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Eric Herschthal discusses Dr. Rush’s Leprosy Theory of Race

Professor Eric Herschthal discusses his article “The Science of Antislavery in the Early Republic: The Case of Dr. Benjamin Rush.” (article link https://muse.jhu.edu/article/653138)

Prof. Herschthal examines how the medical theories of Dr. Rush informed his advocacy for the American Revolution and the end of American Slavery. While some of the ideas Dr. Rush came up with seem far-fetched or deplorable today, during his lifetime, his thinking was immensely important.