Erasmus Darwin Hudson facts for kids

Erasmus Darwin Hudson (born December 15, 1805, in Torringford, Connecticut – died December 31, 1880, in Greenwich, Connecticut) was a doctor and a strong supporter of ending slavery in the United States. He started his medical career in Connecticut, then worked as a surgeon in Massachusetts, and finally moved to New York City in 1850. There, he became a well-known general and orthopedic surgeon, focusing on his medical work for the rest of his life.

A Doctor and Activist

Early Life and Education

Erasmus Darwin Hudson was educated at home by a private teacher and later attended Torringford Academy. He studied medicine and graduated from Berkshire Medical College in 1827.

Medical Career

From 1828 to 1833, Dr. Hudson practiced medicine in Bloomfield, Connecticut. He also worked at the Connecticut State Emigrant Hospital. Around 1850, he became a general and orthopedic surgeon. He first practiced in Springfield, Massachusetts, and later moved to New York City. He lived in New York City for the rest of his life, focusing on his surgical work.

Fighting Against Slavery

Dr. Hudson was also a passionate activist. In 1828, he gave talks about the temperance movement, which encouraged people to drink less alcohol. From 1837 to 1849, he worked as a speaker for the Connecticut Anti-Slavery Society. He was also a general agent for the American Anti-Slavery Society. He traveled a lot, giving speeches in Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. He worked with many important figures who fought against slavery, including Abby Kelley, Wendell Phillips, Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Isaac Hopper, Samuel May, and Lewis Hayden.

Innovations in Surgery

During the American Civil War, the U.S. government asked Dr. Hudson to help soldiers with serious bone injuries, resections (removing parts of bones), broken bones that wouldn't heal, and amputations. He invented several artificial limbs and orthopedic devices to help these soldiers. His inventions were recognized with awards at big international events. He received awards at the Exposition Universelle of Paris in 1867 and at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.

His Writings

Before he became deeply involved in the anti-slavery movement, Dr. Hudson wrote an "Essay on Temperance" in 1828. Many people who wanted to improve society supported both the temperance and anti-slavery movements.

He wrote articles for important anti-slavery newspapers like The Liberator and the Anti-Slavery Standard (published from 1837–1849). He also helped edit a newspaper called The Charter Oak in Hartford, Connecticut, from 1838 to 1841. As a surgeon, he published many medical cases in the Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion (1870–1872). He also wrote special reports (called monographs) on "Resections" (1870), "Syme's Amputation" (1871), and "Immobile Apparatus for Ununited Fractures" (1872).

Family Life

Erasmus Darwin Hudson was married and had a family. His son, Erasmus Darwin Hudson, Jr., also became a well-known doctor.