Dr. Frank Hamilton of Columbus, O., lectured upon "Surgery of the Mouth and Jaws," enlivening the same by presenting cases. He said tumors were the most frequent cause; necessitating the removal of a jaw or a portion of it. When the superior jaw is to be removed, a flap is dissected back, commencing at the center of the lip and carrying the knife around the nose and up through the wrinkle under the eye. This leaves little disfiguration. One or two incisor teeth are next extracted and the nasal and molar processes are severed with the saw and the whole dislodged with strong pliers. Bleeding arteries are caught, and it is sometimes best to ligate the carotid. Bichloride solution is used throughout the operation.
Discussion—Dr. C. R. Butler:—There will be little disfiguration if the knife follows the natural depressions in cutting the flap.
Dr. J. Taft read a paper by Dr. N. S. Hoff, of Ann Arbor, Mich., "Your old men shall dream dreams; your young men shall see visions."
One person suggests a change in our laws; one that we have a home on a high mountain in Georgia; another that we have a National Board of Dental Examiners and a higher degree given than D.D.S., and another has offered a dental society aid towards securing it a home. The author suggests that the Ohio State Society, which has been wandering around, have a home, where its sessions could be held, and connected with it a library, a museum and facilities for clinics and lectures. Columbus, the capitol, would be a good place, being central and having the usual facilities of a large city. The local and district societies could be auxiliary to it. A fund, a room or building secured with some one in charge. All the specimens, appliances, &c., contributed by members. Specialists should be secured to lecture at the meeting or other times, and along with this, a dental journal devoted to its interests.
Discussion—Dr. J. Taft—The suggestions are not impossible and can be carried out if all would take part and aid with money and all the specimens and appliances they can spare.
Dr. Frank Sage, Cincinnati, O., next read a paper entitled, "Intimate Diagnosis of Lesions Effecting the Teeth."
Idiosyncracies of persons have much to do with lesions of the teeth, but there are often other causes also. A patient comes from some other operator, and ignorant of what has been done, he is apt to be misled. All causes which are not directly associated with the trouble, if first eliminated, the diagnosis is much easier. The prejudice and ignorance of the patient must be considered. A previous condition should be studied, and its influence at the present time weighed that we be not led to error. We must not be influenced by mere probabilities. Teeth once affected are quite likely to be mistaken as the cause of trouble again.
Discussion—Dr. Otto Arnold:—Instinct is a pretty good guide in difficult diagnosis.
Dr. R. D. Jennings:—Physicians know very little about the teeth.