The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution

by L. Carroll Judson

Although a close student of medicine and surgery, it was soon discovered that he well understood the relative situation of the mother country and the American Colonies. He had closely examined the unwarranted pretensions of the former and the aggravated grievances of the latter. His benevolent soul was touched by the sufferings of oppressed humanity and warmed by the patriotic fire of Freedom. He at once became a bold and able advocate in the cause of Liberty—a firm and fearless opposer of British tyranny—a strong and energetic supporter of equal rights. Mingling with all classes through the medium of his profession, his influence was as extensive and multiform as it was useful and salutary. The Independence of his country was the ultimatum of his desires. To see her regenerated and free was the anxious wish of his heart. So conspicuous was he in the glorious cause, that he was elected a member of the Congress of 1776 and had the proud pleasure of placing his name upon the chart of Freedom.

The year following he was appointed Surgeon General of the Military Hospital for the middle department and rendered himself extensively useful during the entire period of the Revolution. He was ever ready to go where duty called and exerted his noblest powers in the glorious cause he had espoused until he saw the star spangled banner wave in triumph over the land of the brave and free and the incense of Liberty ascending to Heaven in cerulean clouds from the altar of Freedom.

The Independence of his country secured—he desired no occupation but that of his profession. For a time his services were diverted from this channel in the Convention of his state to take into consideration the adoption of the Federal Constitution. Having carefully read the published arguments as they progressed in the National Convention, he was fully prepared to enter warmly into the advocacy of the adoption of that instrument. When this was adopted by the states, the measure of his political ambition was filled and hermetically sealed. He retired from that arena of turmoil crowned with the evergreen laurels of fame that will bloom with living freshness until patriotism shall be lost in anarchy and the last vestige of Liberty be swept away by the tornado of faction. The only station he ever consented to fill under government subsequently was Cashier of the U. S. Mint.

During the remainder of his life his time and talents were devoted to his profession, the improvement of medical science and the amelioration of the ills of afflicted humanity. In 1789 he was elected Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic. In 1791 he was appointed Professor of the Institutes of Medicine and Clinical Practice. In 1806 he was honored with the united Professorships of the Theory and Practice of Physic and Clinical Medicine, the duties of which he ably discharged until sickness and death closed his useful career.

Besides the multiform duties already enumerated he was an efficient member of various benevolent associations. He was President of the American Association for the Abolition of Slavery—Vice President of the Philadelphia Bible Society—President of the Philadelphia Medical Society—a Vice President of the American Philosophical Society and a member of several other philanthropic institutions in this country and in Europe. For many years he was a physician of the Pennsylvania Hospital and did much to promote its prosperity. He was ever anxious to be useful in counsel, influence and action. To soothe the troubled bosom heaving with anguish—to alleviate the suffering patient writhing under pain—to aid the poor and needy sinking under misfortunes—to visit the widow and the fatherless in their distress—afforded Dr. Rush a richer pleasure than to have reached the loftiest pinnacle of political fame—a holier joy than to have been the triumphant chieftain of a conquered world.

Although his duties were onerous and various he arranged his time with such system and order that a harmonious routine was produced. His professional duties, his books, his pen each had their specific time. He wrote numerous literary, moral and philosophical essays—several volumes on medical science among which were his "Medical Inquiries and Observations" and a "History of the Yellow Fever." He spent much time in the investigation of that alarming disease—endeavoring to arrive at the best mode of treatment. In this, as in many other cases of disease—the lancet was his anchor of hope. His theory and practice of medicine have virtually turned a somerset within the last half century in the regular departments of the science—to say nothing of the locust swarms of mycologists who are making awful havoc on the foliage of human life.

During the prevalence of any disease his exertions to arrest its progress and alleviate distress were unremitting. He obeyed the calls of the poor as promptly as those of the rich. He was particularly attentive to those in adverse circumstances who had employed him when in affluence. He put a veto on sunshine friends by precept and example. A pious and consistent Christian—he often cheered the desponding heart where medicine failed to save the body from the grave. His counsels were full of wisdom and benevolence and saved many a frail bark from shipwreck. His enlivening presence and soul-cheering advice drove despair from many an agonized mind—imparting fresh vigor by administering the elixir of hope and the tonic of fortitude. This is an important talent in a physician—often more potent than any chemical.

Blessed with a vigorous constitution—Dr. Rush was active until a short time previous to the 19th of April 1813, when he rested from his labors and was numbered with the dead. As the news of his death spread, a universal sorrow pervaded all classes—funeral sermons were preached—eulogies pronounced and processions formed throughout the United States as a just tribute to the memory of the departed sage, patriot, scholar and philanthropist. His goodness had decked his name with the rich garniture of profound esteem.

When the sad tidings reached England and France, the same demonstrations of respect were manifested there. The tears of sympathy suffused many European eyes. In the halls of science on both sides of the Atlantic, Dr. Rush was well known and highly appreciated. By our own country his loss was most keenly felt—by the civilized world deeply lamented. The graves of but few men have been moistened by as many tears from the rich and poor—high and low—as that of Dr. Rush. His fame is based upon substantial merit. His name is engraved in deep and indelible traces on the hearts of our countrymen. His untarnished reputation is written on the monument of history in letters of gold by the pan of justice dipped in the font of gratitude and will endure, unimpaired, until the last trump shall proclaim to the astonished millions on this whirling planet—time shall be no longer!!!

The private character of this great and good man was as unsullied and pure as his career was brilliant and useful. His heart overflowed with the milk of human kindness—his benevolence often carried him beyond his professional income. He was temperate in his habits—neat in his person and dress—social and gentlemanly in his intercourse—urbane and courteous in his manners—interesting and instructive in his conversation—modest and unassuming in his deportment. He was a warm and affectionate companion—the widows' friend and the orphans' father.