Fever, 1793 Science Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"A few weeks ago, Dr. Benjamin Rush wrote to Reverend Allen asking for help."

"Reverend Allen from the Free African Society?"

"The same. The doctors thought us Africans couldn't get yellow fever. Rev. Allen said this was a chance for black people to show we are every bit as good and important and useful as white people. The Society organized folks to visit the sick, to care for them and bury them if they died." (22.53-22.55)

Why does Dr. Rush believe that black people can't get the fever? What are the consequences of his assumption?

Quote #8

"The price of jalap and tea has climbed to the clouds since the fever struck. If he really cared, he would charge a decent price instead of robbing the sick. Pharmacists and coffin makers are the only people who profit from this plague."

"Don't forget the thieves," I added. (24.14-24.15)

Don't forget that doctors and pharmacists are also in the business not just of science but of making money. Profit plays a very large role here.

Quote #9

"I don't like the thought of cutting them either, but it may be our only hope. Dr. Rush recommends it; he was bled himself when he was ill."

"But the French doctors say bleeding kills people. Think of all the patients you've seen who died after the doctors bled them. They didn't bleed me and I'm alive. Don't do it, Eliza." (25.34-25.35)

Why does Matilda have such a hard time convincing Eliza to trust the French doctors?