Dalton and Curtis were associated with the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York.

[3] Dalton received an award from the American Medical Association in 1851 for his essay "Corpus Luteum".

Prior to his resignation in 1864, Dalton was a prominent member in the medical corps of the national service.

He was transferred to the Army of the Potomac where he was made chief medical inspector of the field-hospitals.

[4] Dalton became the sanitary superintendent of the New York Metropolitan Board of Health in March 1866.

He conducted experiments on living animals at the University of Buffalo and promoted vivisection to medical schools throughout the United States.