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Waterhouse, Benjamin, 1754-1846. Place book of Benjamin Waterhouse, circa 1790-1803 (inclusive). H MS b16.4, Countway Library of Medicine.

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Contains autobiographical information and copies of correspondence written by Benjamin Waterhouse (1754-1846) from the 1790s to the early 1800s. Passages include notes on Waterhouse’s tenure as Professor of Natural History at Harvard, and notes on botany, in addition to correspondence regarding smallpox vaccination. The final page of writing includes a quotation from Waterhouse, of which there is a typed transcription tipped into the volume: "I consider myself the father of natural history in general, and mineralogy and botany in particular in Harvard College. If I was not who was?"

Biographical Notes

Benjamin Waterhouse (1754-1846) was the first Hersey Professor of Theory and Practice of Physic at Harvard Medical School. He introduced vaccination against smallpox using cowpox matter in the United States in 1800. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was the head physician at the United States Marine Hospital in Charlestown, Massachusetts from 1807 to 1809. 1775, Waterhouse traveled to Europe, where under the guidance of his mother's cousin, physician John Fothergill, he enrolled at the University of Edinburgh, studying medicine with professors such as William Cullen, and then at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands, from which he earned an M.D. in 1780. While attending Leyden, Waterhouse stayed in the home of John Adams, then American minister to the Netherlands. After returning to the United States, he became the first professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School (1782) and was one of the three original members of the Harvard Medical School faculty, alongside John Warren (1753-1815) and Aaron Dexter (1750-1829). In addition to his position as professor of medicine, Waterhouse was a lecturer in natural history from 1788 until 1809, when his course was abolished by Harvard.

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(seq. 36)
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(seq. 36)

in the same way & from the same principle whenever the Army need it.

To you personally I will say that I have, upon on the whole, made nothing by this vaccine business. I have labored more for others than for myself. As I Dwelling in a Republic, I never expect a reward while I live. When I die, I hope & believe that the public (some parents will recognize these things (my labors for the preservation of their children) & will then be disposed (perhaps to afford some protection to me) to keep my children from the almshouse.

Make my {Compliments} to Captain – and accept the friendly salutations of Dear Sir Your {humble} {servant}

{Benjamin} Waterhouse April 2d. 1803

I hope & believe that some parents will then recognize my labors for the preservation of their children, & will then be disposed to afford some protection to mine.

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(seq. 37)
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(seq. 38)
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{Dean} Berkeley came about 1726 or 27. The measles in 1727. In the convention piece there is a Mr. Wainwright one of the company, but who remained in {England} & {so} c.d not set for his picture.

At the (annual) convention a yearly meeting of the episcopal clergy at Newport, in the failure of the appointed clergyman the Dean was desired at an days notice to deliver one.

{Dean} Berkley prepared himself by going into a dark room & then came forth with an excellent sermon in which he recapitulated all the sects among us: it was long, but it delighted his hearers. This was 80 years ago. Mr {Hutchinson} is now 88 –

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(seq. 39)
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By Shrimpton Hutchinson

Dean Berkley Sir John James, Smibert, Johnny Moffat, pupil, Mrs Berkely & Mrs Hancock came as companion of Mrs B in care with {Sir} J. James. They came to build colleges to educate youth of New {England}, & for that purpose the pitched on Bermuda!!! He came first said J. Moffat into Narraganset bay, & when they landed they covered the boat & put the ship in a state of defence, lest the boat should be attacked by the Indians. Others say they arrived at Sasiawest beach. {Sir} J. James was a modest unassuming character & averse to be called Sir John. Mr. {Hutchinson} heard Dean Berkley preach in Boston at the Kings Chapel wc. stood where the stone chapel now is. The King always supported the a chaplain down to Mr Trobeck. The chapel was built in the time of Sir Edmund Andrews. None of the congregational ministers went to hear Dean {Berkely} but Dr. Chauncey – {Berkely} never meddle with controversy and he was generally admired. Mr. {Hutchinson} says {Dean} Berkley always preached extemporary.

Smibert was a Scotchman, the first picture he executed was Mr. Hutchinson's mother; it is now in the possession of

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(seq. 40)
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Miss Sarah Hutchinson. He at the same time (painted) Mr. {Hutchinson's} grandmother. He painted the mother of Mr. Frank Brindley with him in her arms a few months old (he is now 79). It is now at {Colonel} Frank B's in Newport. Smibert painted all these and many more for his great hall at Roxbury, which still remains.

Dr. Moffat came over 20 years after his brother Johnny. He sent for G. Stewart to erect & superintend his snuff mills. (Gilby walked at 10 months old!) {Dean} Berkeley alone chose to reside at Rhode Island, where he purchased a farm of Mr. Anthony & built White-hall.

Smibert married the daughter of Williams was the second grammar school master, (Cheever was the first & Lovel the second) he was a preacher and physician. Pelham Williams owns the house of Mr. Sheaf by which he came to own it & there built the painting room. William's town school stood where the chapel now stands. The chapel built a new school in School St. in exchange for the land the old stood on.

Last edit almost 3 years ago by blackletterkate
Displaying pages 36 - 40 of 62 in total