COLTON, A. M. AND G. Q. (FOR THE FAMILY) — In Memoriam Deacon Walter Colton

Georgia, VT: A. M & G. Q. Colton, 0. 1st Edition; 1st Printing. Hardcover. c1862. This book is in Very Good+ condition and was likely issued without a dust jacket. The book and its contents are in mostly clean, bright condition. There is some light bumping, rubbing and wear to the spine ends and corners of the book covers. The text pages are clean and bright. There is some foxing and toning to the front free page. "Deacon Walter Colton, b. 25 August, 1764, Longmeadow, Hampden, Massachusetts, d. 28 April, 1862, Georgia, Vermont. He was the son of Deacon Aaron Colton and Mary Ely. He married Thankful Cobb, daughter of Lieut. John Cobb, of Hardwick, Massachusetts, she died 7 June, 1843."He was a man of naturally moral fibre, passionately fond of music and proficient in its art and science, his violincello was for a half century a great factor in the village church choir, and a source of great pleasure and elevation in the home circle. He loved good literature and had a keen sense of the beautiful and pure in good books, and cultivated a fine literary taste up to the measure of his opportunity and means." This book gives both biographical material and thoughts on his life as a deacon. The book includes information on the early days of the area of Georgia, Vermont. Interestingly, one of the sons responsible for this memorial book became famous for his introduction of Nitrous Oxide for use in dental procedures: "[Intially, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) was exhibited by Gardner Quincy Colton as a novelty demonstrating its mirth-provoking effects. It's value as a dental anaesthetic was recognized by Dr. Horace Wells, who adopted its use in his dental practice, though its use did not spread at that time. Eventually, it was Colton, though not a dentist himself, who popularized its use in dentistry to replace the more risky method of using chloroform and ether. Acceptance in the profession was slow, but eventual Colton gained fame from his efforts.". Very Good+ .