World's history and review of dentistry

Front matter

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Preface

THE magnitude of an undertaking like the present work, which we now herewith humbly submit to one of the foremost professions of the world, far exceeded all our anticipations, although we by no means expected it to be all play. The selection and compilation of ponderous matter from a voluminous correspondence and tons of data and statistics, together with the arduous labor in obtaining information from all parts of the world, have sometimes appeared beyond our ability. We flatter ourselves, however, that the information herein contained, although in many instances incomplete, will be found useful to all dentists who desire to know anything about the inducements, advantages and disadvantages offered in other fields, and the social and official standing of the profession in foreign lands.

The encouragement w T e have enjoyed from the profession generally, and for which we desire to express our heartfelt gratitude to one and all, has spurred us on to renewed efforts, and we sincerely hope that the result will not be too severely criticised, being a first attempt, and hence naturally not so complete as may be desired. For most of the information herein contained we are under obligations to the diplomatic and consular service of the United States and learned savants abroad, foremost among members of the dental and medical professions.

There are still vast territories into which the profession has not yet penetrated. But we are progressing steadily, uninterruptedly, and every year opens up new and wider fields. Here the pioneers of our profession find themselves confronted with all those tribulations which are sure to beset pioneers in other walks of life; but once they gain a foothold, they soon adapt themselves to circumstances, and eventually harvest the reward of their labors.

We had hoped to have the matter ready for the press much sooner, but the gathering of most of the necessary information required considerable time and correspondence. While we do not deem it necessary to apologize for the work, its necessity and

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PREFACE.

usefulness suggest themselves to all members of the profession, for whose especial benefit it was intended. We cheerfully acknowledge its imperfections, and only hope it will accomplish what we wished — to awaken a greater interest in the profession and bring about a closer communion among the dentists of the world. Most respectfully,

Your humble and obedient servant,

HERMAN LENNMALM..

Rockford, III., November, 1894.