T!»V- V.'-vpff ^W* VALEDICTORY ADDRESS, X i delivered before THE CLASS OE THE BALTIMORE COLLEGE OF DENTAL SURGERY. 3 By C. O. CONE, M. D., D. D. S. m&.33Tzm©i&m, m$>m,©m s®, as©©. \ " v.. BALTIMORE: HUBER & JARVIS, PRINTERS, Nos. 212 and 214 Baltimore-st. 1850. S*. Paor. C. O. CONE, Dear Sir: At a meeting of the Class of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery held this day, it was unanimously resolved that a Committee be appointed to manifest to you our full appreciation of the sterling address which you have just delivered before us, as well as to request a copy for publication. We beg leave in the name of our fellow Students to make this known to you, and also to express our sincere gratitude for the most able and faithful manner in which you have discharged the duties devolving upon you as Professor of Operative and Mechanical Dentistry in this Institution. Yours, with sincere regard, F. P. Abbot, R. Johnston, J. R. Walton, Committee. Baltimore, March 20, 1850. No. 38 North Charles Street, Baltimore, March 21 si, 1850. Gentlemen: Your note of this morning, with the complimentary wish of the Class of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was received; and in reply I have only to say, that I do not feel at liberty to decline their request, and forward you the manuscript copy of my Address. Be pleased to express to your fellow Students my ardent desire for their success, and accept for yourselves personally my best wishes. Very truly, yours, &c. C. O. Cone. To F. P. Abbot and Committee. ADDRESS. Gentlemen: We are told by one of the heathen philosophers, that he has known many sins by speaking, few by keeping silent; thus expressing a truth, that it is more difficult to know when, than how to speak. Notwithstanding my conviction of the truth of the above maxim, I feel this to be an occasion too sacred to pass in silence, or without presen- ting to you truths with which you should be made familiar. The common laws of social benevolence, requires that every man should endeavor to assist others by his experience. He that has at last escaped into port, from the fluctuations of chance, and the gust of opposition, ought to make some effort to present improvements in the chart of life; by making plain the rocks on which he has been dashed, and the reefs where he has been stranded. One of the common errors which young minds are betrayed into, in breaking loose from the discipline of instruction, is the indulgence of too sanguine expectations and hopes, in relation to their future pros- pect of professional advancement. To correct this frequent error, and to temper your expectations to the unwilling acknowledgment of pro- fessional endurance which the world will demand, is one of the objects of the present lecture. The ambition of adopting a life of professional employment at the present day, is the source of countless instances of misery. Every profession is overstocked by something in human shape, that attaches their hand to the calling. Thousands have died of broken hearts, or disgraced the profession to which they were attached, from disappoint- ment in their pursuit after the idol of their ambition; which they ex- pected to have overtaken early after entering the arena of professional strife. The direction of Aristotle to those that studied politics was first to understand what has been written by the ancients upon governments; and then cast their eyes around upon the world, and consider by what causes the prosperity of countries is visibly influenced; and why some are worse, and others better administered. In like manner, let us make an examination of the deviating course marked by the stream on which you are expected soon to launch your professional bark. Science is ever progressive, and our profession which is still young as a distinct branch of the curative art, has recently make strides most rapid and gigantic; and we send you forth as the heralders of a new era in its history. The weak deductions from mistaken causes are be- ing thrown aside, and close observation and scientific scrutiny are be- ing substituted. The meshes of prejudice are rapidly breaking. The Alma of a modern dentist is the Altar of Science, where he worships not blindly; but like the spirit of the age, he passes onward leaving behind the musty absurdities of professional secrets, and no longer mis- takes an array of bombast as the essence of wisdom. 4 Fifty years ago, we have been told by a deceased member of this faculty, that in this country, the name of dentist was a reproach and a by-word; and, that the entire catalogue of available dental literature, was comprised in the works of John Hunter and Dr. Blake. A New York Dental writer, in 1838, says: "The Author has long witnessed with feelings of regret, a spirit of illiberally, or rather an unwillingness in many members of his profession, to exchange profes- sional information. During the last spring, (1837) he made a tour to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, for the express purpose of gaining Dental information; and he regrets to add, that of more than twenty Dental practitioners who made incorruptible teeth, on whom he called, he found only two willing to exchange secrets." And the same writer a little further on observes, " Every well educated dentist how- ever, cannot but deplore that his profession is so degraded and disrep- utable as it really is; and in many parts of our country, he is ashamed when travelling amongst strangers to confess himself a dentist." At the period named by the above writer, the profession rested in the hands of individual dentists, who cared not for the respectability of the profession, further than that which related to their person. At the pe- riod just named, the profession could not boast of a single text book iu this country. Ten years ago, in a conversation with a member of the profession now located at Cincinnati, he informed me that in 1839, he travelled from Hartford, Conn, to New Orleans, La., without permitting his pro- fessional connection to become known, lest it should detract from his position as a gentleman. Dr. Eleazar Parmly, in a letter written in 1840, to the Chairman of the first meeting of the American Society of Dental Surgeons, says: " We have I presume all of us, the mortifica- tion to know that in this country more particularly than in any other, the community at large have been accustomed to regard men, and gentlemen too, as unfit for the drawing rooms of the rich and the fash- ionable, if they attached themselves to the profession which we are resolved to honor and elevate." This anomalous state of Dental Surgery induced by the interlopa- tion of mercenary ignorance lias ever been a subject of deep regret amongst its honorable professors, and the cause of attaching considera- ble obloquy to its members generally, by indiscriminating sections of country. A writer of the period we have just named, and one of em- inence, and enthusiastically devoted to his profession, has said, " I do not hesitate in the least, to assert it as my sincere opinion, that Dental Surgery in the manner in which it is practiced at present, is really a positive evil; and yet the benefits derived from it, capable as it is, of being made highly useful, and of contributing importantly to the pres- ervation and restoration of health and life; are not by any means an adequate compensation for the miseries which are inflicted upon the human race by its many imperfections and abuses." Another writer of the same time, and not less devoted and competent in his profession, and whose opinion is entitled to credence, observes; " I will venture to say, that there is more injury done, than benefit conferred by ope- rations on the teeth." Now, can we express wonder at this state of the profession, when we consider that organs,, exhibiting the most extensive physiological and pathological relations and changes, were dealt with by men utterly ignorant of their true character and their relationship to the entire sys- 5 tern so strongly illustrated, when they or their immediate parts are in a diseased state ? That the care of such important organs should be committed to none but educated and competent practitioners is most evident; yet there has been, and still are, crowds of low-bred, igno- rant men, who live by feasting on the public credulity, and term them- selves Dental Surgeons, and whose real pretensions to such a title would be scarcely paralelled by a clumsy horse-shoeing smith, styling himself a Veterinary Surgeon. I And why did this state of the profession exist ? The answer is ready. There was no other profession so totally destitute of combination, and, consequently, of influence. The physician and general surgeon had their school, pharmacy its societies and lectures, the artist his acade- mies of design, and even the veterinary surgeons their college; but the dentist seemed to have no feelings in common. Each practitioner stood isolated, without any line of communication with the profession or head of reference. The education of the dentist was confined to private tuition, and was taught, as other callings arc, by example, and at an expense, on the average, of three times the necessary expense of a scientific collegiate dental education; and even then, not being able at that or any other expense to purchase the secrets of the profession held by his preceptors. At the close of a studentship of a few months like that just described, he placed a brass plate on his door, and adver- tised his list of prices, and then, according to past and passing cus- tom, was a dentist to all intents and purpose. What he may have been before is nothing; he may have been a milkman, a brickmaker, or a scoundrel, and still is one; it matters not, he tells the public that he is a dentist, and they believe him. It is a feature of human character to judge a body or community by its majority, and hence the estima- tion in which the denial profession was held at the time we have been considering its condition. But rapid strides have recently been taken in the profession. In one of our best conducted medical journals of the country we find, in a review by the editor, of a dental work, " that dental surgery has been placed side by side with medicine and surgery, and is entitled to the respect which is shown an educated and responsible profession." And, gentlemen, you may ask, with great propriety, by what agent or agents has this sudden and much-desired change been worked? I reply, by educating the profession on principles founded on sci- ence, which has and will ever act as the connecting link of com- munication in all professions. The rapid advancement of all sciences and arts, within the last quarter of a century, has been marked with magnetic speed, and the startling discoveries that are almost daily bursting upon us, stamps this age we live in as one of unprecedented lustre, in all that has reference to the health, comfort and convenience of man. In this general movement the effort to establish the Baltimore College was made. The effect of its establishment on the dental pro- fession you know. A few active spirits, by their well-directed efforts, have succeeded in creating that interest for the institution and the science which its teachers inculcate as a philosophical pursuit which its importance so well merits, and raised this long-neglected profession to a rank which those who formerly practiced it never dreamed of its attaining. Fortunate would it be if this pleasing picture had no reverse. But, while these incalculable advantage* have heea attained, it is equally 6 true, and a fact that most if not all of you are acquainted with, that the evil genius of quackery has been busy in attempting to destroy them. A host of impudent pretenders, ready to sacrifice the best in- terests of society to their sordid cupidity, heap high and broad Iheir curses about the doors of this institution, as a barricade against the entrance of the aspiring student. Such are like Erostratus—they have ambition for no higher or fairer fame than incendiaries of the temple of science. ^ I am aware that the argument is somewhat delusive, that a diffusion of dental knowledge will usher into existence a host of practitioners that will abridge both the duties and revenue of the present class of practitioners. By the reflecting, this argument will at once be seen to originate from the lowest of human passions—selfishness. Science can- not be monopolized. Galileo was imprisoned,, but science was free. But, suppose a profession, capable of being retained in the hands and administered by a few—would such a monopoly mark a philanthropic and liberal mind? Was such the feelings and acts of a Janner? No! He nobly said we have freely received, let us freely give. Others offer objections to the instruction of the institution as they have sought, but have not succeeded to the honorary degree of the College, and that, too, for the best of reason—they were not consider- ed worthy. How, or rather why men, who are distinguished by their superior attainment in science, should feel shamed in associating their names- and identifying themselves with the rankest of empericism, is a ques- tion not sufficiently difficult of solution to be submitted to speculative inquiry. A pure lake reflects the beautiful sky, the clouds, the overhanging trees, but when it is riled, it reflects nothing that is pure. A perfect mirror reflects nothing but bright and pure images. An imperfect t glass reflects nothing correctly, but shows its own deficiency. A bad man, a real quack in the profession; one perhaps, too, who is not ca- pable of defining the difference between a simple and a compound; can never see a good trait in the character of his neighbors, or skill in any of the profession, or instruction in that which cannot be made ser- viceable in consummating his acts of duplicity. Of such, pride, when entrapped in the blinded shackles of credulity, institutes comparisons of superior advantages of instruction. Let me ask you the question, and ponder it well. In the whole catalogue of opposers of this institution, point me to one that has attained any rank in the literature of the profession. To what works of genius can you point as indicative of their mental powers and pro- fessional attainments? What trophies have they brought to the tem- ple of science, or embellishments to the gallery of our art ? What have they achieved in philosophical researches?.—or what graces have they added to the virtues of professional morals ? We ask in vain. Another class oppose this institution as it furnishes at a fee less than what is demanded by a private instructor, and hence look on it as rival instruction, although, in one feature they can have no rivaL I understand that one of the dental ecalabiums requires only twenty- six days to metamorphose a student into a dentist; and of this time,, only one or two hours, three times a week, to be spent at the office. Of this class, some are bold to express their contempt, while others cots the most abominable falsehoods, by asserting a proffer of a pro- 7 fessorship in the institution, (which was of course declined,) or have been the instructors of some one of its teachers. Enterprise may often be distinguished by a disposition to attract, on the part of those who are destitute of the qualifications to cope with it, or with the legitimate effects which it develops. Such a disposition is malevolent, and inspires contempt rather than pity, because it origin- ates in an unmitigated principle of evil, rather than the weakness of human nature. Of such may we mention him or them that profess friendship for the institution at such times, and to such persons as may favor their personal interest, while at the same time they are institu- ting efforts to induce students to adopt the belief that they can teach the same in three months that is taught here in twenty-four; and this by men, too, who cannot explain the anatomical difference of location between the os-front is and sacrum. Such men crawl into professional existence with a sneaking insinu- osity, and one only detects that they have crossed his path by the slime which marks the reptile's track. The man subject to the influences of such a disposition is necessarily without intelligence, his reasoning fa- culties being hopelessly impaired by the narrowness of his views and the selfishness of his feelings. He is, consequently, incapable of de- tecting the false position he occupies in the eye of the world, and yields himself a willing slave to the jealousy of his mind. Such men despise an enterprise, although it may elevate their profession; and because they are not active agents in the enterprise, they imagine it a direct reproach to them. Our institution is assailed by all the little great men of the profes- sion. They retire to their secresy as the loathsome toad which shrinks from the balmy air and sunshine, to find his congenial home in caves and dungeons, and there to nourish his venom and bloat his deformity with egotism and envy. There are different grades of society, and why should there not ex- ist different professional grades? These little great men are like small coin, which will not pass current out of the country where they are stamped. The jackass is a useful animal; so is this class of the profession, to buy and distribute private and professional slander. These defamers of the institution are the owls of the night, and igno- rance of the profession, which hoots at the rising of the sun of science, whose glorious rays they dare never contemplate. But their opposition cannot prevent, if it impedes the progress of the institution, for it is founded on public necessity. If its arrange- ments and workings are not all that we would wish, let me remind you that it is a pioneer of science, and, like our western pioneers of civili- zation, must first endeavor to reap a harvest for nourishment before planting roses and flowers for beauty and adornment. Gentlemen, you have received instruction for the practice of your profession founded on a scientific basis. Let us pause a moment, and examine your position as students thus taught, and • institute inquiries in relation to the advantages of scientific knowledge over mere me- chanical operative acquirements. We here require the student regularly to study the principles of our art, and to add to their own experience and deductions that of their immediate teachers, and, also, that immense mass of experience which is treasured up in books. In the present state of our profession it is no longer safe to be igno- • 8 rant. It is not mere dexterity of hand, or mechanical adroitness, or even industry in their appliance, that can insure to a member of the dental profession a successful issue. Without science to master im- provements as they occur, and to keep up in a measure with the spirit of the age, it will often happen that a dentist, before he has reached the middle of life, will find himself superseded by those much younger,- and who began life under more favorable auspices. The mere mechanical operators, who treat their patients by rote, are the steerage passengers in the profession. But such a voyage! Many are the squalls to be weathered, many the breach of brine to deluge cabin and deck, much of surf and shoal, and little sea-room ahead for the unworthy bark aboard which they have shipped -their professional fame and effort. When adverse Boreas rends the shrouds— when the winding sheet of spray en:;ulphs her hold, and her straining timbers groan, they may well imagine the demon of the storm is chanting the dirge of their professional career. It is a fact that cannot be overlooked, that hardly any branch of human employment can be studied or prosecuted with advantage with- out a knowledge of the theory and economy of the science upon which it is founded. What should we expect of those who attempt to employ powers or properties of which they are ignorant? Wrhat shall prevent them from adopting tedious, expensive and laborious methods of accomplishing their purpose, instead of those which are short, eco- nomical and easy? Or from attempting things, which, in their very nature, are impossible? Or from employing means inadequate, or actually opposed to the end they have in view ? Or, finally, leaving unattempted that which, with prooer knowledge, they might not only have attempted, but have accomplished without difficulty? Science is every man's proper business, and should be one of his chief cares. By science every implement of human industry is tortured into use. Man, holding already in his hand the key to nature's arca- na, he will enter her hidden labyrinth, lighted by the sun of science, and possess himself of her treasures, knowledge and power. The wheel of events turns fast. Art and science harnessed to the car of human industry diminish the need of toil, drudgery, suffering and hu- man life. It is highly important that the dentist should be educated in accord- ance with these doctrines. As prejudices that are planted in the early morning of a professional life are not plants of shallow root, but are as the thorn tree, with roots tough and deep, not as the scratch on the skin, but like disease in the bone; dust on the surface of gold may be scattered by a breath, but in man, are prejudices and inperfections of education, like the alloy that lies atom by atom with the substance of the precious metal. The man who holds in his hand a lump of gold ore, has certainly in his hand the basis for mounting artificial teeth, or plugging the natural ones; but no simple or mere labor can it cause to assume that shape that shall fit it for euch purposes. Shape it as you may, it is not gold plate, solder or gold foil—it is gold ore—and dress it as you may, is but little better than a brick-bat. It must pass through the laboratory of science and knowledge before anything can be done in this case. We must know what it is mixed with, and how to separate it. No simple could do this. It can only be done by deduction and experi- ment, made agreeable to science. 9 Another advantage possessed by the instructed over the uninstructed, is, it enables the former to become the improver of the profession, and even the discoverer of science connected with it. Whatever may be said to the contrary, I feel competent to defend the assertion, that few inventions or discoveries have been made by accident, unaided by science, or by ignorant men. For proof of this, let me refer to the list of names that have enriched the medical or dental professions. In addition to these practical advantages which would accrue to the dentist, from a knowledge of the principles of his art, there are others of a moral and intellectual character, which are entitled, at least, to a passing notice. The habit of studying the theory, as well as the prac- tice of a profession, cannot but have the highest influence in enlarging and liberalizing the mind. It leads the dentist to regard his occupation as something more than mechanical drudgery or trade, but as a liberal and intellectual profession, fitted to exercise the powers of his mind. Show me a dentist, truly taught in the science of his profession, gloat- ing a public newspaper with fulsome advertisements, or our eyes with degrading handbills, or scouring the streets to solicit patronage from strangers, or defaming the profession, and decrying scientific profes- sional instruction, and you will show me a professional monstrosity. You may be ready to ask, how is it that some members of the pro- fession, destitute of scientific acquirements—men who never think— obtain a large share of patronage ? I will explain the process of their change from the writhing worm to the tadpole. They are hatched into public notice and patronage, from pollution and ignorance, by the broad rays of experienced trickery, cunning and puffery, as the rays of the sun can breed the most loathsome insects from the carcass of a dead dog. Like dead fish, they become luminous only when putrid. The history of such is quickly learned, and its fruits easily gathered. Gentlemen, you all leave this institution in one particular as equals— as its students have all of you labored with that strong desire to trea- sure up the instruction that has been given here in a manner that would mark wise men, or as men destitute of talent which nature has denied, or opportunities which you have neglected, and thus deceived yourself by the belief, that your only duty consisted in paying a given sum to secure an easy and free passport to the qualifications of an accomplished dental practitioner. Such may make good day sleepers, night walkers, intemperance seekers, labor fleers and dinner-takers, but, certainly, not tooth-makers, or preservers of masticators or pro- fessional reputation-partakers. If such students express complaint because of a self-consciousness of incompetence, whose fault can it be ? They are bound in chains of their own forging; perhaps commanding minds enough to bless ten professions, yet unable to enjoy the tithe of what belongs to one. An old adage says: " One man may lead a horse to water, but ten men cannot make him drink, however clear and tempting the water may be." No reasonable student can expect that Practical Dentistry can be taught, and served up as a luxury, and forced down students seated in cushioned chairs. It is only by labor and effort on the part of a student, that an anxious teacher can render instruction valuable to a profession. Those of you who have taken only one course of lectures must not" overrate your abilities. You cannot have attained the practical tact and judgment of an old practitioner, in the short period of time you 10 have been with us. Education in any profession, is not the acquisition of a certain number of facts, but the application of those facts to cases of practice. For this part of your education, the period between the lecture terms, affords abundant opportunity; thus rendering the second course of lectures, more fruitful in interest and practical deductions. The student who leaves the institution after one course not to return again, either from confidence in his attainments already made, or dis- appointment from the slow progress in his practical manipulations, never will be found in the front ranks of the profession. Such are easily satisfied or discouraged.—Yes, satisfied with the acquirement and position of a quack in the profession. Now gentlemen let me tell you that this end could be gained much cheaper than coming here, and we are not willing to contribute to that end. I trust that some measures may be devised so that we shall no longer be accused of making irreg- ular members of the profession, by under-graduates claiming a charac- ter as practitioners from the institution without its diploma. Gentlemen, you that are about to take your stand as members of the profession, go from here as equals, or holding the Institution's Diplo- ma. And suppose you are equal in every other particular, I fear it will not long continue so. Let me tell you that difference of success in this life, is rarely the result of extraordinary intellectual endowment It is more commonly the result of strong determination than anything else. Circumstances cannot create power. Talent may be neglected, or misdirected; but a strong and determined will, clears away difficul- ties, extracts good out of evil, makes even obstacles conduce to suc- cess, enlarges and develops the mind, and creates means for the ac- complishment of its own purpose. We see that lawyers amidst the engrossing cares of an absorbing profession; Generals when conduct- ing armies to victory; Admirals when leading on fleets to battle, or discoveries; Merchants and business men, have during their lives, by great industry and determination, accomplished ends not even connect- ed with their profession, which have immortalized their names. Let every one of you who aspires to eminence, say to himself, " What other men can do, I will do;" and let him set resolutely about it, and the thing will be done. Whatever the most exalted characters of his- tory, whatever the most opulent of literatures has displayed, or re- vealed of action or thought, the germ of all lies within yourself. The humblest aspirant may hope to succeed, provided he is resol- ved to consecrate a whole life to the design. We name a planet after a German who began his career as a musician in a Hanoverian Regi- ment. Too poor to buy a telescope, he had ingenuity enough to make one; and while others sought distinction of scientific corporations, he modestly honored human nature, by garnishing with thought a bright space in the heavens, where in perpetual glory he wrote his name on the world he found. And this result achieved by Herschel is not something monstrous and unnatural; it is the result of devotion to the pursuit of life, deeply rooted, constantly nourished, and victoriously exercised. But gentlemen as a faithful monitor, it is proper to inform you that these desirable ends are acquired, only by chaining your liberty and bouyancy of spirit, to the soul-crushing, life-wearing task of digging to the heart of your profession. Your course will be one of suffering, and the price annexed to high attainments in the professions is ease; and oftentimes that dearer than life. Perhaps by indefatigable labo- 11 rious effort and perseverance, you have succeeded in drawing attention to your professional claims; you are rendered keenly sensative to any- thing that shall render precarious the position you have already gained, or appears questionable to your future success. Yet some of your first efforts bring remarks to your ear most painful. You have failed to come up to numerous requirements of the profession, only attained by the experienced. Thus the young dentist stands like a convict be- fore his operations, which have been the offspring of nights of thought and days of labor; an object on which he has based his strongest hopes. He is mortified and discouraged, to see others merits, to which (it is no self-flattery,) his own are superior, eagerly sought and procured at high prices. If his spirit be not crushed, and his energies subdued, the midnight lamp witnesseth his toilings and watchings; and the morning dawn finds him rising from his feverish rest, pale and haggard, again to commence his day of unrequited toil and suffering. When reproached by his friends for wasting his powers in vain pur- suits, he pours into their ear the cherished hope of his soul. He points to a glimmering light in the distance, and assures them it is the dawning Sun, whose refulgent beams will soon cover him with the radiance of their glory. He tells them that a time is near, when the great and talented will court his society, and the rich munificently sup- ply his wants. Still a period longer, as though to try his firmness and devotion to the profession, and a smile passes over his countenance, as he looks around his room where poverty has taken up her abode; and at a distance sees fame approaching, to be as the angel was to Hagar, and point to the course of his desires in the wilderness of professional life. Such gentlemen is the path to professional distinction. Gentlemen I now approach you in the language of entreaty, not to violate the dignity and honor of the profession. No practitioner is truly honest, who would not sacrifice every interest however dear to his affections, to sustain the dignity, honor and rectitude of the profes- sion. I should however remark, lest I may be misunderstood, that de- votion to professional uprightness and dignity, is as conservative of moral excellence, as it is protective of intellectual strength. A love of a profession founded in pursuit of such features as I have endeavored to present for your adoption, is a powerful ally to every thing that can dignify the soul of man. Pythagoras said, " If we possess any mode by which we may resemble the Gods, it is by doing good, and speak- ing the truth," and we may also add, by sustaining the dignity and res- pectability of the dental profession, for it is the growth of the same culture. Just so far as one rises above degrading pleasures, he per- ceives, that which is most real is most refined, and by the admiration of noble objects, he is made noble and pure. In addition to what I have already said; what more can I urge in the observance of such a course as must insure a life of future useful- ness to your fellow man, and of honor to yourself, and your profession ? If the only object for which you propose to practice your profession, be that which money may afford; I would advise you to withdraw vour name at once from the profession, for some more lucrative em- ployment. Our profession is no money making pursuit; but if assidu- ous in your studies and industrious in your duties, you may certainly calculate upon a competence. Be satisfied with this, and look for re- wards of another and a higher order. Whose friendship is mare highly prized, or more frequently coupled with gratitude, and thanks. 12 than the educated and successful dental practitioner. Whose hand is so eagerly seized by the beautiful and fair, and accompanied with thanks for the manner with which he has dispensed the benefits of his profession, as the faithful and patient dentist ? But if such will not act as incentives to an upright and dignified professional course, shall I place before you the shame, and profitless remorse, and eventually de- graded and miserable life, that will overwhelm the ignorant, the idle, or the dissipated dentist ? Are you aware that success in your day of life, depends much upon the character of its dawn? If this be ob- scured by idleness, coarseness of behavior, gross immorality, or beastly sensuality; its noon must be marked by disappointment, distress and disrepute, among men, and its evening will close in sadness, remorse and gloomy uncertainty. Believe me, when I tell you that success in life, as well as the char- acter of the profession and the institution, depends on the step you are now about to take. Do not suppose that your conduct will escape ob- servation, for that is impossible. Could I but describe in language so glowing that it would never be effaced from your memory, some of the scenes of heart-rending grief, it has been my misfortune to witness; the chief actors in which were young men, my own acquaintances, like yourselves; noble, generous, warm hearted, full of energy and vigor of life, the pride of their friends, the chosen associates of the virtuous and honorable, the type of manly virtue; they were all of these, until the tempter in the guise of the fatal bowl, or the painted harlot, entered in, and like " the fatal worm in the bud " made all these glorious beau- ties fade, wither and fall, leaving nothing but the knarled and missha- pen stalk, the body without a soul. Gentlemen, let it not be our lot to witness such a change in any of you. Let it not be our mortifying task, when asked for the fruit of your culture, to present the history of the idle dunce; the shameless debauchee, the contemner of that priceless gem, female honor; and what is if possible more hateful, the heartless gamester. Before we meet again, time's shadow will have lengthened. There will be change in hall and hearth; new faces and footsteps will be seen and heard; ties sundered, lips will have been sealed in the grave's un- broken silence, as we journey towards the horizon that bounds the shores of time. There is a halo of glory thrown around the past and the present; but dark shadows are gathering upon the future. The soul grows sad with apprehension, when the dim mist of the future is withdrawn, which hangs like a veil of twilight before our searching gaze. The heart is heavy with a thousand shapes of fear and ill, that thicken in the drowsy vapor. We are startled at the bare possibility that your glory has gone by, or ceases with this session, and that your industry, honesty, activity and energy will fade and depart. With these words of advice, caution and fear, and an interest in your individual success; I bid you a farewell as Professor of Operative and Mechanical Dentistry, to the Class of 1849 and 50.