Hill-Physick-Keith House
What is it?The Physick House, once home to the "Father of American Surgery", Philip Syng Physick. Where is it?321 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106Does it cost to tour?Yes, $8 General admission, $6 Students and Seniors, $20 per FamilyWhen is it open? Public tours are available on the hour 11:00 AM through 3:00 PM(last tour) Thursday-Saturday April-NovemberAdditional Wednesdays Memorial Day to Labor Day (11 AM - 3 PM)12:00 to 3:00 PM (last tour) on SundaysWeekends only (Saturday/Sunday) in March and December. *Last two weekends of December closed.January and February by appointment only.Please call 215-925-7866 to schedule. What's on display?The house is furnished just like a Federalist mansion would have been-- elaborate French wallpaper, marble tiles, and eagles everywhere! Notable things in the house: the counterweighted windows, designed by Thomas Jefferson, that lead into the garden, the large fan window above the door, original textiles, and many of Dr. Physick's medical tools, many of which he invented.What's the historical and scientific significance of Physick and his house?Dr. Physick was a notable physician and surgeon who was one of the foremost doctors during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793, along with his mentor Dr. Benjamin Rush. He cared for many significant historical figures, including Dolly Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall, and President Andrew Jackson. He pioneered the use of the stomach pump and regularly used autopsy to discover the cause of death. He also invented many tools, some of which are still used, including tonsil guillotines used in tonsilectomies, catgut sutures which dissolve after internal surgery, and needle forceps. He was a prolific lecturer and teacher and was highly sought after. He also added fruit syrup to tonic water, creating one of the first iterations of soda (still available at Physick House!)For more information on the house and Physick check out: https://www.philalandmarks.org/physick-househttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Syng_Physick
Caspar Wistar House
What is it?The former home of Caspar Wistar (1761-1818), an American physician and anatomist.Where is it?It is located at 4th and Locust in Old City Philadelphia.Does it cost to tour?Unfortunately, you cannot tour the home, but there is a plaque outside of it which explains the significance of Wistar and his contributions to science.What's on display?There is a sign with information and the house's colonial facade.What's the historic and scientific significance of Caspar Wistar?Wistar was a prominent Philadelphia doctor and taught at both the College of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania. He developed new methods of creating anatomical models and published works on anatomy. He promoted vaccination, in part due to the fact that he contracted Yellow Fever during the 1793 outbreak. He was very involved with different organizations throughout the Philadelphia area, including The American Philosophical Society, the American College of Physicians, and the Society for the Abolition of Slavery. Meriweather Lewis (of Lewis and Clark) consulted with Wistar before his trip out west about fossils and anatomy. Wistar would regularly have open houses at his home where students, citizen, scientists, and more would meet to talk about their interests. They were called Wistar parties and continued after his death in 1818.
Chemical Heritage Foundation
What is it?The Chemical Heritage Foundation is a museum, library, archive, and a center for scholars. They focus on chemistry and it's history.Where is it?315 Chestnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106Does it cost to tour?The museum at the Chemical Heritage Foundation is free and open to the public. Free guided tours are also available, for more info check out: https://www.chemheritage.org/guided-toursWhen is it open?Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.First Friday of the month (March through December): 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.for information on holiday closures: https://www.chemheritage.org/museum/visitWhat's on display?Items related to the study of science, specifically chemistry.What is the historic and scientific significance of the Chemical Heritage Foundation?The CHF started as a way for scholars and the general public alike to learn about how science and industry impact our lives. They collect, preserve, and exhibit historical artifacts; engage communities of scientists and engineers; and tell the stories of the people behind breakthroughs and innovations. (from https://www.chemheritage.org/who-we-are
Christ Church Burial Ground
What is it?A cemetery in Old City Philadelphia that contains the graves of several important people to Philadelphia and the country, including Benjamin Franklin.Where is it?Arch Street between 4th & 5th Philadelphia, PADoes it cost to tour?Yes, $1 Children (ages 5-16), $2 adults, and $15 for groups up to 10 people.For a Guided Tour, $7 for adults, $3 for children, and $30 for Groups up to 10 people.It is possible to see Franklin's grave from the street.When is it open?Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PMSunday: 12:00PM to 4:00PM*It's only open March through November and weather permittingWhat's on display?The graves of several famous scientists and naturalists including:Benjamin Franklin: Scientist, Philosopher, Printer, Diplomat, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and ConstitutionDr. Benjamin Rush: Physician, social reformer, Treasurer of the United States Mint, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, founder of Dickinson College, Known as "The Father of American Psychiatry"Dr. William Camac: Prominent Philadelphia Physician who founded the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first Zoo.Dr. Thomas Bond: Physician, founded the first hospital, Pennsylvania HospitalDr. Philip Syng Physick: Known as the Father of Modern SurgeryJohn Spurrier: Author of the Practical Farmer, his book promoted the idea of compostingCharles Mason: Astronomer, surveyor. Mason along with Jeremiah Dixon helped to settle the boundary dispute between Pennsylvania and Maryland, creating the Mason-Dixon Line in 1763.What's the historical and scientific significance of Christ Church Burial Grounds?The cemetery began in 1719 on the outskirts of the city. It is the final resting place for over 4,000 people, including 5 signers of the Declaration of Independence, medical pioneers, famous naturalists, Yellow Fever victims, and members of Christ Church from the colonial era to modernity. Listed above are the famous scientists and doctors interred at Christ Church.
Historic Pennsylvania Hospital
What is it?Pennsylvania Hospital is the second oldest hospital in the country. It was started by Dr. Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin (check out their graves at Christ Church Burial Ground) in 1751.Where is it?8th and Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA. To visit the hospital simply enter the courtyard on Pine and 8th streets. The historic area is part of the larger hospital complex, so there are many modern hospital buildings surrounding it.Does it cost to tour?You can tour on your own or take a guided tour for a suggested donation of $4.What's on display?It is home to the oldest surgical amphitheater in the country, which occupies the top floor of the building pictured on the left. The hospital also had an extensive library, which can still be seen today and a physic garden, where herbs for historic remedies are still grown. for a more information check out the hospital's site: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/penn-medicine-locations/pennsylvania-hospital/patient-and-visitor-information/historic-toursto schedule a more in depth tour: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/paharc/tours/index.html
