th, or a state of idiotcy far
worse than death, of which I know more than one living instance.

It may be as well to add, that eruptions about the ears, head, face,
and various parts of the body, very frequently appear during the
process of the first teething.[FN#23] If they are slight, they should
be left alone, being rather useful than otherwise; if they are
troublesome, they must receive that kind of attention from the parent
which will be pointed out under the chapter on diseases. The same
remark applies to enlargements of the glands of the neck, which
frequently appear at this time.

[FN#23] In some infants a rash always precedes the cutting a tooth.
Sometimes it appears in the form of hard elevated pimples as large as
peas; in other instances in the form of red patches, of the size of a
shilling, upon the arms, shoulders, and back of the neck. They are
always harmless, require no particular attention, and prevent, I doubt
not, more serious complaints.

SECT. II. HINTS UPON THE PERMANENT OR ADULT TEETH.

Parents are not sufficiently alive to the importance of attending to
the condition of the mouth of their children at the period of changing
the first for the second set of teeth; they do not seem to be aware
how much the comfort, appearance, and future health of the child
depends upon it. Nor do they subsequently impress upon the minds of
their children how necessary, on their part, is the observance of
certain rules for the preservation of the teeth, and how distressing
are the effects which result from their neglect. It is proposed, here,
to say a few words for the information and guidance of the parent upon
this subject.

THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY APPEAR.

The change of the temporary for the permanent or adult teeth
commences, in the majority of instances, at about seven years of age;
occasionally it occurs as early as five, and as late as eight years and
a half. The necessity which exists for this change, and the mode by
which it is effected, are striking and beautiful; it is, however, not
our object to enter fully upon its consideration here.

It has already been observed, that the infant is born with the
rudiments of two sets of teeth in the jaw, although neither make their
appearance till long after birth. The time when, and the manner in
which the first set appear has been pointed out. Now although these
admirably answer the purposes for which they were given up to the
seventh y