The morning call., 1894-06-16
DENTISTS DINED.
Their Congress Brought
to a Close.
A BANQUET AT THE PALACE.
Discussion on Hypnotism in
Dentistry.
RESULTS OF FIVE DAYS LABOR.
Permanent Organization in View.
The Next Convention Two
Years Hence.

! o'FSh os thO L otdCd I1ObCls
Over one hundred delegates have been
in attendance during the week, aud each
DAYS proceedings were marked by telling
demonstration of what the new era in the
study of dentistry has accomplished both
from scientific and mechanical stand
point Papers and discourses by the lights
| OF the profession have seemingly stiInu-
lated the knights of the forceps, who now
look forward with burning impatience to
the second interstate convention, which
will in all probabilities be held two years
hence.
Yesterday morning a large number OF
the delegates assembled at the College OF
Dentistry. where an interesting clinic was
given by attending practitioners.
DIR. w. j. Younger opened the exercises
with an illustration of his newly discOv-
cred system of implantation, which cre-
ated much interest. a method OF bleach
ing teeth WAS illustrated by DR.. c. L. God
dard OF this city. aud was followed by G.
T.. Post, who exhibited and described the
formation of porcelain crowns.
Exhibits and illustrations of various
dental appliances followed, and attracted
considerable attention.
The afternoon session was called to or
der at Academy of Scien g Hail shortly
after O'Clock. DR.. w. j. Younger presid-
ing.
"Hypnotism in Dentistry was the title
OF the opening paper, which was read by
Dr. Nj. j. Sullivan of this city.
As matter of introduction tie speaker
stated that 1t was not bis intention TO ex-
plain or analyZe the strange physical force
known rs hypnotic influence. but to pro-
woke discussion upon the subject, W ich
has taken such hold upon the profession
of late.
As means of illustration, he explained
the modern idea of hypnOtism as a condi-
ton 10 which the subject is apparently
asleep but still responds TO the will of the
operator as regards motion and sensation.
lie SAID that the phenomena thus observed
have been classified under various titles,
namely, magnetism, clairvoyance, mes
merism and hypnOtlsm, the latter, how
ever. being the one mostly used.
Speaking upon this form, he said that
those who have more fully investigated
the subject have little doubt that the cOndi-
ton may be induced In certain susceptible
individuals, but the doubtful points are,
what percentage of patients prove sus-
ceptlble, In what does this susceptibility
consist and what is the value of hypn0tism
as therapeutic agent?
10 answer to the first question be stated
that according to the statements Of diff
terent observers, but one woman out of
three and one man out of five prove sus-
ceptloIe u hypnotic influence.
The second question, as to the cause of
he hypnotic state, he explained, is one that
has never been satisfactorily answered,
and. indeed, proves most difficult prob
lem to solve. He believed that it is almost
entirely dependent upon the Infinite influ.
ence of the mind over the body; but as the
limitations of this influence have not as
yet been thoroughly established, it is not
difficult to see why this question is hard.
Here the speaker explained the various
methods OF inducing the hypnotic state
The first was to have the subject stare at q
glltteTins object, held about fifteen inches
from the eyes, high enough above them to
cause strain on the optic nerves aud eve-
lids. BY this process the pupils contract
from the normal to near vision, which is
soon followed by q dilation, at which June
ture the operator makes few passes over
the face, and, II the eyelids do not close
spontaneously, he closes them gently with
the tips OF his fingers, stroking the cheeks
at the same time.
Another method which he claimed isnow
being largely used in hospital practice is
by means OF French instrument. which
consists OF two horizontal pieces of wood
about eight inches long, with six small
circular mirrors about one inch in dame
ter on each side. By means of cockwork
these are made to revolve In opposite di-
rectioDs. aud after being wound up the ill.,
strument Is placed on a table on level
with the eye, short distance in front of
the patient. The strain caused by the
glittering mirrors as they reyolve produces
usually drowsiuess in the individual in
three to five minutes, and the subject, some
times spontaneously, sometimes at the
suggestion of the operator, followed by a
pass Of his hand across the eyes, falls
asleep.
A third way, one which is usually re-
sorted TO by those who are most expert in
hypnotism, was described by the doctor
as beng produced by having the subject
hrst remain passively silent, with eyes
closed, for about five minutes. Afterward
the operator requests his subject to open
both eyes, ana staring hyedly into the
pupils strokes the forehead with his
thumbs and the cheeks with his finger
tips. If the patient proves a susceptible
subject, dilaton of the pupils will be OBJ
served, accompanied by a characteristic
vacant stare. aud the subject is then in a
condition to follow any suggestion the
operator may indicate.
In conclusion the speaker admitted that
there are many arguments used against
hypnotlsm, among which were the follow
ing:
First-It is claimed that it is enervating
to the will.
Second-That it makes the patient de-
pendent upOu the Will of another.
ihird-That it renders him liable 10 be
influenced by parties of evil intent
Fourth-That its application IS very
limited, and that only nervous or hysterl-
cal individuals are subject to its influence.
AN Affection of the Jaws and Teeth in
LocomolOr Ataxia" was the title of a pa
per read by DR.. l.. Newmark, MD. His
remarks were decidedly technical, though
replete with logical demonstrations, and
his efforts were well received.
Dr. h. Il. Mhssman of Portland, Or,
dlscOursed at some length upon the re-
deemng features OF antisepsia.
lie reviewed the progress of medical
anu surgical scientific research, laying par
teular stress upon growth of various an
esthetlcs as medium of avoiding pain in
performing operations. He recommended
antlseDsla as n safe and effective tonic in
cases where a cOunteraction to opiaes Is
found necessary. providing the physician
uses judgment in It's application.
The Young Man in Dentistry" was the
Title OF paper read by G. Carrwin, which
proved to be Teplete with interest TO the
older practitioners, and brim full of ad-
vice to the younger members OF the pro-
fession.
de said that the youthful dentist Is to
uegree an uncertain quantity. and that be
is sometimes proud to assume prerogatives
which do not praperly belong to him,
thereby throwing discredit upon his
younger colleagues, while, with his lack of
experience to fataom the latent depths of
ms Own ability or motive. he stands before
Tue world mystery to himself.
Ire last paper TO be read was that of
Or. w. j. Younger. He chose for his sub
]ect the disease known as ''pyorrhea alyeo-