Images(2)

Tooth Extraction Key

Periodca. 1760 - 1775

MediumIron

Dimensions5 × 1.63 in. (12.7 × 4.1 cm)

ClassificationsMedical T&E

Credit LineGift of William H. MacDonald, 1974

Object number1974.22.1

DescriptionAn iron tooth extraction key, consisting of a straight shaft with a looped handle at one end and a hinged rotating claw at the other. The claw features a small notch at the tip of the curve.

Curatorial RemarksPrior to antibiotics, extraction was the primary defense against dental infections. This tool was inserted horizontally into the mouth, its claw tightened over the diseased tooth and then turned like a key in an attempt to loosen it from the socket. The procedure, undoubtedly painful, oftentimes resulted in shattered teeth or even a fractured jawbone. The tooth key was invented during the early 18th century and eventually became obsolete with the introduction of 19th century forceps.NotesThis tooth extraction key belonged to Dr. Jacobus Hubbard Sr. (1739 - 1807), born in Gravesend, Long Island. At the age of 21, Jacobus agreed to an apprenticeship with Dr. William Clark of Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, to learn the medical trade. At the completion of his 4 year and 8 month term, he was to be given "a new set of surgeon's pocket instruments along with the texts 'Solomon's Dispensatory,' 'Quince's Dispensatory,' and 'Fuller on Fevers'." Following his apprenticeship, Hubbard Sr. practiced medicine in Holmdel, Monmouth County, and married Rebecca Swart (1739 - 1819) at the Dutch Reformed Church of Middletown and Freehold in 1765. During the Revolutionary War he served as a doctor and surgeon for the First Regiment of Monmouth, and was paid by Congress for exceptional military service during the Monmouth Campaign in 1778. The Association owns a pastel portrait by Harvey Jenkins of Hubbard Sr.'s son, Dr. Jacobus Hubbard Jr. (1766 - 1847), a co-founder of the Monmouth County Medical Society in 1816 (see accession 958).

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