White as Whales Bone Dental Services in Early Modern England

Using a wide range of historical and literary sources, White as Whales Bone investigates the uncertainties surrounding the provision of practical dental treatment in early modern England, from 1400 onwards and examines European influences upon English practice, especially those of the Huguenot immigrants who were highly skilled and reputable. Despite the fluidity of healthcare provision in the earlier centuries, by 1750 dentistry was emerging as an occupation independent of medicine, in direct response to the development of consumerism, the increase in population and the rise of the middle classes. This book will appeal to all those interested in the history of dentistry and of medicine, to those who teach these subjects and to social historians.