Correspondence.
Editor Archives:
In the discussion of Dr. Faught's paper, reported in your March number, I am represented as saying: “The essayist remarked that the students who had graduated from a dental college did not know that it is theacidsecretions from the mucous follicles which destroy oxyphosphate fillings.” I was quoting from a paper which I had heard read by Dr. Shepard, of Boston. I regret to say that I have misquoted him by inserting the word “acid.” His exact language, which I find in the printed report of his lecture, is, “Nearly every graduate seemed to be ignorant that there was any mucous follicles to contribute to the fluids in the mouth, etc.” He does not say “acid.” I have therefore misrepresented him, and wish to do him justice by this correction. In further explanation, let me say that I had heard Dr. Shepard's paper, and when at the Newark meeting, Dr. Faught said thatalkaliesdestroy oxyphosphates, a gentleman next to me whispered, “Dr. Shepard said acids do,” upon which I seemed to recall that he had done so. I mentioned it, meaning to bring up the point that we can scarcely expect definite answers from students upon questions which have not been definitely decided. In another paragraph I use the expression “wash out,” in such a way that it sounds as though Dr. Shepard had used it. He did; but it was as a quotation from the students under criticism.
I hope that you will give this space.
Respectfully.
Rodregues Ottolengui.
115 Madison Av., N. Y.
Decorative line.
Dr. Wm. Bartlettis demonstrator in charge at the Missouri Dental College. He has made mechanical dentistry a specialty for a number of years, but during the past two sessions has taken a regular course at the college, and is now a full-fledged dentist.