A History of Dentistry from the most Ancient Times until the end of the Eighteenth Century

by Vincenzo Guerini

To keep free from odontalgia, there is, says he, a very simple means, which consists in rubbing the teeth once a year with the blood of a tortoise.

This is the first writer who has noted the harmful effect which mercury has on the gums and teeth, whether this remedy be used internally or externally, that is, by friction.

Fig. 56

The pelican as represented in Giovanni d’Arcoli’s work. Forceps pro extrahendis dentibus pulicanum dicta.

Fig. 57

Dental forceps (Giovanni d’Arcoli.) Forcipum pro extrahendis dentibus forma.

Fig. 58