Benjamin Bell (1749–1806), a pioneering Scottish surgeon and father of the Edinburgh school of surgery, authored A Treatise on the Hydrocele, on Sarcocele, or Cancer, and Other Diseases of the Testes (1791). Known for his rational, scientific approach to surgery, Bell also wrote the influential A System of Surgery (1783–1788). He was closely connected with leading medical minds of his time, including Alexander Monro secundus, John Hunter, and Percivall Pott.
Born in Dumfries, Scotland, Bell was the eldest of 15 children. Thanks to his father’s modest wealth, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh under renowned teachers like Monro, Joseph Black, and John Hope. He later expanded his training in London and Paris, where he was inspired by Joseph Priestley’s scientific lecture at the Royal Society.
Bell’s surgical innovations included his “save skin” principle, which improved healing in procedures like mastectomies and amputations. He also championed the use of opium for post-operative pain relief—an early advocate for patient comfort.
His legacy extended beyond his writings. His great-grandson, Joseph Bell, became a legendary diagnostician whose keen observational skills inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation of Sherlock Holmes.
Bell’s 1791 A Treatise… was written in response to requests for more detail on testicular diseases, a topic he had briefly covered in his earlier work. The book explores the anatomy, pathology, and surgical treatment of testicular conditions, including hydrocele and cancer. Though it lacks procedural illustrations—a common critique—it reflects Bell’s deep engagement with contemporary medical research across Britain, Europe, and America. Written in a clear, accessible style, it includes numerous references to other studies and cases.
Appropriately enough, we have two copies of A Treatise…, both providing a peek into book production at this time. The first has its original paper covers with many of the textblock sections unopened. Although originally covered in brown leather over paper boards, the other copy is in much worse shape. The leather has been removed from a substantial portion of the covers, the spine is almost entirely missing, and the front board has detached. Our Conservation and Collections Care team has stabilized both books with boxes, though, so we should be able to keep using them for centuries to come.
BELL, BENJAMIN (1749–1806). A treatise on the hydrocele, on sarcocele, or cancer, and other diseases of the testes. Printed in Edinburgh by Bell & Bradfute etc., 1794. Two copies: 23 and 22 cm tall.
Contact the John Martin Rare Book Room Curator Damien Ihrig at damien-ihrig@uiowa.edu or 319-335-9154 to see these books in person or virtually.
