It was Isaiah Hyatt who named the new invention "Celluloid". Two different explanations of the naming exist: one is that the word is a contraction for "colloid of cellulose". Another states that it is a contraction of the word "cellulose" and the Greek word "oid" which

 
Advertising Celluloid as a use for denture material to the public ...

Advertising Celluloid as a use for denture material to the public took place through the medium of trade cards. Although rare, on occasion a card can be found that mentions the use of this material. Harvard Dental Parlor of Boston and Queen City Dentist of Cincinnati were two such patrons of celluloid as an alternative material for dentures, the cost ranging $5.00

means "like".
     In 1870 the Hyatt brothers established the Albany Dental Plate Co. at 151 Eagle St., for the manufacture of Celluloid denture blanks. To add credibility the new material, Samuel S. White, the well-respected publisher of "Dental Cosmos" and president of the S.S. White Dental Co. in Philadelphia, endorsed the product and became its sole distributor. Flasks and heating machines were invented.

     Several pages of testimonials are found in an 1878 Celluloid Mfg. Co. Instruction Manual for dentists. The following are excerpts from the booklet:

"I have used celluloid as a base for artificial teeth for several years with great satisfaction. It is durable, and does not warp or change its form, provided the conditions are strictly complied with. My patients are delighted with it." I.J.Wetherbee, DDS, Boston, MA, Mar. 23, 1878

"Celluloid is an excellent base for artificial teeth and has given excellent satisfaction to 200 of my patients who are wearing it. I use it for artificial palates and noses, and for the latter it is very much better than rubber." A.S.Dudley, MD, Salem, MA., Mar. 20, 1878

"I think celluloid the best base for artificial teeth I ever worked, and I have used everything. I can make a set of teeth in the shortest time of anything I ever worked, and in half the time I can with rubber. It is the strongest plate also." J.I. Fosdick, LaPorte, IN., Feb. 12, 1878

"Do you feel satisfied with celluloid?, I seem to hear you ask. I answer that I would not give $5.00 for a rubber license. I would not have rubber in my own mouth on account of the heated feeling. I have broken two rubber plates in the time I have worn one of celluloid. It is healthful, cleanly, strong, unchangeable and beautiful." B.B. Chandler, Boston, MA, Feb. 11, 1878

"I esteem celluloid of such inestimable value to the profession, that I should regard it as criminal not to give my unqualified testimony in its favor, which, after using it for more than three years, it affords me pleasure to do. After overcoming a few difficulties at first, I like it better every plate I make, and consider it superior to every other plastic material for dental plates." D.Burrill, Freeport, IL, Feb. 8, 1878

"Three years since I took celluloid in hand, I have used it ever since in rather a large practice. I have no trouble in working it  less in fact than in using rubber. I would not return to the use of rubber if I could get license free, and get the rubber thrown in. Having been 40 years in a large practice, I know what I am talking about." D.D. Dickinson, MD, Boston, MA, Feb. 4, 1878

Above is a completed celluloid upper plate with porcelain teeth. Both trade cards offered patrons the opportunity to purchase celluloid dentures.