Was George Washington's death caused by the very medicine meant to save him?
In short: In December 1799, George Washington faced a common sore throat that rapidly turned fatal. Instead of resting, he underwent a series of aggressive medical interventions typical of the era. These treatments, including repeated bloodletting and mercury-based purges, aimed to weaken the disease but may have actually hastened his end.
After the Revolutionary War, George Washington hoped for a quiet life as a Virginia gentleman farmer, but his service to the new nation continued until his death. On 13 December 1799, at age sixty-seven, the former president fell ill with what appeared to be a routine cold and sore throat. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly; by the following morning, he could barely speak or swallow a mixture of molasses, vinegar, and butter.
Medical theory at the time suggested that bleeding could reduce pain and prevent relapses by lessening blood vessel excitement. Washington himself requested to be bled by his plantation overseer before a doctor arrived. Even as professional physicians arrived, the practice continued. Dr. After examining Washington, Gustavus Brown identified quinsy—an intense case of tonsillitis—and suggested additional bloodletting.
Although Dr. Elisha Dick warned that further bleeding would diminish Washington's strength and advised against it, his opinion was ignored. Washington was ultimately bled a total of four times. Beyond bloodletting, doctors often used emetics to induce vomiting and purges containing calomel, a mercury-based substance. The logic was to debilitate the body so thoroughly that the disease had no energy left to work. By late afternoon, as his condition became terminal, Washington turned his attention to his will and financial matters at Mount Vernon. His final recorded wish was simply to be permitted to die without further medical interruption.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How Did George Washington Die
- Also: The Death of George Washington | Encyclopedia.com
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