Benjamin Rush letter to Mr. Mulford

Collection

Identifier: MSS 2/323

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of an autographed letter signed, 14 Oct. 1808, from physician Benjamin Rush, 1746-1813, to a Mr. Mulford. The letter is a prescription sent or given to Mr. Mulford, who was suffering from an ailment affecting his lungs. The letter lists guidelines to follow regarding nutrition, exercise, dress, and sleep. It also recommends bloodletting and blistering in the event of chest pain or heavy coughing.

Dates

1808-10-14

Creator

Rush, Benjamin (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Benjamin Rush, Philadelphia, Pa. physician, was born on 24 Dec. 1745 o.s. in Byberry township, Pa. He married Julia Stockton in 1776; they had thirteen children. Rush died on 19 Apr. 1813. Rush received his B.A. from Princeton College in 1760, then served a six-year apprenticeship with John Redman, 1722-1808. He was one of the first to attend William Shippen's anatomy lectures. In 1768, he received his M.D. from the University of Edinburgh. In 1769, Rush became Professor of Chemistry at the College of Philadelphia; in 1789, he became Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine. When the college formed the University of Pennsylvania in 1791, Rush became Professor of the Institutes of Medicine and Clinical Medicine. He also taught students privately. In 1783, he became Physician at Pennsylvania Hospital. In 1786, he helped to establish the Philadelphia Dispensary and was a physician there until his death. Rush was also a member of the Provincial Congress in 1776, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and, in 1777, became Surgeon-General of the Continental Army. In 1799, he became Treasurer of the U.S. Mint. Rush was known for advocating bleeding and purging to treat yellow fever. He was a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia from 1787 to 1793.