Observations upon the origin of the malignant bilious, or yellow fever in Philadelphia, and upon means of preventing it: addressed to the citizens of Philadelphia

Philadelphia: Thomas Dobson, 1799. FIRST EDITION. Contemporary sheep, rebacked; paper toned as usual, but overall a very good copy from the library of John B. Purdie, M.D. of Smithfield, Virginia, plus another physician from Richmond, Virginia whose signature is illegible. First edition. This is Rush’s account of the particularly virulent epidemic of yellow fever that brought life and commerce to a halt in Philadelphia during 1797. His focus is on the relationship between bile and disease. His understanding of the importance of bile in bodily functions helped him to lay the foundation for treatment of hepatitis and liver disorders. Rush also understood the significance of environmental factors in disease. Notwithstanding, he approached the treatment of yellow fever with bleeding and purging. This created disputes with many physicians, who had abandoned bloodletting for more scientific methods, including William Cobbett and William Currie, who accused Rush of killing more people than he saved.

A rare title; it appears that no copies have been auctioned since 1979.

Austin 1675.