ds, as to give heat to
the parts in vicinity. And hence, as soon as the gum swells and inflames
along with the cheek, heat is produced, and the pain ceases, owing to the
increased exertions of the torpid membrane, excited by the activity of the
sensorial power of sensation; which previously existed in its passive state
in the painful torpid membrane. See Odontitis, Class II. 1. 4. 7. and IV.
2. 2. 8.

M. M. If the painful tooth be found, venesection. Then a cathartic.
Afterwards two grains of opium. Camphor and opium, one grain of each held
in the mouth; or a drop or two of oil of cloves put on the painful tooth.
Ether. If the tooth has a small hole in it, it should be widened within by
an instrument, and then stopped with leaf-gold, or leaf-lead; but should be
extracted, if much decayed. It is probable that half a small drop of a
strong solution of arsenic, put carefully into the hollow of a decayed
aching tooth, would destroy the nerve without giving any additional pain;
but this experiment requires great caution, lest any of the solution should
touch the tongue or gums.

Much cold or much heat are equally injurious to the teeth, which are endued
with a fine sensation of this universal fluid. The best method of
preserving them is by the daily use of a brush, which is not very hard,
with warm water and fine charcoal dust. A lump of charcoal should be put a
second time into the fire till it is red hot, as soon as it becomes cool
the external ashes should be blown off, and it should be immediately
reduced to fine powder in a mortar, and kept close stopped in a phial. It
takes away the bad smell from decayed teeth, by washing the mouth with this
powder diffused in water immediately. The putrid smell of decaying stumps
of teeth may be destroyed for a time by washing the mouth with a weak
solution of alum in water. If the calcareous crust upon the teeth adheres
very firmly, a fine powder of pumice-stone may be used occasionally, or a
tooth instrument.

Acid of sea-salt, much diluted, may be used; but this very rarely, and with
the greatest caution, as in cleaning sea-shells. When the gums are spongy,
they should be frequently pricked with a lancet. Should black spots in
teeth be cut out? Does the enamel grow again when it has been perforated or
abraded?

13. _Otalgia._ Ear-ach sometimes continues many days without apparent
inflammation, and is then frequently removed by filling the ear with
laudanum, or with ether; or e