook the fact that advantages in this direction were palpable enough, although the attempt to compete with the Pioyal College of Surgeons they felt assured would end in ignoble failure. One or two events of importance occurred towards the close of this year which deserve record. The first was the circumstance of action taken by the newly-con- stituted Medical Ee^istration Association concerninf;^ the use of the words " surgeon-dentist " by those practi- tioners who were entirely unconnected vdth the Eoyal College of Surgeons. The vigilance committee of the association had successfully prosecuted one individual using the prefix " surgeon," and then gave notice to Mr. Prookes, a dentist practising at Eanbury, that it was their intention to adopt the same course with him if he did not abandon the use of the same word within a reasonable period after the letter they addressed to him. This led, of course, to a reply from Mr. Brookes, who l60 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. A\^as a member of the College of Dentists, and also to a communication from Mr. Eymer, as honorary secretary to the council of the College of Dentists, in which the proposed action of the association was argued against, deprecated, and a desire expressed for a speedy solution of the question at issue. In order to this, Mr. Eymer, who had hitherto styled himself " surgeon - dentist," expressed his willingness to be proceeded against. A lengthy correspondence ensued between the honorary secretary of the Medical Eegistration Association, Dr Ladd, and Mr. Eymer in l"is of&cial capacity. The Col- lege of Dentists was up in arms on the subject, and issued an address to the entire dental profession, of which the following is a copy : — *' Address to the Dental Profession. " The council of the College of Dentists of England deem it but right to acquaint the profession generally — whether members of the college or otherwise — with certain proceedings arising out of a recent attempt to tamper with a most important provision contained in the new Medical Act, which, had it proved success- ful, must have worked with the most reprehensible injustice on the great body of dental practitioners. The Act referred to con- cludes with a clause in which it is enacted that nothing therein contained 'shall extend, or be construed to extend, to prejudice or in any vjoaj to affect, the lawful occupation, trade, or business of chemists and druggists and dentists.' In the session of Par- liament just closed a Bill was introduced into the House of Com- mons, entitled ' The Medical Act Amendment Bill.' This Bill, as originally introduced, would not have called for any remon- strance on the part of dental practitioners ; but on the evening of Tuesday, July 26th, Lord R. Cecil gave notice of the following motion : — ' That the words, '' or licentiate in dental surgery " shall be added after the words "licentiate in midwifery" to the qualifications described in the fourth head of schedule (A) of the said first recited Act.' The subject of this motion was imme- diately brought before the notice of the council of the College of Dentists ; and as it was apparent that if the clause should be car- ried in the Legislature, a privilege would be granted to a small party of dentists, to the detriment of the general body of existing practitioners ; and, moreover, as the Medical Act itself clearly expresses that dentists (i.e., as a body) shall not in anii/ ivay be affected by it, the council resolved to take inimediate steps to DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. l6l frustrate a movement evidently intended to be carried surrep- titiously, and which could only be regarded as the more unprece- dented because a privileged exclusiveness was sought to be con- ferred on a non-existent class of practitioners. It was never for a moment believed that Lord Robert Cecil was the originator of the motion of which he had given notice ; and the council having communicated officially with his Lordship, ascertained that he had not been candidly informed as to the real feeling and position of the profession ; that the motion had been drawn up by Mr. Tomes ; and that Lord Robert Cecil would not have taken any steps in the matter had he been told plainly, as he ought to have been, that the motion was one upon which the dentists would be very far from unanimous. That any individual should presume to influence legislation for the benefit of a certain, few, and to the detriment of the general body, otherwise than in an open and straightforward manner, is a proceeding of which the profession will be able to form a just opinion. The council at once resolved to present a petition to the House of Commons, of which the fol- lowing is a copy : — " '^0 iht Honourahle the Commons of the United Kingdom of Ch-eat Britain and Irelayid, in Parliament assembled. " ' The humble petition of the president, vice-president, exa- miners, and coujicil of the College of Dentists in council assembled, "^ ' Shoiveth, " ' That your petitioners humbly beg to represent to your Honourable House the great injustice which would be done to the general body of dentists of this country in case any amendment to the Medical Act (1858) be passed which would have the eflect of allowing an existent or non-existent class of practitioners, to be called " Licentiates in Dentistry," or by any other partial title, to have their names entered on the medical register. The Medical Act, in the last clause, clearly expresses that nothing in the Act contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to prejudice or in «ny u-ai/ to affect the lawful occupation, trade, or business of chemists, and druggists, and dentists. Your petitioners humbly submit that if a class of men (existent or non-existent) are to be allowed to register under the Medical Act, that Act will be ren- dered anomalous, inasmuch as dentists in practice will be preju- diced and materially affected by any measure which does not confer privileges on the entire body of practising dentists. That the College of Dentists of England having been established by the dentists of England in open meeting, the officers and council elected by the members deem it their duty humbly to inform your Honourable House that it is intended to apply for a char- L l62 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. ter of incorporation for the college forthwith, and that it is the opinion of the council that any partial grant of privilege, such as to licentiates in dentistry, would act alike to the prejudice of the profession and the public. '^ ' Your petitioners, therefore, trust that no legislation will take place in reference to the question during the present session of Parliament, and humbly pray your Honourable House to reject any measures which may tend to prejudice the general body of British dentists. ' " And your petitioners will ever pray,' &c. [This petition was, of course, signed by the entire executive and staff of the college.] " This petition was placed in the hands of Mr. Brady, M.P., for presentation, who kindly promised to give it his support. In opposing this attack on the rights of dentists, the council have desired to act in a spirit of entire liberality, not only striving to protect their own members, but all those who practise dental surgery, and who are recognised as entitled to protection in the Medical Act. The absolute necessity for professional organisation, such as is afforded by the College of Dentists of England, can no longer be questioned, when, but for such organisation, indepen- dent dentists might at this moment be suffering, without redress, from the spirit of exclusiveness existing in a mere mistaken but persevering individual or party. Thus, whilst the college is en- gaged in the great work of providing efficient instruction and in regulating examination, the general interests of the entire body are not neglected. That there is need for vigilance on the part of dentists, independently of such secret proceedings as the one just exposed, recent prosecutions would appear to indicate. The title 'surgeon-dentist' lias been objected to as illegal; although the right to assume it was never questioned before the passing of the Act, and the last clause, already quoted, is specially intended to prevent dentists from being deprived of any privilege they were in possession of. If the title ' surgeon-dentist' be objected to, it is time to be prepared for protection from any attempt on dentists' rights under the 32d clause, which enacts that none but registered persons shall recover charges for (amongst other things) the per- formance of any operation of a surgical nature. Now, the council of the College of Dentists has no doubt that the last clause of the Medical Act will avail to protect fully the rights of dental prac- titioners, but not without a strong organisation of the members to resist attempts that are made, and may in future be made, on their privileges. It is also to be borne in mind that, if Lord Robert Cecil's clause had been carried through Parliament, none but a ' licentiate' in dentistry could have been entered on the register ; it is time, therefore, to organise, in order to resist DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 63 attacks whicli evidently threaten those practitioners in dentistry whose rights are protected by the Medical Act of 1858. In order to give greater efficiency to the authority of the College of Den- tists, it is intended to apply for a royal charter of incorporation, and it is requested that every practising dentist who thinks a charter desirable will append his name to the petition (a copy of which is enclosed), and return it to the secretaries with as little delay as possible. " Signed on behaK, and by order of, the council, " George Waite, President. Samuel Lee Rymer, } tt at- Anthony Hockley, \ ^on.-Secretanes. *' August 30, 1859." It was evident to all outsiders, and to the Odonto- logical Society especially, that the College of Dentists were not only on the alert to discover any attempt to infringe upon what they considered the rights of the general practitioner, but resolute to put forth all their power to nullify all action by their opponents in such a direction. Their promptitude thus displayed had a double effect. It was the throwing of the cegis of their protection over their own members, and was a plausible bid for an increase in the numerical strength of their own body. In due time a memorial or petition for a charter of incorporation for the Dental College was for- warded to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty in council, signed (j^ro forma) by six members of the col- lege,"* the result of which had, of course, to be patiently waited for. According to previous announcement, the Metropolitan School of Dental Science was opened on the day named, October 5, Dr. B. Eichardson deliver- ing the inaugural address. This gentleman had fully espoused the college views concerning the needs of the dental profession, and, from his point of vision, forcibly advocated them in a very able and full lecture. Many gentlemen of note were present on the occasion ; and this new feature of the college enterprise was one which gave the greatest satisfaction to all concerned. The * See Appendix. 164^ DENTAL' REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN', eyent itself was commemorated in the evening of the' same day by a dinner at the Freemasons' Tavern, when sixty gentlemen sat down together — the company in- cluding the lecturers, students, and friends of the school. The session was thus inaugurated under very promising circumstances ; and it was evident that, whatever might be the fate of the college itself or the school, that a very important channel of instruction to dental stu- dents was opened for their special advantage. It was subsequently stated that the lecturers would not have to deliver their respective addresses to empty benches, twenty-five young men having entered the school as students. These were further stimulated to honest, exertion in their studies by the offer from Mr. James Eobinson of a ten-guinea prize, to be given for the best thesis on a subject to be determined by the council. This prize, with Mr. Eobinson's usual liberality, was to be given in perpetuity. With such gentlemen as had consented to lecture at the Metropolitan School of Dental Science, the college was justified in feeling the highest satisfaction. On the following day, October 6, Mr. G. Waite, who had been elected president of the college, delivered his inaugural address, which was well received ; and the action of the College of Dentists at that time was favourably noticed by the " Medical Times and Gazette," and by several of the daily journals. The "Dental Eeview" also went the length of asserting that new members and associates were coming in, and, old members, who, in the late unhappy disturbances, re- tired for a time from the contest, were returning in full friendliness and good-will. So far as the College of Dentists was concerned, the year had furnished it with much work and more experience ; and this eventful period of its existence came to a close with an amount of reanimation among its members which was prophetic of sustained life, if not of increased vigour for the future. Among its last acts in 1859 was the prepara- tion of a somewhat elaborate diploma, which, under DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, 1 65 certain regulations, it would be prepared to issue to its members, it having, as an institution, been in existence the self-prescribed time prior to issuing such a distinc- tion— viz., three years. From the opposite side, too, the outlook was clear and also encouraging. The " British Journal " was enabled to state, before the year 1859 had anything like terminated, that the Odontological Society had steadily increased in numbers — in S'ovember of that year the list included nearly 150 names; the Dental Hospital of London was in fuU work; the London School of Dental Surgery was organised and in excellent operation ; a library and museum was rapidly forming ; and, last of all, in September the announcement was made that the dental charter was complete, it having received the royal sign manual. A board of examiners was, therefore, pro^dded at the Eoyal College of Surgeons, and arrangements were being made for the consequent granting of dental diplomas by that body. It was not a difficult question to decide who were the victors. Seeing that the Odontological Society had added many, and in some cases influential, names to their list of members ; that the course of events had brought about the acceptance by the college authorities at Lincoln's Inn Fields, and also by the Legislature, of the proposals they had made for the education and examination of future dentists, and that the institution of the Dental Hospital and its dental school had both been projected, and were thus far a success, there remained very little more to be done to constitute for that society a com- plete triumph. The dentists at Cavendish Square could not help realising the important advantage their oppo- nents had gained. The hope they once fairly enter- tained of obtaining a charter for their college was dimmed, if not eclipsed, by the fact that a connection with the College of Surgeons for dentists, advocated by the original memorialists, pressed by the Odontological Society, and recommended by the Medical Eegistration 1 66 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. Association as the representative of the medical societies tliroiighont the country, had taken definite form, and had passed into law by the act of the Legislature itself. ^Nevertheless, the general acceptance of this new state of things by the body of dentists at large was still wanting. The Odontological Society believed that in due time that would not be withheld ; but the Dental College thought otherwise, and its members determining to set in themselves the example of unflinching opposi- tion, resolved to leave nothing undone which could be done by them for proving that large numbers of town and country dentists sided with them in condemning affiliation with the Eoyal College of Surgeons as a blunder. Amid the expressions which took the printed and public form of editorials and general correspondence in the two opposing journals — the one side breathing taunts or exultations, and the other, stern, uncompro- mising defiance — the year 1859 died out. ( 16;) CHAPTEE VII. The year i860 opened under circumstances wliicli fos- tered the highest expectations of that portion of the profession who either from the first, or gradually, and afterwards, approved of a connection with the Eoyal College of Surgeons. Those thus desirous of a closer intimacy with the medical body were looking eagerly forward to the time when the steps that had been taken to promote this end should be developed in a practical result. The authorities at Lincoln's Inn Fields, being em- powered to act as the original memorialists suggested, having dehberated upon the entire scheme, resolved that, for facilitating the possession of the new degree of Licentiate in Dental Surgery by students in the pro- vinces, certain provincial schools should be recognised as well as those in the metropolis. The board of exami- ners at the Eoyal College of Surgeons had been insti- tuted, and at the proper time these gentlemen were prepared to fulfil their office. Their names, it need scarcely be added, inspired the highest respect. They were Mr. W. Lawrence, Mr. Joseph Green, Mr. J. ]\I. Arnott, Mr. T. Bell, ]\Ir. J. Tomes, and Mr. A. Eogers. In the meantime the College of Dentists had been deciding to issue a diploma in connection vdih that body, so that the profession had laid before it the two documents from which it might choose. From this point of view the contest looked very unequal. The weight of authority and dignity so evidently preponde- rated in the direction of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, that it was to be expected the majority of those desir- 1 68 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. ing to possess a qualification to practise dentistry, which would be of real worth, would naturally find their opinions gravitating towards their old - established and widely-acknowledged institution. It would be un- true, however, to ignore the feeling which existed in the minds of many, that the independent principle had su£fi.cient force and merit in it to influence a consider- able number. At any rate the College of Dentists, through the executive, determined to bring the matter to an issue as speedily as might be. However, before any examination had taken place at the Eoyal College of Surgeons, or the diploma of the Dental College had taken visible form, it was agreed upon by those who leaned towards the former method of obtaining a certi- fied status that a public protest against the College of Dentists and its proceedings generally should be issued. In the month of February therefore the following docu- ment appeared : — " A certain miinber of dentists having associated themselves under the assumed title of ' The College of Dentists of England,' and having signified their intention of issuing diplomas of fitness to practise dental surgery to those who may consent to such regu- lations as they shall propose, we, the undersigned practitioners in dental surgery, deem it to be our duty publicly to protest against the proceedings of this so-called College of Dentists of England, as being wholly unsanctioned by law, unwarranted by precedent or professional usage, and opposed to the opinion and feeling of the great majority of the leading practitioners in dental surgery. And we more especially protest against the issuing of diplomas without legal authority, believing that such diplomas are calculated to mislead the public, by whom they may be mis- taken for the legally authorised dental diplomas to be granted by the E.oyal College of Surgeons of England, through its dental department, consisting of surgeons and dentists in equal numbers, and organised in accordance with the provisions of a special char- ter granted to that body by Her Majesty in September last, in conformity with the Medical Act." This was a veritable throwing down of the glove and enterinsj the lists for a trial of strens^th. The challenf]^e thus given had no sooner seen the light than the DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 69 opposing party determined to answer it with all pos- sible boldness. Accordingly, immediately afterwards, the College of Dentists issued the annexed " Counter- Protest " :— " We, the undersigned, being members or associates of tlie Col- lege of Dentists of England, and others engaged in the practice of dentistry, in reply to a Protest, published in the ' Times ' of February 28th, i860, do hereby enter the following counter- protest : — I St. That the College of Dentists of England was founded at a public meeting specially convened, in the year 1856, for the purpose of bringing about an honourable organisation of the dental profession. 2d. That as the college at its commence- ment had educational objects in view, extending to dentists throughout the kingdom, the title of 'College of Dentists^ was agreed upon as the most expressive of such objects. 3d. That in taking this step no legal right whatever was infringed, there being no other institution of the same kind in the United Kingdom or its dependencies. 4th. That many of the names affixed to the protest against the College of Dentists are those of gentlemen who assisted in the establishment of the college, were once members of it, and assented to its name. 5th. That the College of Dentists is striving to advance the interests of the dental profession, and at the same time to secure for the public a properly-qualified class of practitioners — (i) By providing first-class lectures in the higher branches of science, delivered by men of scientific rank and repu- tation. (2) By establishing a school of dental surgery, for the teaching of anatomy, physiology, surgery, dental surgery, chemis- try, dental mechanics, and comparative anatomy to students in dentistry, the chairs at which school are filled by able and prac- tical teachers, and the usefulness and necessity of which educa- tional establishment is fully proved by the excellence of the attendance. (3) By founding prizes for competition on subjects pertaining to the advancement of the science and art of dentistry. (4) By founding a museum and library. (5) By instituting a board of examiners for ascertaining that none but gentlemen, duly qualified by their knowledge and skill, be admitted to the privileges of membership. 6th. That the College of Dentists took up the subject of an examination for its membership before the certificate to be issued by the College of Surgeons was even planned, and that the suggestion that an attempt is being made by the College of Dentists to confuse the one examinational cer- tificate with the other is an entire and wicked fabrication. 7th. That, on the contrary, the College of Dentists wishes its certifi- cate to stand out as an independent and honourable distinction, 1/0 .DENTAL HEFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. indicating the one principle, that tlie organisation and status of the dental profession can be better provided for by an institution of its own than by its becoming an appendage to the College of Surgeons, contrary, as it is believed, to the wishes of the mem- bers of that corporation. 8th. That in the attempt to establish their policy the members of the College of Dentists have tried to act in the open character of Englishmen, and only desire to be allowed to carry out the principles they advocate in a straight- forward and generous spirit. — Dated Feb. 29, i860." The rapidity with which the counter-protest was made to follow the protest was an evidence of the activity and decision of the College of Dentists. Both documents were largely signed, although exception was taken to the names of many which were afiixed to the instrument emanating from Cavendish Square. What the public thought of either the one or the other it would be difficult to say, but there is no doubt that the 4th clause of the counter-protest told against it in the minds of many practitioners. It was evident that if many who had been associated with the Dental College were now leagued against it, there must have been serious reasons for such a decided step being taken by those so placed and so acting. In the March number of the " British Journal of Dental Science " the clauses were dissected seriatim, their various points of weakness exposed, and their logic disputed. The great thing to be done was to have an examination held by the board of examiners at Lincoln's Inn Fields. This would practi- cally test the estimation in which the certificate to be given by the College of Surgeons was held. For- tunately for the memorialists and their now numerous and influential colleagues, this ordeal was soon to be arranged. It was announced that on the 13th day of March the examiners would meet for the above pur- pose, and a considerable number of names of gentlemen were accordingly sent in as candidates for examination — so many, indeed, that it was impossible in the allotted time to dispose of them all, and consequently DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, I'Jl •«, second examination was determined upon, to be held on the following day. The granting of these certificates by the authorities in Lincoln's Inn Fields was not with- out marked results so far as many medical practitioners were concerned. In commenting upon the subject, the ''Lancet" of March loth, i860, had the following remarks : — ' '' It had been thought that these college dental diplomas are likely to be mistaken for college surgical diplomas, and that quacks, availing themselves of this opportunity to register, will also use it for surgical practice. We do not think the argument worth much in either case. If there be a chance of mistake, this will involve a little care on the part of those interested in pre- venting them. It is sufiiciently obvious that the diplomas of a Self-constituted college, without any charter or other recognised legal standing, will labour under a great disadvantage as com- pared with those of the Royal CoUege of Surgeons. Any attempt at simulation would so degrade the College of Dentists as to pro- duce its immediate dissolution. We cannot but retain the opinion which we have formerly expressed, that the dental pro- fession has everything to gain by attaching itself to the College of Surgeons. Due precautions being taken, both bodies of prac- titioners will profit by the connection." This was in accordance with the views held from the first by this the principal medical journal. The Odon- tological Society, in its unremitting efforts to bring about a distinct and decided connection between dental practitioners worthy of the name and the medical pro- fession, had all along received support from the " Lancet." However, all the medical journals did not take the same view of the subject, and the College of Dentists felt that while that was so, they had an extra stimulus to persevere. The " Medical Times and Gazette," under date February 25 th, spoke out as follows : — "These dental licentiates, like tlie licentiates in midwifery, will call themselves surgeons, and are not likely to confine their practice to their specialty. Instead of a high order of dentists, we shall have a low class of surgeons thrust upon us. This, how- ever, is a trivial mistake compared with the blunder the council 172 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, has made in granting their diplomas to men who have not com* plied with the educational regulations of the college. We all feel that the council has done us an injustice. We all feel that we have been wronged." The " Medical Circular/' of February 29th, complained in a similar manner thus— ^ "The progress of specialties in the College of Surgeons is going on unchecked. This honoured institution is becoming the head and home of all the half- educated pretenders who have hitherto been considered the reproach to the profession Dentistry is to be legally recognised as a distinct branch of surgical science, with its special diploma and privileges. The Queen has granted a charter to the college, enabling it to carry out the provisions of the Medical Act ; and a board of examiners, consisting of three members of the council and three dentists, has been established. There can be no doubt that if the dentists avail themselves to any extent of this offer, and connect themselves parasitically with the college, it Avill be with the intention of practising as surgeons under the aegis of the college diploma. Every petty town in the country will have its certificated dentist poaching upon the prac- tice of the fully-qualified man. . . . We regard the special dip- loma as bad in principle and ruinous in policy, except to those gentlemen, perhaps, who are benefited by the fees." Both these journals continued to be exceedingly irate at the action of the College of Surgeons, and gave ex- pression again to their indignation. The " Medical Times and Gazette," in its issue March 10, again reverted to the subject, and, among other things, said — " The council of the College of Surgeons, acting on the 48th clause of the present Act, without any reference to the wishes of the profession it ought to represent, is about to admit to its body not only men who have passed a special examination, but men who assume a retrospective qualification by virtue of having operated on teeth, and worked at the mysteries of gold-plate, bone, or vulcanite. We may thus expect, granting that this folly is not stopped by the firm and manly voice of the profession, to see in- troduced among us a number of persons who, claiming relation- ship with a surgical corporation, will pass themselves on the pubHc as surgeons, and being neither surgeons nor dentists, will pretend to be everything. That such a suicidal course can be allowed to pass without remonstrance is impossible. . . . Let it be strongly proclaimed that we want no certificated specialists, and won' t have them, and no power whatever can sustain them DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1/3 ill honour. "We make this remark with the best feeling to the members of the dental profession. In their own sphere we can work with them as brethren, consult with them as equals, but they must keep to their own sphere — not intrude upon ours." This outburst of fretful jealousy and unjust insinua- tion serves to show to some extent the difficulties in the way of dental reform and progress. The " British Medical Journal " of March loth, after a long denun- ciation of the action of the College of Surgeons, concludes its remarks by direct reference to the College of Dentists and its plan thus — " Taking things as they are, there are a large number of dentists ; and of these there is a powerful section aiming to maintain a college of their own and claiming their own independence. These men, we learn, have spurned the temptation offered by the College of Surgeons ; they disdain to creep into the medical pro- fession surreptitiously and disgracefully. They are determined to prove that the worth of their profession is not to be increased by their buying the privilege of becoming appendages of a body in which they would be regarded as intruders, but that it is to be maintained and augmented only by independence, industry, and conscientiousness. The medical profession will, do well to act in concert with these men in resisting the disgraceful acts of the College of Surgeons." Eeferring to the same subject, the "Medical Circu- lar," in its number for March 21st, remarks that — " The confidence that now prevails between the surgeon and the dentist would be severed ; the former would regard the latter with jealousy, and would refrain from sending him patients. The result would be that the dentist would be worse off in consequence of his connection with the college than he is now ajDart from it. A considerable number of them would, doubtless, invade the practice of the surgeon ; but the remainder would scarcely know how to live, and would be driven to connect the drug trade with their other business. The necessities of the profession would lead to the creation of a new order of dentists disassociated with the college, and these only would receive patronage and sup- ]">ort. Let the dentists carefully consider their position before they embrace the council of the College of Surgeons' pro- position." Although somewhat amusing from the present point of view as such sentiments, and so expressed, must be 174 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. to the dental reader, at the time they were ushered into the light of day they had a very different effect indeed. It need hardly be said that the doleful predic- tions thus uttered have not been fulfilled, nor has the surgeons' province been at all invaded. The " Dental Keview " did not keep silence. It said — " The College of Surgeons may assume authority ; it cannot change a sentiment, nor blend Into one two professions which are by natural circumstances and boundaries entirely separated ; still less can it do so by virtue of a mere scrap of paper which gives no legal right, and which does not affiliate in any one par- ticular the men who possess it with the institution that sold it — which, in short, neither makes a dentist nor a surgeon ; and, without making surgery dignified, makes dentistry a vassalage." While the heat of contending parties was becoming palpably stronger, the three days appointed for examina- tion— ^dz., the 13th, 14th, and 20th of March i860 — saw no less than forty-three gentlemen, most of whom were distinguished members of the profession, submit to the ordeal, and receive the dental diploma. Whatever, therefore, might have been the opinion of other dentists, or medical practitioners generally or in particular, there could be no doubt about the estimate formed of the licentiateship in dental surgery by those who thus sub- mitted voluntarily to be tested upon their qualifications to practise their special profession. So long as the scheme propounded by the original founders of the Odontological Society was in nucleus, or even approach- ing completeness, there was a fair opportunity for discuss- ing its merits and opposing its advance ; but when it had become im fait accomjjli, opposition appeared useless. However, this was not the idea of the College of Dentists' party ; and whether the executive said as much among themselves, or secretly thought so, there can be no doubt that from that moment the doom of "independency" was proclaimed. The council of the College of Dentists had appealed to the medical profes- sion on the subject of dentistry being a separate and distinct, profession from surgery, and had received some DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 75 3000 names of gentlemen acquiescing in that view. One of the most energetic workers in connection with the Dental College, Mr, Peter Matthews, its former pre- sident and treasurer, in the month of April, having pre- viously retired from the college, presented himself at Lincoln's Inn Fields, and received the new diploma. The list of such recipients continued to increase, until in June, just three months after the first examination had taken place, the number of licentiates in dental surgery was no less than eighty-eight. This list, alpha- betically arranged, was somewhat triumphantly pub- lished in the June issue of the "British Journal of Dental Science." In the meantime the supporters of the Dental Hospital of London, with others, had formu- lated the London School of Dental Surgery, which on the last day of April in that year was consummated. On that occasion, and amid much hearty applause, Mr. Samuel Cartwright, jun., delivered a most excellent inaugural address. This took place at the Dental Hos- pital, where a goodly company of influential and repre- sentative gentlemen was assembled. Consolidation of what had been already accomplished by the instrumen- tality of the Odontological Society was now the principal aim of that party. In the meantime, the College of Dentists had set the engraver to work, and secured an ornamental diploma, which it was proposed to confer upon its members, not simply on account of their mem- bership, but also as a guarantee of the holder's fitness to practise dentistry. The document was somewhat showy, bearing at the top the college arms and inscrip- tion ; beneath which was the following statement : — " By virtue of the powers vested in us by the council of this college, we, the court of examiners, have diligently examined , and have found him competent to exercise the art and science of a dextal surgeon. We have, therefore, this day ad- mitted him a member of this collecje." This was followed by the signatures of the president, examiners, secretary, and registrar, concluding with the 176 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, date. There can be no question as to the real motives of the projectors of this diploma. They were doubt- less most anxious to do all they could towards affording the public a guarantee which should ensure against incompetency. They felt, and without question, the. disastrous results of charlatanism^ and earnestly desired to check, if not suppress it. Their examination was to ■ be real and not fictitious, while the issue of a diploma would go far to meet the universal longings to possess an authoritative acknowledgment of the holder's capa- city. But beyond this it is morally certain that the granting of diplomas by the College of Dentists was meant as an overt competitive act with the College of Surgeons. Two certificates were in the field, and it remained for the profession to elect which it should obtain. The " Dental Eeview " left nothing unsaid to promote the acceptance of the instrument emanating, from Cavendish Square, nor was the " British Journal of Dental Science" silent upon the all-absorbing subject. The College of Dentists must be credited with exem- plary diligence in seeking to improve its position. The prizes had been distributed by the Metropolitan School of Dental Science, at a most enthusiastic meeting. The lectures in connection with the college were being de- livered before numerous auditors. To the already well- filled list of objects for the museum specimens of interest and value were being added, and more promised. The formation of a good library was under consideration, and about this time, June i860, the council were pro- posing to seek for more accommodation in larger pre- mises than those then occupied. The large measure of success which had been obtained by the opposing party, instead of quenching zeal and obliterating hope, seemed but to add fresh vigour to those connected with the College of Dentists, and stimulate the executive to fur- ther effort on its behalf. It may be, perhaps, safely asserted that at no previous period 'had there been more unflinching resolution manifested by the upholders of DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN, IfJ " independency " than at this time. They were deter- mined to develop all their resources, and show an nn- compromising front to the foe. One of the character- istics of the College of Dentists' diploma was, that all submitting to examination in order to ol3tain it were not bound by the ordinary curriculum. Using the phraseology of the editor of the " Dental Review," the following is a description of the liberty here alluded to : " We ask you not whether you come from east or west ; whether you are self-taught or master -taught ; whether you have studied twenty years or twenty months ; whether you have worked in winter or summer ; bring with you a good character,' and prove demonstrably that you possess the standard of knowledge which we consider requisite, and your membership with us is secure." This principle had considerable fascination, doubtless, for some, especially for such as could, perhaps, with difficulty afford to meet the expenses of the recognised medical schools ; and the conclusion arrived at in the minds of many w^as that under such a method the exa- mination proposed would be less stringent or severe than that imposed at Lincoln's Inn Fields. Whatever motive actuated the gentlemen proposing to submit to either of the two examinations, the value of a certificate emanating from a chartered body like the Eoyal College of Surgeons was undeniably greater than that issued by an unchartered institution, as the College of Dentists continued to be. This would have been still true, even had the Dental College a majority of the well-known and most influential practitioners to support it, w^hich, indeed, it had not. However much the licentiateship in dental surgery might be ridiculed by those who said they saw in it nothing of worth to the possessor or to the profession, such a document carried with it a legal recognition of the holder's fitness to practise, and in no other direction could such an acknowledgment be found. For the dentists of this country to have won for them- selves such a position, and in so short a time, reflected the highest praise not only upon those who had origi- 178 DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. nally proposed it, but also upon every one wlio had been instrumental in supporting the enterprise from its com- mencement to its close. In four short years the pro- fession had arisen and shaken itself from the dust and disgrace of former times, and by dint of sheer hard work had secured for itself a legal standing ; and it may be fairly assumed that a corresponding social improvement was thereby attained. If the national instinct in the direction of liberty had been aroused, as it certainly had, yet it would be futile to deny that another instinct equally strong had not been dormant — namely, that which not only looks towards but leans upon law and order. In the certificate of the Royal College of Surgeons this instinct was met; and while no im- munity from distasteful services in the community was granted, such as the full membership secured to medical practitioners, yet the acknowledgment of den- tists from a legal point of view was a distinct and most important step in advance. Ardent spirits are always to be found in every reform movement ; but the history of all such revolutions teaches us that they are not the safest guides. Unless the florid imaginations and full demands of men of this temperament are gratified there is sure to be a manifestation of discontent on their part. Even those who had thus laboured and won the new position would have preferred something more than the certificate allotted to them. But, although not absolutely content, they were well pleased with what had been accomplished. In all legislation and new enactments not only is the justness of the law to be considered, but also the appropriateness of the time, and the fitness to receive, and willingness to accept and obey on the part of those legislated for. It is very certain that the propounders of the " licentiateship " scheme felt they had done that which would best suit the needs of the dental profession, and were content to wait until time had done its allotted work in proving the .soundness of their views. They were rewarded before DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1 79 the year i860 came to its close by seeing more than a hundred members of the profession holding the new dental degree. The Dental Hospital of London had been doing quiet but efficient work, the patients being more double in number than those of the preceding year* The London School of Dental Surgery was giving signs of real vitality, and the Odontolc>gical Society was more than ever en evideiice, both from a practical and scientific point of view. The effect of all this both upon the College of Dentists and the outsiders in the profession may be readily imagined. Whether Mr. Eymer and his friends considered it politic to openly admit defeat, there can be but little doubt as to what both he and they must have felt at the distinct success, or rather series of successes, which had been achieved by the opposing ranks. They could, nevertheless, look back upon their efforts as the year closed with honest pride. The second session of the Metropolitan School of Dental Science was opened in the month of October, and an interesting and instructive address delivered by Mr. T. Hulme, M.R.C.S.* A conversazione followed on the 30th of the same month. The president of the college (Mr. Waite) gave his address and reviewed the progress of the institution, alluding to the lectures which had been given to the members of the college by Pro- fessor Erichsen, Dr. Richardson, and Mr. Hulme on the important subjects of "Diseases of the Maxillary Bones," "Ansesthetics," and the "Anatomy and Develop- ment of the Teeth " respectively. Mr. James Eobin- son, in conjunction with Mr. Tibbs (of Cheltenham), vice-presidents of the college, desiring to stimulate the students to real industry, had offered a prize of thirty guineas for the best essay on " Caries of the Teeth." So far from acknowledging defeat, the executive had been searching for a separate building in which the college might be installed ; but not being able to succeed in that * In the month of May this hospital and school were recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons. i8o DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN'. direction, they contented themselves by securing a re- newal of the lease of the rooms at No. 5 Cavendish Square, together with increased accommodation for the larger attendance of members and others who they fully ex- pected would support then' cause. Those who had been looking forward with eager anticipation to unity of action between the two contending parties, were dis- appointed on reading the last words which the editor of the " Dental Review " published towards the end of that year on that subject. The writer remarked — " The College of Dentists of England, now consolidated, enters on this new session with better days before it than it has yet seen. In its attempts at reform it has accepted the broadest policy. It stakes its position, not on an obedience to existent prejudices, nor on personal compromises, but on the faith of an introduction into its future life of young, unbiassed, working in- tellect— of intellect represented by men who, trained in indepen- dence, lured by scholarly friendships into unity, educated by early learning into strength, and sustained in principle by association, will identify the institution that has reared them with their own lives, improve it by their labours, and consolidate it the more." The friends of " independence " were thus filled with courageous hope, if not sanguine expectation, concern- ing the ultimate success of their project, and their faith not only in the soundness of their principles, but in the applicability of them, and their acceptance by a large number of the up-coming generation of dentists, jpaust have been unusually strong, especially with such a fact as the 13th day of March in that year had placed on permanent record. Mr. Eobinson had for some time past changed his views concerning the Odon- tological Society, and the side of the profession it repre- sented, and had accordingly espoused once more the college cause. He had been elected to the treasurership, and determined to advance the interests of the institu- tion as much as he possibly could. Originally one of the trustees of the Dental Hospital of London he be- came dissatisfied with that charity, and resigned his office. His private reason, subsequently made known DENTAL REFORM IN GREAT BRITAIN. l8r to the author, was his personal dislike to be associated with one of the gentlemen on the staff; but the true motive lay in the direction of his strong desire to in- augurate a similar hospital to be identified with the College of Dentists of England. The struggle between the two sections of the profession was destined to be prolonged, and the " British Journal of Dental Science " accepted this as the then situation, and in the leading article in its first number for the following year, 1861, after comparing the relative positions and prospects of either side, said, in concluding, ''We look upon the ' College of Dentists ' as a positive evil, calculated to mislead the public, and to encourage a low tone of pro- fessional conduct among dental practitioners." Al- though it might have been inferred from the opening remarks of the editor of the " Dental Eeview " that a more peaceful era had dawned, many felt that such, indeed, was not the case. The latter journal remarked, " With the new year we come before our readers full of expectation, not unalloyed with anxieties. AYe buried with the last volume all feeling of rivalry, political and general." What the feelings of the large mass of den- tists occupying neutral ground may have been, it is not easy to declare. Perhaps it would be nearest to truth to say that they were content to wait still longer, and watch the course events might take as the relative strength and efficiency of the combatants to re]3resent them were manifested. In the hope of displaying these qualities the college party firmly believed in the pros- pect of success. If the