[handbill] Dr. W. O. Osgood SURGEON DENTIST Office No. 3 Gove Block, Meredith Bridge, N.H.

Meredith Bridge, NH: [self-published], 1852. First Edition. Fine. First Edition. 6 1/2 x 4 7/8 inches. A handbill printed on recto only with a strong impression. Ink ghosting to verso of handbill. A fine copy. Dr. Osgood's handbill notes he will be in the vicinity for a few days and will be "pleased to wait upon any who may require his professional services" which included filling, cleaning, or extracting Natural Teeth; "operations performed on the Teeth, Gums, Jaws, Antrum Maxillaire, &c &c"; setting ARTIFICIAL TEETH on Gold Plate or pivot, and whole or half sets "by Atmospheric pressure". Dr. O., will also, "if desired, administer the Chloroform, and extract Teeth without pain".

The beginnings of dental inhalation anaesthesia date to 1844 when Horace Wells was experimenting with nitrous oxide gas to eliminate pain during tooth extractions. In this handbill, dated 1852, the use of Chloroform is proposed to accomplish the same effect. Years later ether became the eventual gas of choice for the purpose. Handbills like this, especially for itinerate or traveling dentists, are scarce. OCLC/Worldcat records only one example of this handbill, at Dartmouth (Acc# 3614831).

The testimonials recorded indicate Dr. Osgood was working in NH and Maine. (Inventory #: 29398)