John Henry Bell

John Henry Bell (1832 – 9 September 1906) was a British medical doctor and researcher who is best known for contributing to the study of anthrax.

Early life and education John Henry Bell was born in Bradford, in the northern wool-manufacturing region of England, in 1832 to Scottish parents. After leaving school aged 14, he studied medicine with a local doctor on a six-year apprenticeship. He attended Leeds Medical School, where he worked as an assistant to one of the lecturers. He completed his exams after only two years of study instead of the usual three years, passing with distinction.

Career In 1857, Bell became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He was also elected to the Hey Society, and served as its president. While he was in Leeds, he became one of the first people to describe miners' nystagmus. After his time in Leeds, Bell returned to Bradford to establish his medical practice, and became one of the founders of the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital, where he worked for 40 years. He died on 9 September 1906 in Morecambe at the age of 74.