Whitfield J. Bell Jr. '35 |
Whitfield J. Bell Jr. ’35, Professor of History
I was a pre-med student at Dickinson College, where I had a double major in English
literature and biology. Literally, the last course I would have chosen was in history
of any period since I find the subject dry and too factual for my capricious mind. I
heard from the student “underground” that the new professor in history was “easy
on grades,” and I, being a hopeful pre-med student applicant, enrolled in Dr. Whitfield
Bell’s course (as the only pre-med student). The course was titled “Intellectualism
and Historical Outcomes in America” (1815-1930 or thereabouts). I confidently sauntered
into his ol’ classroom. I was immediately struck by his rather portly, unathletic
physique, warm, open smile and intelligent mien. After a few pleasant opening remarks
about the course, he took us on a journey of historical events which stimulated regions
of my mind that I had never been to, or knew even existed. Dr. Bell took us on a “magic
carpet” of that period in America, which eventually formed a major part of the
American spirit, future development in our technological and industrial power, and how
and why we think as a people, and so on. The tragic Civil War became alive through his
informative talks when on a field trip to Gettysburg. He made a voluntary request of
members of his class to read Alexis de Tocqueville’s brilliant work, Democracy
in America, edited in 1842. Though I understood little of this mega-minded scholar
dealing with America at that time and what was to be forthcoming, I was able to grapple
with the chapter dealing with the medical profession. That description would help frame
and influence my own philosophical attitudes about medicine.
These were just a couple
of examples Dr. Bell’s probing mind, his facility to
inspire and teach his students, and to make us think beyond the facts of history—in
other words, to take a rather dry subject (Vide supra) and make it a rich, living and
dynamic force, nurtured by thought and not just might. I completed a blue-book final
examination hours after the examination was officially over. I wanted Dr. Bell to realize
how he inspired me to look at the global picture, and how he taught me to see things
and people through a secular prism. (For those few interested, I received a B+.)
Our cordial
relationship during Dr. Bell’s course grew into a deep, long-lasting
friendship even up to the present, 50 years later! We had a tradition of sending each
other our published papers, many of his as an author for the American Philosophical Society
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was the executive officer.
I daresay his latest
fine work was published in John and Mary’s Journal (in
2003, with the support of the Friends of Dickinson College Library). My most recent scientific
article (the title too cumbersome and unintelligible to quote) was rejected and is currently
in limbo. I bring this latter point out since Dr. Whit Bell was not responsible for my
lack of writing skills. He was my mentor and friend—a man of deep character, gentle,
kind manner, possessing a sound investigative historical perspective. He was and is a
person I will always cherish and admire.
Howard J. Kline M.D. ’54
Clinical Professor of Medicine
University of California Medical Center
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