
George Washington's Take on Medicine and Health
George Washington took disease very seriously throughout his life. He often did everything in his power to try and save others from illness - but sometimes, wasn't successful.
Health was a large concern in the eighteenth century because many people died from illness and injuries. Since George and Martha both lost family members growing up, they took certain precautions to ensure the safety of their grandchildren and others under their care. Many of the enslaved were also wary of disease and injury, and took steps to protect themselves and their community.
George Washington took disease very seriously throughout his life. He often did everything in his power to try and save others from illness - but sometimes, wasn't successful.
Dr. James Craik was a Scottish doctor from Edinburgh that met George Washington during the Revolutionary War. He soon became the Washingtons' favorite doctor, and was in the room when George Washington died.
Smallpox was a dangerous disease in the eighteenth century. Many of Washington's soldiers received inoculations during the war - a dangerous, yet effective treatment. Washington described this in a letter to David Grier in March 1777.
Cancer was a concern for the Washington family, but it was difficult to treat and understand the disease. Click the link to learn more about doctors, treatments, and the cost of care.
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