Spanish dentistry was the subject of choice in April 1860’s issue of C+D, when a visitor to Cadiz witnessed a feat which would have impressed even Zorro.

The scene was a crowded public square, where a “pain-stricken muleteer” rushed over to an dentist, who happened to be trotting by on a horse, and begged for some help.

“The grave quack did not dismount…but with one experienced, far-sighted, keen glance at the cavernous tooth, drew a long Toledo rapier…slipped the point under the muleteer’s black fang, and scooped it out with a single twitch.

“With military precision he wiped his sword, slipped it back into his sheath, held out his hand for the twopenny fee, touched his sombrero, and rode gravely off.”

PostScript thinks it’s found its new hero in this Andalusian tooth-fencer. Although we’re not so sure we’d like to experience that particular treatment any time soon…