Mesue was Surgeon to the Caliph Haroun al Raschid, who flourished 786-809. If the reference to Mesue is correct, it would, therefore, indicate that the filling of teeth with gold was known to the Arabs as early as the latter part of the eighth century. Examination of the writings of Mesue has thus far failed to bring to light any record therein of the treatment of caries by gold filling, although in his work previously referred to (see page [138]) the other methods quoted by the anonymous author of Zahnarzneybuchlein are fully set forth.
[Translation.]
FIFTH CHAPTER.
ON CARIOUS AND HOLLOW TEETH.
Corrosion is a disease and defect of the teeth when they become carious and hollow, which most often happens in the molars, especially if one does not clean them of the adhering food which becomes moist and consequently produces bad, sharp [acid] moisture that eats and corrodes them, always gradually increasing, until it spoils the teeth entirely, which afterward must fall away in pieces not without pains.
“Mesue ut supra capite proprio.” This, as Mesue writes, is chiefly cured and removed in three ways. First, by purging as treated upon above. Second, by dissolving the material which renders them hollow and eats them away; also by boiling cockles that grow in barley or wheat, in vinegar and holding this in the mouth. In this vinegar the root of caper and ginger and other similar remedies must have been previously boiled. Third, by removing the decay, which is done in two ways. First, by scraping and cleaning the hole and the carious part with a fine chisel, knife, or file, or other suitable instrument, as is well known to practitioners, and then by filling the cavity with gold leaves for the preservation of the other portion of the tooth. Second, by using suitable medicine, such as oak apples or wild galls, with which the tooth is filled after having been cleaned.
The following editions of Zahnarzneybuchlein, besides the Basle and Mayence editions noted by Dr. Guerini at page 166, were issued and copies thereof are preserved in the libraries of the several collectors as stated. Edition of 1530, printed by Michael Blum, Leipzig, in collection of Edward C. Kirk. Edition of 1536, printed by Chr. Egenolff, Frankfurt a/M, in collection of William H. Trueman. Edition of 1541, printed by Chr. Egenolff, Frankfurt a/M, in Dental Cosmos library and collection of E. Sauvez. Edition of 1576, printed by Chr. Egenolffserben, in collection of H. E. Friesell.—E. C. K.]