CHANGES IN THE ASH, WATER, AND ORGANIC CONTENT OF PIG ENAMEL DURING CALCIFICATION

¹ Laboratory of Dental Medicine, The Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts

Forty-five samples of pig enamel at various stages of calcification were analyzed for water, inorganic, and organic matter and the results calculated on a volumetric basis to show quantitative changes in each constituent independently of the others.

Apparently there occurs a great influx of ash, after the enamel attains its final form, which is compensated for chiefly by loss of water and, to a lesser extent, organic matter. Organic matter is displaced first and water second. The hardening process takes place during the time when water is lost and the organic content remains constant.