Dr. Benjamin Rush (1745-1813)

Dr. Benjamin Rush was a Philadelphia physician and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

"As the employments of agriculture cannot afford amusement at all seasons of the year, or in cities, I would propose that children should be allured to seek amusements in such of the mechanical arts as are suited to their strength and capacities. Where is the boy who does not delight in the use of a hammer, a chisel, or a saw? And who has not enjoyed a high degree of pleasure in his youth in constructing a miniature house? How amusing are the machines which are employed in the manufacturing of clothing of all kinds! And how full of various entertainment are the mixtures which take place in the chemical arts! Each of these might be contrived upon such a scale, as not only to amuse young people, but to afford a profit to their parents and masters."