A few weeks ago, I spotted an interesting item at a local auction. It was a medical school diploma signed by Benjamin Rush (1745-1813), who was, in addition to being a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a medical pioneer.
After graduating from what is now Princeton University at age 14, Rush was also a physician, politician, civic leader in Philadelphia, social reformer, educator, and founder of Dickenson College in Pennsylvania. One of his greatest contributions to medicine was the establishment of a public dispensary, or clinic for low-income patients.
Dr. Rush is mentioned several times in the Annals of Maryland Medicine, published in 1899 by Eugene Cordell, and trained a number of physicians who practiced in Maryland.
This is the diploma, which was issued to someone named Benjamin Sedwick from the Philadelphia Medical Society in 1806.
DescriptionBenjamin Rush (1745-1813, Signer of Declaration of Independence, medical pioneer and polymath) Part-printed certificate from the Medical Society of Philadelphia, February 12, 1806, issued to Benjamin Sedwick; on vellum, with original ribbon and wax seal (in a protective tin case), 9 1/4 x 13 1/2 in.
The certificate sold for $2,000 plus 6% tax and a 25% buyer's premium.
Hello Meg, $2000+ doesn't seem so expensive for a Signer, and on a nice frameable document, too. Did anyone research who Benjamin Sedwick was?
ReplyDelete--Jim
I looked a little, but can't seem to find information about the correct one.
ReplyDelete