The New Student's Reference Work/Rush, Benjamin

Rush, Benjamin, was born near Philadelphia, Dec. 24, 1745. He graduated at in 1760, studied medicine in America and Europe, and became professor of chemistry in the Philadelphia Medical College. Dr. Rush was a member of the continental congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was a founder of Philadelphia Dispensary, the first in America, and of the College of Physicians, and was given several medical professorships besides the one he already held at Philadelphia. During the yellow-fever epidemic of 1793, he was a devoted worker and successful in his treatment. In 1799 Rush was made treasurer of the United States Mint. Among his medical writings, which were honored at home and abroad, were Medical Inquiries and Observations, Essays and Diseases of the Mind. Dr. Rush died at Philadelphia, April 19, 1813.