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Celebrate Dr. Physick, the Father of American Surgery, at the Physick House in Society Hill, July 7. (Photo courtesy Physick House)

To celebrate Dr. Physick’s life, achievements and contributions to Philadelphia history, the Physick house will host the Sixth Annual Philly Phyzz Phest on Saturday, July 7 from 1-5 p.m.

The festival will be held in the garden of the Physick house, which is the only freestanding federal-style mansion remaining in Society Hill, built in 1786 by Henry Hill.

The event includes birthday cake and homemade ice cream, singing of “Happy Birthday” to Dr. Physick, Phyzzical Science experiments to discover what makes soda pop, 18th Century games, a commemorative bell ringing, signing of the Declaration of Independence and a reenactment of Colonel John Nixon’s reading of the Declaration of Independence.

One of the foremost surgeons of his time, Dr. Physick was among the few courageous doctors who remained in the city to care for the sick during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. Among his many patients were John Adams’ daughter, Dolly Madison, Dr. Benjamin Rush and Chief Justice John Marshall.

Physick’s medical accomplishments include pioneering the use of the stomach pump, use of autopsy as a regular means of observation and discovery and the design of a number of surgical instruments and operative techniques. Dr. Physick was dubbed the “Father of American Surgery.”

Toast to his legacy at this annual fest.

Sixth Annual Philly Phyzz Phest
Where: Physick House, 21 S. 4th Street
When: Saturday, July 7, 1-5 p.m.
Cost: $5 General admission, $4 Students and Seniors, $12 per Family
More info: www.philalandmarks.org