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TRIAL OF JOHN ZY. WE13ST'FR. 13
latian, as shown in the moulds exhibited. [The witness here produced
a second mould, or cast, of Dr. Parkman's mouth, showing a representa-
tion of his upper and under jaw, as when the two were shut together.
It consisted, like the other, of two pieces, representing the upper and
the lower jaw, but which fitted together by means of the articulation,
or coupling, spoken of, in one absolute position.]
The relative connection of Dr. Parkman's jaws, (as shown in this
model) was a peculiar one. The receding of the upper jaw, and the
projection of the lower one, were strongly marked, showing an unusual
length of chin: differing, however, in conformation, from that of others,
who have merely a prominent chin.
The next step, after obtaining a fac-simile of the jaws in the way
spoken of, was to fit on the teeth to the plate, of the right length. The
teeth, themselves, and what was to constitute an artificial gum, were
made of the proper material, in a soft mass, like clay, and put into
moulds to bake. or harden. Before baking, we have to make an enlarge-
ment, to allow for shrinking. The shape of Dr. Parkman's lower jaw,
rendered this difficult. The teeth were then baked in a muffle, not
exposed directly to the fire.
The teeth, in the case of the upper jaw, where there were no natural
teeth remaining, were, at first, made all in one set; which, before. bak-
ing, was cut into three blocks, by separations behind the eye-teeth.
The lower teeth, also, consisted of three blocks, that were not made
whole, at first, in consequence of the natural teeth. Of these lower
blocks, the largest, or longest, was that, on the left side; the next larg-
est, that, on the right side; and a smaller block, of two or three teeth,
in front, completed the set.
All these three blocks fitted to one plate, and went into the mouth,
together. The three upper blocks, were, also, all on one plate. The two
sets were connected together by spiral springs, which enabled the wearer
to open and shut his mouth, with less danger of their being displaced.
The teeth were fastened in, with platinum pins. I have another model,
showing the length of the lower teeth. [Produces it, and exhibits it to
the Court and jury.]
In baking the front block of the lower jaw, an accident happened
to one of the teeth, which rendered it necessary to make a new block.
This was so shortly before the time fixed for the completion of the set,
that it .was necessary to work all night, to repair the accident; and
when we got them done the next day,-I mean Dr. Noble, my assistant.
and myself,-it only wanted thirty minutes, to the time fixed for the
commencement of the ceremonies at the College.
[The Court here took a recess, in consequence of an alarm of fire at
the lodgings of the Attorney General, who requested leave of absence,
to preserve valuable papers. Mr. Clifford having returned in a few
minutes, the trial proceeded.]
Dr. Keep, resumes.-I did not feel certain that all was completed,
as I should finally desire it to be, and requested the Doctor to call again,
and show me his teeth. When he next called, he remarked, that he
did :not feel as if he had room enough for his tongue. In order to
obviate that difficulty, I ground the inside of the lower blocks, next to
the tongue, so as to make more room. This grinding was somewhat
difficult, in consequence of the teeth being in the plate, and because it
had to be done with a very small wheel. The grinding removed the
pink color from the gum, and also the enamel from the teeth on the
inside and somewhat defaced their beauty. The shape of the space
ground out, was peculiar, from the size of the wheel, which was not
larger than a cent.
I saw Dr. Parkman afterwards, occasionally, for the purpose of
making such 'slight alterations, or repairs, upon his teeth, as were
needed. The last time that I saw him, to do anything to his teeth, was
about two weeks previous to his disappearance. Having broken a
spring, he called upon me, late one evening, to repair it. It was as
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