Benjamin Duffield (physician)

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Benjamin Duffield
BornNovember 3, 1753
DiedDecember 13, 1799
OccupationPhysician
Parent(s)Edward Duffield and Catherine (Parry) Duffield

Benjamin Duffield (November 3, 1753 – December 13, 1799) was an American physician and one of the founding members of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (1787).[1]

Formative years[edit]

Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on November 3, 1753, Benjamin Duffield was a son of clockmaker Edward Duffield and Catherine (Parry) Duffield. He studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1774.[2] Immediately thereafter, he went to Edinburgh to complete his studies, and brought with him a letter of introduction to a local Lord, penned by his father's friend, Benjamin Franklin.[3]

Medical career[edit]

Upon his return from Scotland, he began working as a surgeon in a military hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania before opening a private practice in Philadelphia. He was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1786.[4] Duffield's large practice established himself in the city's medical field and not long after he became a founding member of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (1787).[5] He also worked at the Bush Hill yellow fever hospital upon the outbreak of that disease (1793), held lectures on midwifery, and served as a physician to the Walnut street prison.[6]

He died on December 13, 1799, and was buried at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.[7]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Collection: List of physicians of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia | ArchivesSpace Public Interface". cpparchives.org. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  2. ^ Science, Macalester College Department of History, Literature and Political (1892). Contributions. 1st-2d Ser., 3d Ser., No.1. Pioneer Press Publishing Company.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ "Founders Online: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Duffield, 16 May 1779". founders.archives.gov. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  4. ^ "APS Member History". search.amphilsoc.org. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  5. ^ "Collection: List of physicians of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia | ArchivesSpace Public Interface". cpparchives.org. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  6. ^ Jameson, Edwin M. (1938). "Eighteenth Century Obstetrics and Obstetricians in the United States". Annal of Medical History. 10 (5): 413–428. PMC 7932657. PMID 33943214.
  7. ^ "Dr Benjamin Duffield (1753-1799) - Find A Grave..." www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 2021-07-02.