Guest Post from John Martin Rare Book RoomHardin Medical Library, University of IowaTHOMAS BERDMORE
Guest Post from John Martin Rare Book RoomHardin Medical Library, University of IowaTHOMAS BERDMORE (1740-1785) A treatise on the disorders and deformities of the teeth and gums : explaining the most rational methods of treating their diseases : illustrated with cases and experiments. Printed for the author, 1770. A new edition with additions (second edition). 279 pages. 18 cm tall.This month’s selection is a second edition of the second English book on dentistry by the noted 18th-century dentist, Thomas Berdmore. Berdmore was born around 1740 and died in 1785. Following in the footsteps of “the father of modern dentistry,” Pierre Fauchard, Berdmore first apprenticed with a surgeon before beginning his practice. With other dentists of the 18th century, he helped develop the profession into its own distinct field. Eventually, he became famous as the King’s Dentist to King George III.Berdmore’s treatise is the first known text to recognize the effects of sugar on teeth. The text passage shown here also highlights the dietary differences between the wealthy and the poor. With the poor reportedly better off, teeth-wise, because they did not have easy access to sugar, an expensive flavoring. -- source link
#thomas berdmore#medical#dentistry