James McCune Smith

James McCune Smith (April 18, 1813 – November 17, 1865) was an American physician, apothecary, abolitionist, and author. He is the first African American to hold a medical degree and graduated at the top in his class at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. After his return to the United States, he became the first African American to run a pharmacy in that nation.

Early Life and Education

James McCune Smith was born free in New York City. He attended the African Free School, where he received a classical education and was influenced by abolitionist speakers. He applied to several American colleges but was denied admission due to racial discrimination. He then applied to the University of Glasgow in Scotland, where he was accepted and earned three degrees, including his medical degree.

Career

After his return to the United States, Smith opened a medical practice and pharmacy in Lower Manhattan, serving both white and black patients. He used his training in medicine and statistics to refute common misconceptions and racist ideas about African Americans. He was also a public intellectual and a leader in New York City's black community.

Abolitionist Work

Smith was a staunch abolitionist and used his writing and speaking to argue for the end of slavery. He was a member of the American Anti-Slavery Society and served on the Committee of Thirteen, which resisted the Fugitive Slave Law.

Death and Legacy

Smith died in 1865, but his legacy continues. He is remembered as a pioneering African American physician and a leading intellectual of his time. His work in medicine and statistics has had a lasting impact on these fields.

Pronunciation

James McCune Smith: /ˈdʒeɪmz məˈkjuːn smɪθ/

Etymology

The name James is of Hebrew origin, derived from Jacob, meaning "supplanter". McCune is a surname of Scottish origin, and Smith is an English occupational name for a worker in metal, derived from the Old English word "smið".

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on James McCune Smith
Wikipedia's article - James McCune Smith

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