Editing Physick House

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Physick House
| image =
| image_caption = Physick House in Society Hill
| type = Historic house museum
| address = 321 South Fourth Street
| neighborhood = Society Hill
| coordinates = 39.9432,-75.1475
| phone = (215) 925-7866
| website = https://www.philalandmarks.org
| established = 1786 (house); 1966 (museum)
| founder = Henry Hill
| director = Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks
| collections = Federal-era furnishings
| visitors = 5,000+ annually
| hours = Thu-Sat 12-4 PM
}}

'''The Physick House''' (also known as the '''Hill-Physick House''') is a Federal-period townhouse in [[Society Hill, Philadelphia|Society Hill]] that served as the home of '''Dr. Philip Syng Physick''' (1768-1837), the "Father of American Surgery." Built in '''1786''' by wealthy wine importer Henry Hill, the house is one of the finest examples of Federal-style architecture in Philadelphia and contains an exceptional collection of period furnishings. The house is operated by the '''Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks'''.<ref name="physick">{{cite web |url=https://www.philalandmarks.org/physick-house |title=Physick House |publisher=Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Dr. Physick lived in the house from 1815 until his death in 1837, during which time he was the most prominent surgeon in America. He performed the first successful human blood transfusion, invented numerous surgical instruments, and treated prominent patients including Chief Justice John Marshall. The house's elegant interiors showcase early American decorative arts and the lifestyle of Philadelphia's elite in the early republic.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/physick-house/ |title=Physick House |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Henry Hill ===

'''Henry Hill''' built the house in '''1786''' as one of the finest townhouses in Philadelphia:
* Wealthy wine importer
* Leading citizen and patriot
* Member of Continental Congress
* Built during Philadelphia's time as national capital

=== Dr. Philip Syng Physick ===

'''Dr. Philip Syng Physick''' (1768-1837) was America's preeminent surgeon:
* Trained in London and Edinburgh
* Known as the "Father of American Surgery"
* Performed first successful human blood transfusion in America
* Invented surgical instruments still in use
* Treated Chief Justice John Marshall (for bladder stones)
* Treated Dolley Madison and other prominent figures
* Professor at University of Pennsylvania

Physick acquired the house in '''1815''' and lived there until his death.

=== The Society Hill Location ===

The house's location in Society Hill placed it in the heart of elite Philadelphia:
* Near the waterfront and commercial district
* Surrounded by other wealthy residents
* Close to Pennsylvania Hospital (where Physick practiced)

=== Preservation ===

The '''Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks''' acquired and restored the house, opening it as a museum in '''1966'''.

== The House ==

=== Architecture ===

The Physick House exemplifies Federal-style architecture:
* Free-standing townhouse (unusual for Philadelphia)
* Graceful proportions
* Delicate Federal detailing
* Original woodwork and plasterwork

=== Features ===

* '''Entrance:''' Elegant doorway with fanlight
* '''Interior:''' Period rooms with original details
* '''Garden:''' Restored 19th-century garden
* '''Kitchen:''' Below-stairs domestic spaces

=== Collections ===

The house contains exceptional Federal-period furnishings:
* Furniture attributed to Henry Connelly
* Philadelphia-made decorative arts
* Original family pieces
* Period-appropriate appointments

=== The Garden ===

The rear garden has been restored to its 19th-century appearance:
* Formal design
* Period plantings
* Brick pathways
* Urban garden oasis

== Visiting the Physick House ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Thursday-Saturday:''' 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Sunday-Wednesday
* Tours on the hour (last tour at 3:00 PM)

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Children:''' Discounted rates

Combination tickets available with other Landmarks houses.

=== Tours ===

Guided tours explore:
* Dr. Physick's life and medical career
* Federal-era domestic life
* Architecture and furnishings
* 19th-century Philadelphia

=== Tips ===

* Tours provide essential context
* The garden is lovely in warm weather
* Good for those interested in medical history
* Combine with other Society Hill sites

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 5th Street Station
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 40, 57
* '''Walking:''' Located at 4th and Delancey Streets
* '''Parking:''' Street parking (limited)

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Powel House]] (operated by same organization)
* [[Society Hill, Philadelphia]]
* [[Independence Hall]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Old St. Joseph's Church]] (1 block)

== Programs ==

=== Tours ===

Regular guided tours of the house

=== Special Events ===

* Holiday decorations
* Candlelight tours
* Special programs

=== Educational Programs ===

* School groups by appointment
* Group tours

== See Also ==

* [[Society Hill, Philadelphia]]
* [[Powel House]]
* [[Federal Architecture in Philadelphia]]
* [[Medical History in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.philalandmarks.org/physick-house Physick House Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/physick-house/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Physick House Philadelphia - Home of the Father of American Surgery
|description=Visit the Physick House in Society Hill, home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, the Father of American Surgery. Federal-era architecture, period furnishings, and historic garden.
|keywords=Physick House, Philip Syng Physick, Society Hill historic house, Federal architecture, Father of American Surgery, Philadelphia historic house, medical history
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Society Hill]]
[[Category:Medical History]]
[[Category:Federal Architecture]]