Lot 4048
Rush, Benjamin (1745-1813) American physician and patriot; Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania; Surgeon General of the Continental Army; author; professor at the University of Pennsylvania; and U.S. Mint Director. Rare Autograph Letter Signed ("Benj:n Rush"), Philadelphia, September 30, 1809, 1 1/3 pages, quarto. Seal tear affects one word of text. Integral address leaf is inlaid, with brown circular postmark and addressed in Rush's hand to Jacob Broome in Wilmington, Delaware. Accompanied by an engraving of Dr. Rush.
Colonial America's foremost physician prescribes a treatment for a recently diagnosed form of urinary infection or possibly a swelling of the prostate gland. "Your letter came too late last evening to be answered by this morning's post. I have read it with attention. The disease to which Dr. Monroe has given a name is not a new one in this country. I have met with it occasionally and relieved it. The medicine most proper for this purpose is the Tincture of Cantharides of which please to take ten drops three times a day in any kind of liquid, and increase the [dose] gradually till you take forty at a dose. Unless a painful Sensation should be created sooner upon the neck of the bladder. If that sensation be not created by forty drops, the dose may be increased gradually to fifty or sixty. If you are not relieved by this tincture, a blister should be applied to the perineum. The Ad va Ursi may be continued as formerly directed. Your diet should be more bland and demulcent than formerly directed. Health and respect…."
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $4,370 |
