Chapter 37

BENJAMIN RUSH.

Birth and early life--Adopts medicine as a profession--Studies in Europe--Returns home, and is made a professor in the Philadelphia Medical College--Political career--Elected to the Provincial Conference of Pennsylvania--Action with respect to the independence of the colonies--Elected to the Continental Congress--Signs the Declaration of Independence--Marriage--Is made Surgeon-General of the army--Becomes Physician-General--Troubles--Resigns his commission--Letters to the people of Pennsylvania--Services in the State conventions--Resumes his practice in Philadelphia--Plans the Philadelphia Dispensary--Resumes his professor's chair--The yellow fever in Philadelphia--A scene of terror--"The Hundred Days"--Dr. Rush's treatment of the disease--Opposition of the Faculty--Success of Rush's treatment--Testimony of Dr. Ramsay--Suit for damages--Dr. Rush's services during the fever--Reminiscences--Honors from European sovereigns--Is made Treasurer of the United States Mint--Literary labors--Zeal in behalf of Christianity--His connection with the Bible Society--Death.