Benjamin Rush

Dr. Benjamin Rush (December 24, 1745–April 19, 1813) was a Founding Father of the United States. Rush lived in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and was a physician, writer, educator, and humanitarian. He also was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and attended the Continental Congress. Later in life, he became a professor of medical theory and clinical practice at the University of Pennsylvania. Despite having a wide influence on the development of American government, he is not as widely known as many of his American contemporaries. Rush was also an early opponent of slavery and capital punishment.

Related Topics:
December 24 - 1745 - April 19 - 1813 - Founding Father - United States - U.S. state - Pennsylvania - Physician - Writer - Educator - Humanitarian - Declaration of Independence - Continental Congress - Professor - University of Pennsylvania - American government - Slavery - Capital punishment

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Rush was born in Byberry, around 12 miles from Philadelphia. His father died when he was six, and Rush spent most of his early life with his maternal uncle, the Reverend Samuel Finley. He attended Samuel Finley's academy at Nottingham which would later become West Nottingham Academy. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at the College of Philadelphia, and then obtained a medical degree at Edinburgh University. While in Europe practicing medicine, he learned French, Italian, and Spanish. Returning to the 13 colonies in 1769, Rush opened a medical practice in Philadelphia and became Professor of Chemistry at the College of Philadelphia.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia - The Reverend - Edinburgh University - Europe - French - Italian - Spanish - 13 colonies

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He published the first American textbook on Chemistry, several volumes on medical student education, and wrote influential patriotic essays. He was active in the Sons of Liberty and was elected to attend the provincial conference to send delegates to the Continental Congress. He was appointed to represent Pennsylvania and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Related Topics:
Chemistry - Sons of Liberty - Continental Congress

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In 1777 he became surgeon-general of the middle department of the Continental Army. Conflicts with the Army Medical service, specifically with Dr. William Shippen, led to Rush's resignation.

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As General George Washington suffered a series of defeats in the war, Rush campaigned for his removal, as part of the Conway Cabal, losing his trust and ending Rush's war activities.

Related Topics:
George Washington - Conway Cabal

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In 1783 he was appointed to the staff of Pennsylvania Hospital and remained a member of the hospital's staff until his death.

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He was elected to the Pennsylvania convention which adopted the Federal constitution, and was appointed treasurer of the U.S. Mint, serving from 1797-1813.

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He became Professor of medical theory and clinical practice at the University of Pennsylvania in 1791, though the quality of his medicine was quite primitive even for the time: he advocated bleeding (for almost any illness) long after its practice had declined. He became a social activist, an abolitionist, and was the most well-known physician in America at the time of his death. He was also founder of the private liberal arts college Dickinson College, in Carlisle, PA.

Related Topics:
University of Pennsylvania - Dickinson College

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