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Dentistry caricature, 19th century
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Dentistry caricature, 19th century
Dentistry caricature. 19th-century artwork titled Hob and Stage Doctor, showing an itinerant tooth drawer pulling a patients tooth with a tooth key at a country fair or market. The patient is seated on the floor at left and is being held in a headlock by the tooth drawer, who is a mountebank or quack doctor wearing a tricorne hat and wig. At centre is a clown-like prankster figure (hob) providing entertainment to the crowd. This engraving is by William Davison (1781-1858) of Alnwick, Northumberland, UK. It was published circa 1812 to 1817 in Some Alnwick caricatures. The original was by Edward Dighton (c.1752-1819)
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Media ID 9198719
© BRITISH DENTAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ache Assistant Audience Caricature Copper Plate Countryside Crowd Dental Dental Caries Dentist Dentistry Discomfort Doctor Engraving Entertainer Entertaining Entertainment Extracting Extraction Market Operation Pain Painful Patient Physician Procedure Pull Pulled Pulling Quack Quackery Removal Removed Removing Sore Spectator Spectators Stage Surgery Surgical Teeth Tooth Tooth Decay Tooth Key Toothache Treatment Alnwick Condition Country Fair Disorder Fool Itinerant Jester Mountebank Northumberland Onlooker Onlookers Prankster Tricorne Hat William Davison
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This 19th-century artwork titled "Hob and Stage Doctor" captures a unique scene from the world of dentistry in the past. In this caricature, we see an itinerant tooth drawer at work during a country fair or market. The patient, seated on the floor, finds himself in a headlock as the tooth drawer prepares to extract his tooth using a tooth key. The tooth drawer is portrayed as a quack doctor wearing a tricorne hat and wig, adding an element of theatricality to the scene. At the center of attention is a clown-like figure known as Hob, providing entertainment for the crowd gathered around them. This engraving by William Davison gives us insight into both dental practices and public amusement during that era. The image showcases not only historical aspects but also highlights some uncomfortable realities associated with dentistry at that time. It reminds us of how far dental treatments have come since then, emphasizing advancements in pain management and surgical procedures. Published circa 1812 to 1817 in Some Alnwick caricatures, this print offers us glimpses into everyday life back then while shedding light on medical practices prevalent during that period. Edward Dighton's original artwork has been skillfully engraved by Davison, capturing every detail with precision. As we observe this intriguing piece from our modern perspective, it serves as a reminder of how much progress has been made in dentistry over time while appreciating its historical significance.
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