Search

Lecture or essay regarding use of cordial remedies and bleeding, a discussion of influenza, along with a 2-page partial report on an autopsy that noted the presence of a tumor in the abdomen.

In the casebook, Rush provided brief histories for his treatment of about 75 individuals. Entries generally included the year, patient's name, presented medical issue, dates of treatment, prescriptions applied, pulses noted, and the progression or resolution of the problem. Rheumatism was the most common complaint, along with dropsy (edema), pneumonia, diarrhea, and mania. Among the other illnesses listed were palsy (paralysis), fever, typhus, epilepsy, consumption, scurvy, hydrothorax, swelled spleen, and hysteria.

Rush writes regarding the health of Julia's uncle's family, one of whom is suffering from a stomach disorder. He also notes that Julia's father's health is deteriorating. Her father will accompany him upon his return, to be placed under another physician's care. He requests that Julia have his assistants call upon the parents of children Rush inoculated before his departure, with instructions for their care. He describes the trial of a Dr. Shippen. He mentions that the letter was written in company, in General Green[e?]'s office.

Rush's copy of a letter assuring the Baron he has read all of the medical segments of Van Sach's letters from Surinam, regarding the origins of infectious disease, including yellow fever and influenza. He commends Van Sach on his plans for preventing fevers in Surinam.