In 1693 he joined the French Royal Navy at the age of 15 , much to his family 's distress .
In 1693 he came under the influence of Alexander Poteleret , a surgeon major , who had spent considerable time studying diseases of the teeth and mouth .
In 1693 he joined the French Royal Navy at the age of 15 , much to his family 's distress , and came under the influence of Alexander Poteleret , a surgeon major , who had spent considerable time studying diseases of the teeth and mouth .