Durham, James
1762-c.1802 · Contribution: 1783
Physician
One of the earliest known African American physicians in the U.S. -- largely self-taught, without a formal degree -- who ran a respected New Orleans practice and corresponded with Dr. Benjamin Rush
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1762, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Active since
- 1783
- Category
- Science & Medicine
- Best known for
- One of the earliest known African American physicians
Impact on the world
Durham achieved a reputation for successfully treating yellow fever, with a survival rate that reportedly far exceeded that of other physicians of his day, at a time few Black Americans could enter any profession.
Sources
- The College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Mütter Museum)
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