In 1862, Sanford Christie Barnum, a dentist in New York, invented the rubber barrier.The benevolent inventor gave away his intellectual property to the masses without any profit.

Barnum was born in New York on August 24, 1838.At 18, he entered his uncle's New York practice as a dental apprentice, and four years later, he began practicing on his own.Not content with his limited professional knowledge, he enrolled in two courses at the University of Dentistry of New York and graduated in December 1868 as a dental surgeon, one of the school's first graduates.His surgical and restorative expertise earned him an enviable reputation early on.After graduation, he set up his own practice in his uncle's house in New York.The clinic is running smoothly.

    In 1862, he had the idea of making rubber barriers and using them in dentistry.Robert C. Benedict, a jeweler, had the honor of being the first patient in the world to use a rubber barrier.In 1864, Barnum showed his invention of the rubber barrier to his uncle, who quickly saw the benefits of the rubber barrier and asked the young Barnum to present it to his peers as a gift.His good friend John Allen advised him to do the same.

    Dr. Barnum, who had a generous and professional character, decided to give up the opportunity to make a lot of money by offering his useful invention as a free gift to the world.The "Barnum rubber Barrier" was mentioned by Dr. Latimer in the August 1864 issue of Dental Field magazine as a brilliant innovation.

    This is the first recorded example of a rubber barrier in the mouth, although dentists in New York probably knew about the invention.The industry soon became fully aware of the value of his inventions, and his contributions made him famous around the world.In recognition of his scientific inventions, various dental societies presented him with certificates of recommendation.

    In August 1870, at a meeting organized by the American Dental Association, this preface and innovation were unanimously adopted: "It is undeniable, however, that Sanford C. Barnum of New York invented and demonstrated the best method of resisting moisture during prosthodontic surgery in the oral domain.This valuable improvement is highly recognised, as everyone can see."The American Dental Association wishes to thank Dr. Sanford C. Barnum for his invention, refinement, introduction, and donation of rubber barriers to the dental profession.In 1870, the American Dental Association presented him with a large gold medal in recognition of his great value in inventing rubber barriers and showing the world true professionalism.For this example, he was awarded a gold watch and chain inscribed: "To Dr. Sanford C. Barnum from my Dental friend for the noble gift of rubber barriers." In 1875, at the Dental Convention in California, he was also presented with a gold medal decorated with beautiful stones and surrounded by golden olive branches.