- The Late Dr. James Bell
Dr. James Bell, one of Canada's most able and skilful medical men and surgeons, died at the Royal Victoria Hospital at half-past ten o'clock this morning after a short illness.
The deceased was in his usual good health up to a week ago, when he contracted a chill. No serious development was expected, but as a precaution Dr. Bell remained at his home 409 Dorchester street W., where his condition remained unchanged until Monday evening last, when it was found that he was suffering from pneumonia. he was removed to the Royal Victoria Hospital, and died there this morning.
Dr Bell is survived by his wife and one son, Stuart, 12 years of age.
The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
The medical men of the city are in sorrow today over the loss of one who was an honor to the profession and a warm friend to all, especially to those who had just placed their foot on the first rung of the ladder of their career.
"By his death," said Dr. G. Trehholme, who was at the bedside at the time of his death "Canada loses her greatest master of surgery. He was a man of few words, and of sterling worth. He was a king among physicians and surgeons."
Dr. Bell was the son of John Bell and was born in North Gower, Carleton, Ont., on October 10, 1852. He was educated in the local schools, and in 1877 graduated from McGill University, winning the Holmes gold medal. He became house surgeon of the Montreal General Hospital in the same year, and was promoted to the office of medical superintendent of that institution in 1881. In 1885 he was elected to the staff of the hospital as assistant surgeon, becoming surgeon in 1886. He was elected consulting surgeon to the General Hospital on his appointment in 1894, as surgeon to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Dr. Bell was appointed associate professor of clinical surgery in his Alma Mater, in 1888, assistant professor of surgery and clinical surgery, in 1890, and professor of clinical surgery in 1894, from which time he was surgeon-in-chief at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
He was for some years, up to 1888, surgeon of the 6th Batt. Fusilliers, and at the outbreak of the rebellion in the North-West, in 1885, accompanied General Middleton to the scene of operations as Surgeon-Major in charge of the Field Hospital corps, being favorably mentioned in the despatches.
He married in 1889, Edith Mary, eldest daughter of the late J. J. Arnton, of Montreal.
Deceased was a member of the St. James Club, the Mount Royal Club, and the Montreal Hunt.
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1852 - 1911 (58 years)
