David Bruce Dill: A Man of Many Seasons and Environments—Committed to Life, Heat, and Altitude

Abstract

Section editor’s note: This paper on the professional life of Dr David Bruce Dill is a departure from the typical ‘‘Lessons From History’’ commentary on a classic original scientific article relevant to wilderness medicine. It is hoped that readers will find this short vignette of Dr Dill, a personality who contributed so much to the field of environmental physiology, enjoyable and informative reading. David ‘‘Bruce’’ Dill (1891‐1986) was widely and affectionately known throughout his life as a scientist, colleague, and friend. As a pioneer in the fields of exercise and environmental physiology, physiochemical properties of blood, and aging, he made significant and lasting contributions. The 20 years Dill spent as research director of Harvard’s renowned Fatigue Laboratory was an era of highly productive research in high-altitude, tropical, and desert environments. His pursuit of research and passion for life lead him to many environments, starting in his early years at Harvard and continuing until his 95th year. Born in Kansas, Dill was raised by relatives after the death of his parents and ultimately moved to California. He was graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles with a bachelors of science degree in chemistry and received a masters of arts degree and a PhD in chemistry from Stanford University. Through his association with his doctoral advisor, Professor C. L. Alsberg, he obtained a National Research Council Fellowship (1925‐1927) at Harvard University with Lawrence J. Henderson. 1 While at Harvard, Dill was introduced to many scientists, establishing many lasting friendships. He worked with A. V. Bock during research on physiochemical properties of blood at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and their professional and personal relationship continued in the following years. In 1927, through the encouragement of A. V. Hill, both Dill and Bock wrote an update of Bainbridge’s monograph, The Physiology of Muscular Exercise . 2 This publication is considered pioneer work that made a lasting contribution to the field of exercise physiology. It was Dill’s association with L. J. Henderson that led