Page:Crawford W. Long and the discovery of ether anesthesia - Frances Taylor.djvu/17

 == I ==

INTRODUCTION
HIS little sketch of an old-fashioned Georgia doctor was not originally written for publication, but for Dr. Long's grandchildren, that they might learn of his unselfish Christian character, and with the hope that his example might incite them to noble thoughts and deeds. For this reason the intimate details of his household are given. There was also the desire that they should know of the Southern gentleman of a vanished day, with the tremendous responsibilities that were his by inheritance and the duties they involved, the loss of fortune by reason of the war between the states, and the brave struggle against poverty. It is also fitting that they should have the facts of his discovery and professional career, as taken from his private papers and letters.

The persuasions of friends have induced me to publish these simple annals, fully