Bedford Pierce, M.D., F.R.C.P.

Abstract

An account of the life and work of Dr. Bedford Pierce may suitably begin with some remarks which appear in his book, Addresses to Mental Nurses. In the course of a preface to his Lecture on “Character and Outlook” he says:“Perhaps a few autobiographical details may fittingly be given here for the encouragement of any who may think they are handicapped by lack of money or influence.“In his early days the writer was brought up in a home not far removed from poverty. He was an only child; his father died when he was an infant, leaving him to the care of his mother, a courageous woman possessing deep religious convictions. When ten years of age he went to a boarding school at Croydon belonging to the Society of Friends, and so had the advantage of a plain Quaker education.“But financial reasons compelled him to leave school when 14, and he was then apprenticed to a chemist in a distant northern city. Aware of his limitations, for several years he attended evening classes in languages and natural science. Eight years later he gave up business, and, after three months' private study, succeeded in passing the London Matriculation, which he regards as his greatest academic achievement ! Entering St. Bartholomew's Hospital as a medical student, he was fortunate in examinations, and to a large extent maintained himself by the aid of scholarships.”