In the discussion of Dr. Faught's paper, reported in your March number, I am represented as saying: “The essayist remarked that the students who had graduated from a dental college did not know that it is the _acid_ secretions from the mucous follicles which destroy oxyphosphate fillings.” I was quoting from a paper which I had heard read by Dr. Shepard, of Boston. I regret to say that I have misquoted him by inserting the word “_acid_.” His exact language, which I find in the printed report of his lecture, is, “Nearly every graduate seemed to be ignorant that there was any mucous follicles to contribute to the fluids in the mouth, etc.” He does not say “_acid_.” I have therefore misrepresented him, and wish to do him justice by this correction. In further explanation, let me say that I had heard Dr. Shepard's paper, and when at the Newark meeting, Dr. Faught said that _alkalies_ destroy oxyphosphates, a gentleman next to me whispered, “Dr. Shepard said acids do,” upon which I seemed to recall that he had done so. I mentioned it, meaning to bring up the point that we can scarcely expect definite answers from students upon questions which have not been definitely decided. In another paragraph I use the expression “_wash out_,” in such a way that it sounds as though Dr. Shepard had used it. He did; but it was as a quotation from the students under criticism.
DR. WM. BARTLETT is demonstrator in charge at the Missouri Dental College. He has made mechanical dentistry a specialty for a number of years, but during the past two sessions has taken a regular course at the college, and is now a full-fledged dentist.
Some seventy-five dentists met at Sherry's Banquet Hall, Fifth avenue, on the evening of March 8th, to tender a complimentary dinner to John Allen, who has rounded the fiftieth mile-stone of active practice.
New York, Brooklyn, Boston and New Jersey were represented. All seemed delighted to do honor to the good doctor, who has reached the period when age, rather than blood, tells. It is a good custom to thus honor and cheer those who have been faithful workers in our ranks.
Four years ago they thus dined and honored Dr. John B. Rich, and it cheered and warmed his heart. Three years ago Dr. W. H. Dwinell was dined and wined, and he has been renewing his youth ever since. Two years ago Dr. W. H. Atkinson rounded up the fifty years, and they dined and wined him, and he is yet, we are glad to record, one of the boys. This year it came Dr. John Allen's turn to be wined and dined, and we all hope the good cheer and friendship manifested will cause him, too, to rejoice yet these many years.