Modern biochemistry and pharmacology do not show many studies of fluorine preparations. Its clinical application has been largely theoretical or empiric. Some of the studies are briefly surveyed here. The earliest reference found was the discovery of fluorine in fossil ivory by Marischini, 1803, quoted by Gmelin and Noger.1
Tappeiner and Obolonski2 described its toxic effects as depression of the nervous system, fibrillary twitchings, convulsions, weakness, salivation and breathing hastened and deepened.
Brissemoret2a recommended calcium fluoride for introducing calcium into the body. He says it is as good as the carbonate or phosphate. He uses it for infants and adults being treated for caries or ununited fractures, and during pregnancy and nursing.
Zdarek3 described the distribution of fluorine in the various tissues as found by him in man.
Haeger,4 experimenting on rabbits with the artificial increase in growth of bone for therapeutic purposes, found