Dentologia

To Eleazar Parmly, Esq.

My dear sir,—I take the liberty to transmit to you, herewith, the result of a few weeks’ solitary musing. It is an essay, in verse, on your favorite science:—A short didactic poem, intended to embrace some of the more general and popular views of that valuable art, in the exercise of which you have reared the superstructure of fame and fortune on the solid basis of intrinsic merit.

If, in addition to reputation and emolument, you have been cheered in your arduous labors, by the smiles of the beautiful and the encomiums of the wise, you may pass it to the credit of that urbanity, skill and kindness, with which your surgical practice is so distinctly marked.

I am well apprized that your unparalleled success in treating disorders of the teeth, is not the result of accident. The enterprising spirit that led you to seek a knowledge of your profession, in the two most enlightened capitals of Europe, and the persevering industry, which raised you to high rank in the city of London, before establishing yourself in your native country, are the proximate causes of your distinguished prosperity.

It is now more than ten years since our personal acquaintance began, and I have been long anxious to devise some method of testifying the warmth and sincerity with which I reciprocate your sentiments of friendship. The design of reducing some of the general doctrines of dental science to a poetic form, presented itself favorably to my mind, and seemed more especially proper, after the act of favor by which you invited me to return to your family, after a temporary absence, for the purpose of receiving your instruction, and that of your accomplished associate, in the practical operations of your profession.

I have reduced this plan to practice according to the very moderate measure of my poetical abilities; and, in whatever else it may be found wanting, I trust it will bear the uncounterfeited stamp of sincerity and gratitude.

The generous liberality which has marked your deportment towards every reputable member of your profession, and more especially, the elevated charity which has led you to qualify several individuals for extensive usefulness in the practice of dental surgery, will be remembered with gratitude, long after your personal exertions in the cause of human happiness shall have ceased on earth forever.

The experience of past ages has accumulated upon the existing generation, in the mighty results which we behold in the condition of the arts and sciences at the present day. To augment this inestimable treasure of useful knowledge, as it passes into other hands, must impart exalted transports to the good man’s mind.

The anguish, deformity, and tears, which result from diseases of the teeth, are among man’s real evils, and form a considerable item in the catalogue of human miseries. He, therefore, who by his public instruction, or private professional practice, mitigates or removes these evils, is a public benefactor. That such has been your happiness, is felt by a large circle of acquaintances, not only in these states, but from many and remote portions of the civilized world: and that you may long live in the peaceful bosom of your family, to indulge in the consciousness of having contributed to the positive enjoyment of so many sentient beings; and to taste with a refined and protracted relish, the sweets of friendship, fame, and fortune, is the devout wish of your friend:——

SOLYMAN BROWN.