CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN DENTAL OPERATIONS, AND IN APPARATUS OR INSTRUMENTS TO BE USED THEREIN
Year: 1852

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Anderson Young, of the firm of
A. S. Young and Son, of 185, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, in the
County of Lanark, North Britain, Surgeon Dentist, for the
Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN DENTAL OPERATIONS, AND IN
APPARATUS OR INSTRUMENTS TO BE USED THEREIN."
Sealed the 8th December 1852, and dated the 2nd October 1852.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Anderson
Young at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 2nd October 1852.
I, JAMES ANDERSON YOUNG, of the firm of A. S. Young and Son,
of 185, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Surgeon Dentist; do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN DENTAL OPERATIONS, AND IN
APPARATUS OR INSTRUMENTS TO BE USED THEREIN," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to improved forms and arrangements of for-
ceps. The improvements are to be described forming eleven different
branches: First, constructing the forceps with open heads, so as to
enable the operator to see distinctly what he is doing at the tooth and

page_text: roots. Second, parting the opening of the heads, of the beaks at any angle
with the meeting of the points, the object in most cases being that the
points only should meet upon the root of the tooth the head of the latter
being free from pressure to avoid crushing, with the angle properly set,
the mere pressure of the beaks will, in many cases, bring out the tooth
without any pulling. Third, angling the internal concavity of the beaks
so as to allow the beaks to grasp firmly any sized root by bearing upon
it by four different surfaces. Fourth, bringing the beaks to a sharp
angular point so that they may be easily and quickly forced between
the jaw and. the root, whether the latter is. large or small. Fifth,
making an angular or other plate in the palatal beak of forceps for the
upper molar or other beaks having the internal angled concavity,
thereby bringing the beak to two sharp angular points. Sixth, con-
structing the beaks so as in all cases to act only on the roots, the same
forceps being applicable either for teeth or roots, or children's teeth.
Seventh, making the handles and bodies of instruments all of one par-
ticular shape, the curved shape giving the operator sufficient direct
pressure to fix the instrument and remove the tooth easily, whilst his
vision is unobstructed. Eighth, separating the handles from the bodies.
so that one pair of handles may serve any number of heads. Ninth,
separating the beaks from 'tlic blades of the instrument, one head or
body serving any number of beaks. Tenth, a peculiar mode of fitting
the handles and beaks. Eleventh, the insertion of small screw corru-
gated or serrated wedges in roots where great decay has taken place to
prevent crushing.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said James Anderson Young in the Great Seal Patent..
Office, on the 1st April 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
JAMES ANDERSON YOUNG, of the firm of A. S. Young & Son, of 185,
Buchanan Street, Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
Surgeon Dentist, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by. Her
Letters Patent,'bearing date the Second day of October, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the sixteenth
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs, and successors; give and
grant unto me, the said James Anderson. Young, Her special licence that
1, the said James Anderson Young,. my executors, administrators! and
assigns, or sucli others as I, the said James Anderson Young, my execu
tors,-administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term there-
in-expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel.
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN,
DENTAL OPERATIONS, AND IN APPARATUS OR INSTRUMENT TO BE USED
THEREIN," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said James.
Anderson Young, by a an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said, Inven-
tion, and in what manner the sanie was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said James Anderson Young, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by.
the following statement, reference being had to the Drawing hereunto
attached, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):
My said Invention relates essentially to various arrangements of
mechanism, apparatus, or means. for increasing the efficiency and por-
tability of the forceps or dental instruments employed in the extraction
of teeth; the essential features of my plans being: First, constructing
the forceps with open heads, so as to enable 'the operator to see dis-
tinctly what he is doing at the tooth and roots. Second, parting the
opening of the heads of the beaks at any angle with the meeting of the
points, the object in most cases being that the points only should meet
upon the root of the tooth; the head of the latter being free from pres-
sure to avoid crushing, with the angle properly set, the mere pressure of
the beaks will, in many cases, bring out the tooth without any pulling.

page_text: Third, angling the internal concavity of the beaks so as to allow the
beaks to grasp firmly any sized root by bearing upon it by four different
surfaces. Fourth, bringing the beaks to a sharp angular point so that
they may be easily and quickly forced between the jaw and the root;
whether the latter is large or small. Fifth, making an angular or other
cleft in the palatal beak of forceps for the upper molares or other beaks
having the internal angled concavity, thereby bringing the beak to two
sharp angular points. Sixth, constructing the beaks so as in all cases
to act only on the roots, the same forceps being applicable either for
teeth or roots, or children's teeth. Seventh, making the handles and
bodies of the instruments all of one particular shape, the curved shape
giving the operator sufficient direct pressure to fix the instrument and
remove the tooth easily, whilst his vision is unobstructed. Eighth,
separating the handles from the bodies, so that one pair of handles
may serve any number of heads. Ninth, separating the beaks from
the body of the instrument, one head or body serving any number of
beaks. Tenth, certain peculiar modes of fitting the handles and
beaks. Eleventh, the insertion of small screw corrugated or serrated
wedges in roots where great decay has taken place to prevent crushing.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood
I shall now proceed to describe the several Figures on the Sheet of.
Drawings hereunto attached. The fifty-two separate, combined, and
detailed Figures on my Sheet of Drawings represent the chief modi-
fications of which the extraction instruments are capable under my
system of arrangement and construction. Figures 4, and 37, exhibit
two arrangements of open heads from b, to b. The lengthening of
the ends of the instrument from the joint at c, to the heads of the
beaks b, allows the beaks when bent from them at a sufficient angle
always to approach each other at the same angle, and the greater
the length of these continuations the wider the beaks will open, with-
out altering their inclination towards each other. These open heads
enable the operator to see the tooth or root during the entire ope-
ration, and by lengthening the posterior parts of the beaks from the
curve or bend (from b, to c, Figures 4, and 37), or lengthening the
instrument from the joint towards the beaks the lengthenings or con-

page_text: tinuations c, to b, running parallel or otherwise, and bending or curving
the beaks from these continuations at any angle sufficient to allow the
distance from the. heads b, of the beaks to be relatively proportional to
that of the points a, when opened to receive any sized tooth, or that
when the beaks may be opened so far as necessary in any case to em-
brace a tooth that the angle of their meeting or approximation may
continue the same or very nearly so, the effect is greatly improved. In
Figures 4, 36, 37, and other details on the Sheet b, to b', more of the
points a, to a', meet, and others only approximate, but the inclination of
the angle of opening or divergence may be increased or diminished
should it be found necessary. The opening of the heads of the beaks
parts at any angle with the meeting of their points. The beaks may
be so inclined that their points embrace only the roots, the head or
crown of the tooth being free from pressure, preventing it being broken,
and if the angle be properly inclined to the tooth or root to be removed
the firm pressure of the beaks upon the root or roots will of itself, in
most cases, be sufficient for their extraction. In Figure 2, there are
two angular concavities converging from the point a, to the head b; of
the beak where they meet; while at the point a, their inner walls lying
against each other form the angled ridge tapering to a point at the head
b, of the beak. See the same in Figures 4, 18, and 20. Figures 38,
and 44, shew the two angular concavities running parallel to each other
from the point a, to about one half the length of the beaks. Figures 8, 9,
12, 13, 30, and 34, shew the inside of beaks, with one angled concavity
running from the point a, about one third the length of the beak;
while Figures 40, and 42, shew the angled depression running the whole
length of the beak a, to b. In angling the inside concavity of the beaks,
and with curves the same way situated as these angles are, the angles
allowing them to grasp firmly any sized root by bearing upon it in four
different places, as in forceps No. 2, 3, 7, and 8. Figures 6, 7, 8, 9;
10, and 35, and 36,
10, and 11, shew the beaks angle-pointed, and 6,
a, shew the outside angled ridge brought to a sharp and as much of a
cutting edge as possible, so that they may be easily and quickly forced
between the jaw and the root, whether the latter be large or small. Sce
forceps Numbers 2, 3, 7, and 8. Figures 16), 17, 19, 20, 21(),

page_text: and 22), shew the cleft in the palatine beaks of forceps for the ex-
traction of the upper molars. In 47, 48, 49, and 50, the cleft is in the
Beaks with the angled concavity. 46, shews it in a beak with curved
concavity. Thus by making an angular or other cleft in the point of the
palatine beak of forceps for the extraction-of, the upper molars, or in
any other beak or beaks having the inside angled concavity," I bring
the beaks to two sharp or angular points. In Figures 17, and 26, the
angular ridges are seen inside of the cleft, and Figures 16 (B), 20, 21,
and 22 (A), and 24, and 25, (A, 'and B,) shew various views of the
same. Figure 46, shews a modification of the ridges in a beak with
curved concavity, and the same in 48, which is angled the whole length
of, the beak a, to b. In 41, and 43, we have the same as in 26; only.
the beaks are continued to a point instead of being cleft. Thus I make
on' the inside of a point or points of any beak, cleft, or otherwise a
smooth sharp edged barb or barbs, or chisel pointed or angled ridge or:
ridges to act as barbs, to allow the beak to glide along to the apex of.
the root, but preventing its returning or slipping back towards the base*
of the root. In cases where lateral or vertical force may be required, see:
the palatine beaks of forceps, Figures 17, and 20 (A), and both beaks.
of forceps, Figures 25, and 26, and 48, and modifications of forceps,
Figure 46, and modifications of forceps, Figures. 41, and 43, in
which the angled ridges are similar to those in the others, only cach
of these beaks is continued to a single point instead of being cleft;"
these ridges also allow the beaks freely to cut through the alveolar pro-
cess, when necessary, preventing it from being torn, and more removed 2
than may be proper. This enables beaks to embrace and hold roots
over which single pointed beaks have no power, as in forceps for the
extraction of the upper molars, of which the inner or palatine root
generally lies at a considerable angle with the two outer roots. The
cleft allows it to embrace the root at or above its junction with the
others, while the ridges inside the cleft secure a firm hold, allowing the
forceps to remove the three roots at once, although they be minus the
head. The same cleft and ridges in both beaks of forceps, No. 6, fit it
for extraction of the upper bicuspids, when the root divides into two
with considerable divergence (in such cases no other forceps can remove

page_text: it), and for the extraction of the palatine root of the upper molars, when
joined only to one of the outer roots, or for the upper wisdom tooth (or
third molar), when the posterior outer root is suspected to be only partially
developed. The angle of approximation of the points of all these beaks
(a's Figure 36, b, a, b) prevents them crushing the head of any tooth
and their length and breadth are sufficient for a large tooth, and not
too large for small teeth. In all cases the beaks act only upon the roots'
in such a manner that the same forceps may extract' teeth, roots, or
children's teeth. In Figures 1, and 35, the distance from the end of
the handle d, to the point of the beak a, will, as near as possible, be the
base of a quadrant, which will pass through the greater part of the
instrument, entering at the point of the handle d, and passing through
the point of the beak a. When the instrument is held in the hand the
whole of the handle or one half of the quadrant is embraced by the
I hand, the thumb resting upon the radius, which would bisect and be
perpendicular to the base, so that when the beaks of the instrument are
forced down the power and force applied is nearly the same, and in the
same direction as if the said radius were fixed at the centre of the circle;
and a force applied to raise the end represented by the handles' (d, f,)
would depress the ends similar to the beaks (a, b), so that all the power
used is applied (all, things considered) to the greatest advantage. In
the extractive effort the depressing of the handles will, for the same
reason, raise the beaks. In using the instrument for the upper jaw the
handles are held as for the lower jaw, as in Figure 19, and the same
supposed rotation comes into play, the depressing of the handles forcing-
the beaks upwards, and in addition to this give the power of direct
pressure, the force applied through the handles being as near as possible
as if transmitted through the length of the beaks (a, to b, Figure 19);
för a line bisecting the beaks longitudinally has a parallel to it through
the lower half of the handle, or the power applied through the handles
may be bisected by the parallel, so that the force may be nearly as if
given in a straight line. This enables the beaks to be made move-
able, the same shape of handle answering for the upper or lower jaw-
I prefer to have the handles and body of the forceps of or approxi-
Emating to the particular shape as delineated at (Fig 1, & 19, A,

page_text: to d,) and to use it in the extraction of any tooth, it giving sufficient
direct pressure to fix the instrument, and easily to remove any tooth or
root, at the same time preventing the hand from obstructing the vision.
The four front teeth, the eye teeth, and bicuspids (or small grinders) of
the upper jaw being generally removed by straight forceps, which do
not permit the extraction of these teeth to be humoured. This objec-
tion is also applicable to the forceps used for the same teeth in the
lower jaw, the bend of the instrument generally only allowing the teeth
to be removed in one direction, while this shape facilitates their extrac-
tion in any direction. In Figures 51, 52, and 53, 52, is the handle
detached; 53, is a front view, shewing the manner in which the cylin-
drical shaft g, h, of Figure 51, locks into it at 7, to prevent rotation;
51, shews the handle d. f, fixed, and prevented from slipping off by the
small spring catch K. Thus by separating the handles from the body
or head of the instrument one pair of handles serves for any number of
heads. Figure 2, represents the square shaft of a beak kept from
slipping out by the spring catch K, which is freed by depressing the
button M, (on the top of the instrument.) Figure 5, is a front view of
the end of the head without the beaks; Figure 3, the same, with the
beaks inserted; Figure 51, shews the beak fixed in the same manner
as the handle d, f, with a slight modification of the spring catch, as in
Figuro 2. By separating the beaks from the body or head of the in-
strument, one head answering any number of beaks. This modification
causes the instruments to take up little space, and reduces the weight
to a minimum, so that weight and bulk can be no objection to their
being adopted in a visiting practice. Figures 49, and 50, shew a beak
like 47, fitted to the elevator handle, and kept in its place by the spring
catch K; as in Figures 49, and 50, any beak may be made moveable
or immoveable as part of the elevator. I adapt the shape of any of
these forceps beaks to any form of elevator. This is useful in cases
where one side of a root may be so far decayed that the forceps would
cause unnecessary pain to be forced sufficiently far to embrace botli
sides of the root. I also cause small detached wedges, screwed, corru-
gated, or serrated, to be inserted according to size in roots where decay
has produced great concavity, preventing the forceps crushing the roots

page_text: before the beaks have time to slip on to the more solid parts of the
roots. In forceps Number 1, is a side view; Figure 2, the inside of the
beak; Figure 3, a front view; and Figure 4, one looking from above
downwards; 38, and 39, are modifications of these beaks. In 38, the
angular concavities running parallel one half the length of the beak.
In 39, the concavities are curved. Forceps Number 2, Figure 6, shows
the point of the beak angled and sharp towards the point a, to cut, in-
stead of tearing asunder any part of the gum or alveolar process; 7, front
view; 8, looking down upon; 9, the inside of the beak shewing the point.
a, and angled depression. 40, and 41, are modifications; 40, has the
angled concavity continued to the head of the beak; 41, is the same as
9, but has in addition the angled ridges something the same as in 26,
only not so apparent in the Drawing, the depression not being so deep,
and the beak not being cleft, but continued to a point, the outside
towards the point being sharp so as to cut. The angling (from 100° to
120°) causes the beak to fit the side of any root, without the same risk
of slipping as a curve sufficiently shallow and narrow for general ap-
plication would when a horizontal rotary motion is given to start the
root or roots (I have not found this motion described in any work), and
the double angles with angled ridge between (Figure 2), and particu-
larly those running parallel. Figures 38, and 44, prevent the beak in
the same horizontal rotary, motion from slipping beyond either of the
roots in the double rooted teeth (or where one beak bears upon two
roots), and catching the root of a neighbouring tooth, and, perhaps, bring.
it out also. This improvement, with the others, is intended to make
these forceps of general application, or competent in every case. Forceps
Number 3, Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13, are the same as 6, 7, 8, and 9,
respectively; and 42, the modification the same as 40, and 43, like 41,
only the beaks are smaller. Forceps Number 4, Figure 14, shews the
outside of the beak (A.) which embraces the two outer roots, and part
of the inside of the palatine beak (same as B, Figure 15); Figure 15,
a front view of both beaks, shewing the angled cleft in the palatine
beak (B); Figure 16, looking down upon the instrument; Figure
17, shews the cleft and angular ridges inside the palatine or inner
beak (B); Figure 18, the inside of the beak, with the angled ridge
in the middle, forming with the sides the angled depressions for

page_text: embracing the two outer roots... Modifications, see forceps 5. Forceps
Number 5, Figure 19, side view of the palatine beak A, and its
cleft from the outside at a, and one half of the inside of the beak for
the outer roots (the same as B; Figure 20); Figure 20, the instru
ment inverted, and looking from above, shewing so much as possible
the inside of both beaks; Figure, 22, the instrument in its proper
position, and seen from above;. Figures 44, and. 45, are modifications
of the beaks for the outside roots. In 44, the angled ridge and de-
pressions run parallel half the length of the beak. In Figure 45, the.de-
pressions for the roots are curved to answer most roots (if not all roots).
Figure 46, is a modification of the beak for the palatine root, the in-
side, as seen, being hollowed out a little, and the angled ridges running.
close alongside of the angled cleft. Forceps Number 6, Figure 23, a
side view; 24, front view; 25; seen from above, cach shewing the
angular cleft in both beaks'; Figure 26, the inside of one of the beaks,
shewing the relation of the angular cleft and ridges. Forceps Number
Figure 27, side view, with sharp angled edge, as in forceps Number
2. Figure 6. Figure 28, front view; 29, seen from above; 30, the
inside, with angled depression and sharp point. The modifications of
this are the same as those contained in Figures 40, and 41, see 'forceps
Number 2. Forceps Number. 8, Figures 31, 32, 33, and 34, are the
same respectively as 27, 28, 29, and 30, only the beaks are smaller!
The modifications are also the same, sec forceps Number 7. The
following summary refers expressly to the various Figures. on my Sheet
of Drawings Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, are views of forceps Number 1:
Figure 5, front view of end of head without the beaks. Figures 6, 7,
8, and 9, sec forceps Number 2. Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13, see
forceps Number 3. Figures 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, sce forceps
Number 4. Figures 19, 20, 21; and 22, .sec forceps Number 5.
Figures 23, 24, 25, and 26, see forceps Number 6. Figures 27, 28,
29, and 30, see forceps Number 7. Figures 31, 32, 33, and 34, sec
forceps Number 8. Figure 35, is a side view of forceps Number 2,
with the body and beaks made in one or immoveable; Figure .36,
front view of the same. Figure 37, the same viewed from above.
Figures 35, 36, and 37,,are only given as an example of these beaks
made inseparable from the body, all the other details being the:same

page_text: for the eight pairs of forceps intended for a consulting practice; those
with moveable heads being only made so for a visiting practice.
Figures 38, and 39, are modifications of the beaks of forceps Number 1.
Figure 2. Figures 40, and 41, are modifications of the beaks of
forceps Number 2, Figure 9. Figures 42, and 43, are modifications
of beaks of forceps Number 3, Figure 13. Figures 44, and 45, are
modifications of the beaks for the two outside roots in forceps
Number 4, and 5, Figures 18, and 20, (B). These modifications are
only shewn for the outside beak of forceps Number 5; those for
Number 4, would be the same, only lying in the same direction as
Figure 46. Figure 46, is modification of the palatine beak of forceps
Number 5. Figure 17, the palatine beak of Number 4, the modi-
fication of which would lie in the same direction as Figure 17; see
explanation to forceps Number 4, and 5. Figures 47, and 48, are
modifications of the beaks of forceps Number 6, Figure 26. Figures
49, and 50, present a beak like Figure 47, in an elevator handle, and
retained by a spring catch, Figures 51, 52, and 53. The beaks A, B,
in Figure 51, are same as Figure 39. These three last Figures have
been already explained herein.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or
carried into effect, I may observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine
or restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have
had occasion to describe or refer to, as many variations may be made
therefrom without deviating from the principles or main features of
my Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Anderson Young, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of
March, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-three.