Forceps for loosening the tooth previous to extraction (Abulcasis).

The small forceps (Figs. 37 and 38) to be used in loosening the tooth must have the handle shorter than the jaws and be sufficiently strong not to bend when pressure is put upon the tooth.

The large forceps (Figs. 39 and 40) with which the extraction must be performed should be made of very good Indian or Damascene iron, and have the handle longer than the jaws; these, moreover, on the inside must be toothed, or striated after the manner of files, so that they may have a perfectly firm grip, without slipping.

From the foregoing quotations and on examining the annexed figures, it very clearly appears that the extraction of teeth was performed by Abulcasis with excessive timidity and in a manner which must have been torturing to the poor patients. These had to undergo, first of all, the detachment of the gums, then the prolonged shaking of the tooth either with the fingers or with the forceps, then the attempt at extraction by means of a stronger pair of forceps, but, so far as can be seen from the figure, very little fitted for the purpose; and finally, in many cases, fresh maneuverings to extract the tooth with an elevator.

Fig. 39

Fig. 40

Forceps for performing the extraction after the tooth has been loosened (Abulcasis).

Nothing better, in truth, could have been done with such imperfect instruments. But it is possible that even then there perhaps existed, for the extraction of teeth, other instruments, so shaped as to be able to act with greater force. Abulcasis himself[217] alludes to the existence of dental instruments not mentioned by him. It is probable, therefore, that the barbers, in spite of the scorn with which Abulcasis overwhelms them, used, for the extraction of teeth, forceps far more suitable than those described by him. These individuals, certainly unfurnished with a scientific education, must have had, however, a great practice in the extraction of teeth, being perhaps almost the only ones to whom recourse was had for this operation. They performed it very quickly, as may be argued from the words of Abulcasis himself. It is no wonder, therefore, that not unfrequently the work of these fatui tonsores[218] was the cause of more or less serious injuries, but for the most part it had the advantage of not making the patients suffer excessive torture.