Dr. Benjamin Rush

At the time of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, Dr. Benjamin Rush was one of the city's most respected physicians. Before the spreading disease was identified, Dr. Rush was consulted on the case of thirty-three-year-old Catherine LeMaigre, who was very ill and fading rapidly. Dr. Benjamin Rush became suspicious when he noted the young woman's slightly yellow skin, extremely high fever and black vomit. He had battled another yellow fever epidemic in the city in the 1760s.

As more patients came to him exhibiting the same symptoms, Dr. Rush grew more convinced the epidemic facing the city was indeed yellow fever. Although others were reluctant to voice that opinion because it would cause sheer panic, Dr. Rush faced it head-on and told officials and newspaper editors his opinion. He wanted to save people by educating them in ways they could prevent contracting the disease.

Dr...