4to; xii, 541 pgs. [7].

Presentation copy with handwritten note by Kingsley on title page "With compliments of the Author/To Prof C J Essig."

First edition of A Treatise on Oral Deformities as a Branch of Mechanical Surgery, the only standard textbook on orthodontia as well as oral deformities at his time. In the work the subject of "Irregularity of the Teeth" is first noticed, with a full and comprehensive explanation of how such conditions may be remedied and the appliances necessary to be constructed.

Kingsley summarised his contributions to the early development of orthodontic treatments and cleft palate therapy. The final pages of Kingsley’s textbook are devoted to the aesthetics of dentistry, including a section titled Experiments in Remodelling a Face, and a study of the anatomy and physiology of expression based on Charles Bell’s classic, with illustrations drawn from it "First book on the scientific treatment of irregularities of the teeth. Kingsley made the first attempt at systematizing the treatment of occlusal abnormalities." (Garrison-Morton)

NORMAN WILLIAM KINGSLEY (1829 – 1913) was a dentist and an artist. He was a major contributor in the early development of orthodontic treatments and cleft palate therapy. He designed fixed and removable inclined planes to correct Angle Class II malocclusions. He also designed the first soft-rubber palatal obturators, which enabled patients with cleft palate to enjoy normal speech and function. He was the first person in 1880 to introduce the concept of "jumping the bite for patients with a retruded mandible". He invented the first portable gas blowpipe for dentists’ use and was one of the founders of the New York College of Dentistry and served as its first dean and first professor of dental art and mechanism from 1866 to 1869.

Provenance: Dr. and Prof. Charles J. Essig (1841-1901). Dr. Essig was first dean of PA Dental School, founder of the Dental Department at the University of PA, author of numerous books on dentistry, scientist, artist. He received DDS from Philadelphia Dental College in 1871, and MD from Jefferson Medical College in 1876.