Beschreibung:

RUSH, Benjamin (1745-1813). An Oration, delivered February 4, 1774, before the American Philosopical Society, held at Philadelphia. Containing, an Enquiry into the Natural History of Medicine Among the Indians in North-America, and a Comparative View of their Diseases and Remedies, with those of Civilized Nations . Philadelphia: Joseph Cruikshank [1774]. 8 o (205 x 134mm). Section title for the Appendix: Containing Proofs and Illustrations (K2), terminal blank P4 present. (Titlepage with several areas lightly browned). Modern quarter speckled calf and marbled boards, gilt-lettered spine label. Provenance : Medical and Chirurgical Society of Aberdeen, gift of William Saunders, M.D., ink inscriptions at top of title, small ink stamp on A2r margin. FIRST EDITION, EXTREMELY RARE, of the first treatise on American Indian medicine published in North America. As he notes in the preliminary advertisement, Rush consulted the published narratives of LaHontan and Charlevoix, but he principally drew upon first-hand information "taken from persons who had lived, or travelled among the Indians," especially the regimental surgeon Edward Hand (1744-1802, later a general in the Continental Army), who lived for several years at Fort Pitt (Pittsburg) and took a great interest in Indian medical practices. No copy of Rush's treatise has appeared at auction since at least 1979. Rush, born in Philadelphia, studied at Princeton and in Philadelphia and completed his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh. After returning to America he was appointed professor of Chemistry at the College of Philadelphia (the present University of Pennsylvania Medical College), built up a successful practice and became friendly with Benjamin Franklin Thomas Paine, John Adams and others active in the patriot movement (Paine composed his incendiary 1776 tract Common Sense at Rush's urging; Rush also suggested its title). Chosen a Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress, Rush voted for and signed the Declaration of Independence (the only physician among the 56 who signed that document). In later years he carried on a wide correspondence, was first president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, established the Philadelphia Dispensary (the first free medical clinic in the United States), served as president of the first anti-slavery society and was named first treasurer of the U.S. Mint (1797-1813). Through his publications and highly influential lectures, he "was widely recognized as the leading physician in the United States" (DSB). Austin 1678; Evans 13592; Garrison & Morton 6451.90; Guerra a-558; Sabin 74237; Norman 1861.