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Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922)
It is common for groups to have a symbolic figure, like Adam Smith for
those of a certain socio-economic orientation and Jefferson for those of
another. Alexander Graham Bell would seem to be the ideal patron of WAIS.
He was an internationalist in many ways. Born in 1847 in Edinburgh,
Scotland, he studied at the universities of Edinburgh and London and
migrated to Canada in 1870, going the next year to the United States. The
story of his invention of the telephone is well-known. It marked the
beginning of the electronic revolution which has made WAIS possible. His
research in the field of aviation was another contribution to the
development of one world. WAIS is neutral politically, and Bell is not
associated with any party. His concern was the welfare of humanity, with
stress on helping deaf-mutes. Thanks to his coaching and kindness, Helen
Keller won world-wide admiration. He founded a school for deaf-mutes now
affiliated with Boston University. His concern for the aged was evident in
his book "Duration of Life and Condition Associated with Longevity" (1918).
He went to Baddeck in Nova Scotia (New Scotland), where he died in 1922.
The Canadian government maintains a museum there. The ultimate aim of WAIS
is peace on earth, goodwill toward men Let us now praise famous men, like
Alexander Graham Bell. "If I have not love, I am but a tinkling cymbal."
When the telephone tinkles, remember that he met that criterion abundantly.
Any comments?
Ronald Hilton, 12-01-97
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Alexander Graham Bell, continued
My memo on Alexander Graham Bell has produced quite a response, all
favorable. Ross Wilcock writes that he lives quite close to the Bell
Museum, and that the Queen came to his Brantford to honor him this summer.
I hope that Ross Wilcock will tell us more about the museum. He reminds me
that I forgot another reason why Bell should be WAIS' secular patron saint.
He was one of the founders of the National Geographic Society, proof of his
interest in the whole globe.
Ron Bracewell is always full of fun and information. He suggests that we
incorporate Bell into our letterhead. I will see what we can do. He
reminds me that Bell went to Brazil and demonstrated the telephone to
Emperor Pedro II--one more proof that he was an internationalist. More
about Ron Bracewell later.
Ronald Hilton, 12-02-97
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