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Dentistry caricature, 18th century
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Dentistry caricature, 18th century
Dentistry caricature. 18th-century artwork of a dentist (left) holding a string attached to a patients tooth, while brandishing a hot coal held in a pair of tongs. This engraving is by the English caricaturist John Collier (1708-1786), known by the pseudonym Tim Bobbin. This is the last in a series of four on dentistry, published as plate 8 in May 1773 in Human Passions Delineated. The accompanying text was: Now strings put fast on tooth that aches; Which round his hand he wraps; A glowing coal i the tongs he takes; And to his nose he claps. The sight and smell of fire drove back; The patients head in fright; Who drew his own tooth in a crack; And prov d the doctor right
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Media ID 9198713
© BRITISH DENTAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 1773 18th Century Ache Caricature Clinic Dental Dental Caries Dentist Dentistry Discomfort Engraving Extracting Extraction Instrument Operation Pain Painful Patient Procedure Pull Pulled Pulling Removal Removed Removing Sequence Series Sore String Surgery Surgical Teeth Tongs Tool Tooth Tooth Decay Toothache Treatment Condition Dental Surgery Disorder John Collier Plate 8 Tim Bobbin
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This 18th-century artwork captures the essence of dentistry during that era, showcasing a dentist and his patient in a comical yet painful situation. Created by English caricaturist John Collier, also known as Tim Bobbin, this engraving is part of a series on dentistry published in May 1773. In the image, we see the dentist holding a string attached to the patient's tooth while wielding a pair of tongs with a hot coal. The accompanying text humorously describes how the sight and smell of fire frightens the patient into quickly extracting his own tooth. This satirical portrayal highlights both the discomfort experienced by patients and perhaps some questionable practices employed by dentists at that time. The artwork provides valuable insight into historical dental treatments and techniques used during this period. It serves as an important reminder of how far dentistry has progressed over time, from crude methods like pulling teeth with strings to today's advanced surgical procedures. This print offers viewers an opportunity to appreciate not only its artistic value but also its historical significance within the field of dentistry. As we gaze upon this piece, we are reminded of our ancestors' struggles with dental disorders and acute pain while simultaneously acknowledging our gratitude for modern advancements in oral healthcare.
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