George W. Norris’s The Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia, first published in 1886, offers a comprehensive account of the development of medical practice in Philadelphia from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The book delves into the establishment of Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond, marking it as the first hospital in the American colonies dedicated to the care of the indigent and mentally ill. This institution laid the foundation for clinical medicine in the United States, introducing innovations such as the first surgical amphitheater and a medical library that became a model for future institutions.
Norris also highlights the pivotal role of the University of Pennsylvania in advancing medical education. In 1765, the university established the first medical school in the American colonies, following the example of European institutions like the University of Edinburgh. This development was instrumental in formalizing medical training and fostering a community of educated physicians. Prominent figures such as John Morgan and William Shippen Jr. were central to this endeavor, contributing significantly to the curriculum and the professionalization of medicine.
The book further examines the formation of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia in 1787, the oldest private medical society in the United States. Founded by 24 physicians, including Benjamin Rush and John Morgan, the College aimed to advance medical science and improve public health. It played a crucial role in responding to public health crises, such as the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, by proposing measures to control the spread of disease and conducting epidemiological studies.
Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Norris provides invaluable insights into the early practices of medicine in Philadelphia. His work underscores the city’s instrumental role in shaping American medical history, highlighting the contributions of its institutions and individuals in establishing standards of care, education, and public health that continue to influence the field today.