I have an interest in 19th century maritime health matters, and toothache at sea (as I know to my cost) can drive a man to drink. The following advertisement might have been appealing to those who could afford it: From The Illustrated London News, September 2nd 1843 ESSENTIAL FOR THOSE EMIGRATING: Loss of teeth supplied without Springs, Clasps, or Wires, Loose Teeth Fastened and Filling of Decayed Teeth with Mineral Marmoratum. LE DRAY AND SONS, SURGEON DENTISTS, 42 Berners Street, Oxford Street, continue to restore decayed Teeth with their celebrated Mineral Marmoratum, applied without pain, heat or perfume, preventing and curing the Toothache, and rendering the operation of extraction unnecessary. They also fasten loose Teeth, whether arising from age, neglect, the use of calomel, or disease of the gums. Incorrodible, Artificial, or Natural Teeth, of surpassing beauty, fixed, from one to a complete set, without extracting the roots, or giving any pain, at the following charges: A single Tooth, 10s; a Set, £5 5s.; a complete Set, £10 10s.; a complete set of Natural Teeth, beautifully mounted in gold, £15 15s.; an entire Set of their beautiful mineral Teeth, finished in the first style, on gold,£21. Arranged on the most approved principles, and restoring perfect articulation and mastication. ………. Perhaps it could be said of an emigrant sailing on an unseaworthy vessel, with rotten teeth, that his barque was worse than his bite? Regards, Tony

Based on what little I know (not much!) of 19th century dentistry, I am inclined to think the toothache could be better than going to the dentist. :-( David E. Cann decann@infionline.net davidecann@gmail.com (alternate) -----Original Message----- From: Gynander@aol.com [mailto:Gynander@aol.com] Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 5:04 PM To: TheShipsList-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [TSL] Say cheese.... <snip> .... Perhaps it could be said of an emigrant sailing on an unseaworthy vessel, with rotten teeth, that his barque was worse than his bite? Regards, Tony