XI Physicians
Chapter XXXVII
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.
Chapter XXXVIII
Valentine Mott
Birth—Early life—Enters Columbia College—His medical studies—Continues his studies in Europe—Great surgical genius—His early success as an operator—Returns home—Is made Professor of Surgery in Columbia College—His career and success as a teacher—Introduces the system of clinical instruction—Difficulty of procuring “subjects” for dissection—Desperate expedients—midnight adventure—A ready rebuke—Success and skill as a surgeon—Tribute from Sir Astley Cooper—A wonderful operation—Sketch of his original operations—His mode of operating—Careful preparation—Success as a physician—A progressive mind—Professional honors—Visits Europe—Reception abroad—Operates upon the Sultan of Turkey—A cool proposition—Personal—His last illness and death—“President Lincoln murdered.”