Files and papers of Dr A A Bell

1810-1963

44 folders

Andrew Allan Bell (1900-1975) was never, so far as can be ascertained, on the staff at Gartnavel. That his papers have become incorporated into the archive of the hospital is probably due to his interest in medical history Dr Bell graduated MH, ChB at Glasgow in 1921. He began his career in psychiatric medicine at Hawkhead Hospital (now Leverndale), progressed to become Medical Superintendent at Perth district asylum, Murthly, and then Medical Superintendent at Dundee Mental Hospital, Westgreen, from 1937-1958. Whilst at Dundee he lectured in medical diseases at the Medical School, then part of St Andrews University. He retired to Bearsden in 1958 and was then able to give full rein to his interest in history. He was the secretary of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association, Scottish Division, Historical Section. For the RMPA Scottish Division he organised a number of exhibitions and at least one coach tour of historic places in and near Glasgow. He also began work on a history of the mental hospitals in Glasgow. In this projected research, the Garnavel hospital would have been of prime importance. Parkinson's disease put an end to his research. He died on 20 March 1975.

A digitised copy is held by Wellcome Collection.

Open and available at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Archives, the Mitchell Library, Glasgow.

The original material is held at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Archives, the Mitchell Library, Glasgow.