Review of Dental Literature and Art. [Volume: 2, Issue: 11, June, 1861, pp. 611-624]

REVIEW OF DENTAL LITERATURE AND ART.

621

quences of an introduction of arsenic into the system. The use of arsenioacetate of copper ('Schweinfurth green') as a pigment is pronounced
highly deleterious to health. It enters into the composition of the coloring of wall-paper and other decorations; also into the green paper boxes,
cards, and artificial leaves and flowers. The most dangerous use to which
it is applied, however, is for the coloring of confectionery. For paper it
is selected on account of its brilliant hue, and for other purposes because
of its cheapness.
"Arsenic, in its various forms of chemical combination, is often found in
other pigments than green. But this is not the only virulent poison which
is used to an alarming extent for toilet purposes. The nitrate and subnitrate of bismuth are considered by costumers to be the most delicate
white that can be obtained, and, in its pure state, its use is perhaps not
attended with any immediate injurious results. This chemical preparation,
however, is seldom found in its pure state, being too expensive to command ready sale at remunerative prices. It is, therefore, often adulterated
with chalk; but this giving it too dull an appearance, a preparation of
arsenic is incorporated to add brilliancy to its body. Thus the 'flake
white' of the toilet is produced; and in a liquid form arsenic enters into
the composition of 'milk of roses' and other fashionable pigments intended to improve the human complexion. Carmine produces the most
beautiful blush, but it is so expensive as to tempt adulterations, and in the
hands of unprincipled though skillful chemists, poisons as deadly as the
preparations of arsenic are employed. Perhaps the only harmless preparation for cosmetic purposes is pickled beets."
DENTAL REGISTER OF THE WEST-MAY.
"PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS. By A. S. TALBERT, D.D.S. (Read before
the Kentucky State Dental Association.)-I will give you an example to
show you how little things may become important elements of success. A
servant girl once called at my office to have me extract a tooth. I seated
her in the chair, and, having washed my hands as I always do before going
to my patient, I performed the operation. A few months after, her mistress called on me, and, paying a handsome fee for professional services,
she became ever after while she lived, my steadfast friend. She told me
she came at the instance of her servant, who said she 'never before saw a
white man wash his hands to wait on a nigger!' Thus a simple act of
kindness, (for it was nothing more, my hands being as clean as her mouth,)
shown even to a slave, was a hundredfold rewarded, adding more to the
success of the operation than any superior skill could possibly have done."
In connection with the incident narrated by Dr. Talbert, we would take
occasion to say that it is not enough for the operator to be satisfied that
his hands are clean, he should, by laving or washing them in the
presence of the patient, prevent the establishment of any doubt in his or
her mind. As a general thing, patients have but little reason to complain
on this point. We remember, however, that, several years ago, a patient
on one occasion said that she remonstrated with a practitioner (who
was more celebrated for extracting than saving teeth) for passing from
one patient to another with the same bloody hands and instruments, and
suggested the propriety of employing a little water between his opera