Observations intended to favour a supposition that the black color (as it is called) of the Negroes is derived from the leprosy
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@ Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division. The New York Public Library
Description
This essay was originally read, July 14, 1792 by Dr. Rush at a meeting of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage. In it, Rush attributes the skin color of Africans to the effects of leprosy. He argues that a cure should be sought for the Africans who suffered from this disease. Curing the disease, Rush states, would eliminate any argument in favor of enslaving Africans based upon their skin color. Further, Rush argues it would make them happier and strengthen the claim that all people are descended from one original couple.
Essays
1760 1813
From Collection
Sidney Lapidus Slavery and Abolition CollectionRecord Contributed By
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division. The New York Public LibraryRecord Harvested From
The New York Public LibraryKeywords
- African Americans
- Black Race
- Blacks
- Color
- Diseases
- Enslaved People
- Leprosy
- Slave Trade
- Slaver
- Slavery