And well you should. But Bett’s by your own side lived before a standard was even considered. Being a historian meant being a writer, and a writer must be paid. Telling the full truths during one’s lifetime, or shortly after, when they are being praised, is not the work for one who would earn a living, or even be read, or published.

Was unaware of Washington’s teeth, as you tell it. Wooden teeth were better than rocks, but not nearly as good as silver or gold. Getting good dentures was the major part of dentistry till at least the 1940’s, so a good set was important. Martha Curtis, Washington’s wife, had money, would need more evidence as teeth need to fit, and from what have learned of my own mouth, what fits in me, will not fit in most others.