As Channing has made his translation from two different Arabic copies of Abulcasis,[213] among the corresponding figures of which there exists a very notable difference, he, for the greater part, had to follow the plan of reproducing the figures of both codices. But besides this numerical difference, there is also a considerable difference in the shape of the instruments represented. We must, therefore, ask ourselves which of the two series of figures is to be regarded as the more faithful representation of the instruments used by Abulcasis. Most probably the first series. In it we find figured some scrapers which have a certain resemblance to those actually in use; besides this, the figures of the first series seem to be drawn with greater accuracy than those of the second. Among other things it may be noticed that the handle of each instrument (excepting the last two) is furnished with a row of prominences, which, it is almost certain, were designed to afford a better grip in holding the scrapers during the operation. [Illustration: FIG. 35 Set of fourteen dental scrapers (Abulcasis).] [Illustration: FIG. 36 Twelve dental scrapers as represented in another manuscript codex of Abulcasis.] We now consider the chapter on the extraction of teeth.[214] The author begins by saying that it is necessary to use all possible means to cure an attack of odontalgia, and to be very slow in deciding to extract a tooth, as this is a very noble organ, the want of which cannot in any way be perfectly supplied. When there is no way of avoiding extraction and the patient is obliged by pain to submit to this, it is necessary first to ascertain which is the aching tooth, as very often the pain deceives the patient, so that he may indicate as the seat of the pain another tooth which is perfectly sound, and desire it to be extracted; after which, naturally, the pain does not cease, if not when the diseased tooth is also extracted, as often happens in the hands of the barbers.[215] The aching tooth having been well ascertained, it is necessary to detach the gum from the tooth, all around, with a sufficiently strong scalpel. Then either with the fingers or with a light pair of forceps the tooth must be shaken very gently, until it is loosened. Then the surgeon, keeping the head of the patient firmly between his knees, applies a stronger pair of forceps and extracts the tooth in a straight direction, so as not to break it. If it is not possible to draw it out, one of those elevators must be taken which the author advises for the extraction of roots (as may be seen afterward), and by insinuating it under the tooth the surgeon must endeavor to extract it. When the tooth is corroded and hollow, it is necessary to fill the cavity with lint, compressing it hard inside with the end of a probe,[216] so that the tooth may not break under the pressure of the instrument. In all cases, the operator must take great care not to