Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Rush (1746-1813) was a prominent American physician, social reformer, and Founding Father of the United States. He played a significant role in the American Revolution and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Rush is often regarded as the "father of American psychiatry" for his early work in mental health reform. He advocated for humane treatment of the mentally ill and opposed the use of bloodletting in medicine. Additionally, he promoted education, abolition of slavery, and public health measures. Rush’s contributions laid important foundations for modern medicine and social justice in America.