Heritage scientist timeline – Muriel Emma Bell
Muriel Bell became a public figure, during and after the Second World War, by trying to improve the health of New Zealanders through good nutrition.
Dr Muriel Bell at University of Otago
Medical researcher and nutritionist, Dr Muriel Bell, improved the lives of many New Zealanders. Muriel had a lifelong relationship with the University of Otago Medical School and was one of the first women academics appointed as a lecturer there.
Her campaigning was based largely on her own scientific research. Her investigations included such things as the relationship of iodine to goitre, the vitamin contents of food such as fish oil and rosehips and the levels of serotonin in bananas. Muriel wrote 70 publications and 100 articles on nutrition for The Listener magazine.
In the 1940s, Muriel pushed for free milk in schools and for an increase in vitamin B1 in bread. Some of her nutrition messages are not out of place today – she encouraged people to eat more fruit and vegetables and less sugar, fat and meat. One of Muriel’s publications was about the effect of light on milk in bottles, yet lightproof plastic bottles were not introduced into our shops until 2013. The 1960 edition of her book Normal Nutrition: Notes for Nurses is still referred to by some practising nurses, such is the value of the contents.
A university student does not acquire a deep knowledge of a subject at university, but a worthy student goes on being a student after he has left university.
Muriel Emma Bell
Many of the innovations introduced and campaigned for by Muriel were subsequently implemented. Muriel was instrumental in having iodine added to salt (to prevent the swelling of the thyroid gland called goitre) and fluoride to water (to reduce tooth decay). These are two subjects the accompanying timeline focuses on. Muriel’s work is shown as being part of over a hundred years of research and testing that continue to be relevant in our own lives. After all this time, there is still some opposition to both iodine and fluoride additions, on ethical as much as scientific grounds. Even if scientific studies over a long period show benefits of the additions, some people object to not having any choice over their consumption.
Goitre
Goitre, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, is usually caused by lack of iodine in the diet.
We can build a picture of Muriel as someone who improved the lives of many New Zealanders during her lifetime and continues to affect us in our own time. It was not easy for Muriel all the time – she was often the first or only woman to take up the roles she did. Her determination to get fluoride added to drinking water supplies earned her the nickname ‘Battle-axe Bell’.
The timeline below lets you see aspects of Muriel's life and work, and how her findings changed scientific thinking. A full timeline transcript is here.
Muriel Bell – nutritionist
- Changing scientific ideas
- Advances in research and actions
- Biography
- 1851
Link found between low iodine and goitre.
Iodine is shown to prevent goitre in children.
- 1851
Further research on iodine and goitre
Public domain
French chemist Gaspard Adolphe Chatin is first to state clearly that goitre (a swelling of the thyroid gland) is caused by iodine deficiency. Tests on children show that taking iodine can prevent goitre, but these findings are ignored.
- 1898
Born in Murchison
Muriel’s two siblings both die before she is 8. In 1907, her mother is killed in a Wellington tram accident, which also badly injures her father.
- 1911
At school in Nelson
Starts at Nelson College for Girls, where she is later head girl.
- 1916
Starts university
Encouraged into further education by her stepmother. Starts a BA course at Victoria University College but transfers to University of Otago Medical School after a year.
- 1917
Iodine helps children
American pathologist David Marine starts large-scale test on the effect of iodine on goitre in school children. By 1920, he has shown that taking iodine can prevent goitre.
- 1920
New research prompts iodine action
Public domain. Photo by Martin Finborud (1861–1928).
In the 1920s investigations again show that taking iodine prevents goitre. This time, something is done to improve public health. Iodine is added to salt in New Zealand and other countries so it becomes part of everyone’s food.
- 1922
First iodised salt
Switzerland becomes the first country to add iodine to salt as a way of reducing goitre in its population.
- 1922
Graduation
Obtains Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
- 1923
Lecturer in physiology
Otago University and Medical School, Dunedin. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-09299-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22903249
Becomes one of the first female academics at the University of Otago Medical School. Muriel is a lecturer until 1927.
- 1924
Iodised salt in New Zealand
Roger & Alice Montgomery, Tryon County Bookshop
Iodised salt is introduced in New Zealand, as well as America.
- 1926
Muriel Bell goitre research
Muriel’s doctoral research is on goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. This work contributed to the introduction of adding iodine to salt.
- 1926
First woman MD
Becomes first woman to be awarded Doctor of Medicine at University of Otago.
- 1928
Muriel marries
Marries James Saunders. Keeps her maiden name, as this is the one she has used in early publications.
- 1930
Research in London
Muriel, with her husband, goes to London and carries out research on vitamins. She stays for a time as a pathologist at a hospital run by women.
- 1935
Return to New Zealand
Becomes lecturer in physiology and experimental pharmacology at University of Otago Medical School.
- 1937
Medical Research Council
Becomes a member of the new Medical Research Council, a post she keeps for 20 years.
1937Board of Health
Becomes the only woman member of the Board of Health. On the nutrition committee, she looks into the diets of poor people and Māori and represents children and women. Stays on the Board until 1965.
- 1938
Increased iodine
Level of iodine in New Zealand salt increased (remains at this level in 2013).
- 1939
Good Nutrition
Dr Muriel Bell, of Dunedin, who has been appointed nutritionist to the Department of Health. (Evening Post, 03 October 1940). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/17692559
Becoming the first nutrition officer of the Department of Health makes Muriel a public figure. Works with scientists to increase vitamin B1 in bread. Her husband James dies this year.
- 1940
Fluoride and tooth decay
Public domain, courtesy of USCDC
Research over the last 40 years by dentist Frederick McKay and others in America establishes link between fluoride and tooth decay.
- 1941
War work
Over the next few years, Muriel writes over 100 articles on nutrition for The Listener , encouraging the public to eat more fruit and vegetables and less fat and sugar. Involved in wartime rationing and promoting increased vitamin C intake.
1941Recognition
Becomes Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry.
- 1942
Second marriage
Marries Alfred Hefford.
- 1945
First fluoridation
First American experimental fluoridation of public water supply in Grand Rapids, Michigan. By 1950, people have fewer teeth cavities.
1945Free school milk
Two primary school girls drinking their school milk, Linwood, Christchurch. Pascoe, John Dobree, 1908–1972: Photographic albums, prints and negatives. Ref: 1/4-000032-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23196181
Becomes the only woman member of the Central Milk Council. Pushes for provision of free school milk and the pasteurisation of milk.
- 1948
Notes for Nurses
University of Waikato
Publishes Normal Nutrition: Notes for Nurses . The book becomes popular and is updated several times over the next 20 years.
- 1950
More long-term research brings fluoride action
After 50 years of research and testing show positive effects, fluoride is added to many public water supplies in New Zealand and other countries during the 1950s.
- 1950
Cholesterol and the heart
Starts research on the link between cholesterol and heart disease.
- 1952
Muriel Bell and fluoride
S14-589c Photograph of Dr Muriel Bell, Margaret Madill papers, r.6653. Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago.
Muriel visits America and studies experiments on adding fluoride to public water to increase dental health. On return, she fights for fluoridation in New Zealand.
- 1952
Royal Society
Becomes a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
- 1953
Iodised salt works
A survey shows that goitre in New Zealand children has been greatly reduced since introduction of iodised salt.
- 1954
Fluoride for New Zealand
Fluoride first added to public water in Hastings. At this time, New Zealand has the highest per-capita sugar consumption, and the worst teeth, in the world.
- 1955
Fluoride in toothpaste
Kenyon, Brand and Riggs, Cottontail Toothpaste/Facecloths. K E Niven and Co: Commercial negatives. Ref: 1/2-222449-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23052767
Launch of first clinically proven fluoride-containing toothpaste in US. Fluoride had first been added to toothpaste in 1914, but its benefits were only proven after years of research.
- 1956
Rations for the Antarctic
A shipment of eggs before loading for HMNZS Endeavour , with Sir Edmund Hillary, Mr JH Miller and Mr R Cawdrey. Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP/1956/2852-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23127826
Muriel prepares food rations for the men and dogs of Edmund Hillary’s 1956–57 trans-Antarctic expedition.
- 1957
Husband dies
Muriel’s husband Alfred Hefford dies.
- 1959
Receives CBE
Queen’s New Year’s Honours List announces Muriel as Commander of the British Empire.
- 1968
More fluoride for New Zealand
65% of the New Zealand population that has a public water supply receive fluoridated water. Evidence shows that fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and interferes with damaging bacterial growth.
- 1968
Honorary doctorate
University of Otago presents Muriel with honorary doctorate.
- 1974
Muriel dies in Dunedin
Although officially retired, Muriel carries out nutrition work until the day she died in May 1974.
- 1997
Iodine deficiency again?
A survey generates new interest in iodine deficiency as a health issue.
- 2000
Benefits of iodine and fluoride confirmed
After many years of use, iodine and fluoride are confirmed as having strong health benefits.
- 2002
Less salt in diet, so less iodine
Thyroid problems have increased in some New Zealand children. This may be linked to a reduced use of salt in the diet.
- 2006
Support for fluoridation
The New Zealand Ministry of Health continues to support fluoridation, after reports over many years provide evidence of effectiveness and safety.
- 2009
Iodised salt in bread
Gorgev, licensed from 123RF Ltd
Iodised salt is added to bread in New Zealand.
Find out more in the article: Iodine in our bread .
- 2010
Growing opposition
2010 onwards some people still question the need for iodine and fluoride addition. They would prefer to have a choice rather than be forced into having the additives in their food and water.
- 2011
Less tooth decay
Just over half of New Zealand people get fluoridated water. Tooth decay is less in fluoridated areas.
- 2013
Continued criticism of fluoride use
Some people continue to question effectiveness and safety of fluoride use. Much of the criticism is not aimed at the science but at the ethics of enforced medication and lack of personal choice.
- 2016
Proposed legislative changes
The government proposes the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking water) Amendment Bill, allowing district health boards (DHBs) to direct local authorities to fluoridate community water supplies. The bill has a second reading in June 2017.
- 2018
Evidence for folic acid fortification
123RF.com
A Royal Society Te Apārangi expert panel unanimously concludes that the benefits of mandatory fortification of packaged bread with folic acid outweigh possible, but unproven adverse effects. Fortification will ensure more pregnant women will have access to folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Artisan breads are an option for people who prefer to opt out.
- 2021
Folic acid addition to bread
Government announces that folic acid will be added to bread-making flour to reduce birth defects.
Muriel Bell – nutritionist
This timeline lets you see aspects of Muriel's life and work, and how these fit into a wider science picture of nutrition. A full transcript is underneath.
Useful link
See Diana Brown’s 2018 book, .
Muriel Bell – nutritionist
- Changing scientific ideas
- Advances in research and actions
- Biography
- 1851
Link found between low iodine and goitre.
Iodine is shown to prevent goitre in children.
- 1851
Further research on iodine and goitre
Public domain
French chemist Gaspard Adolphe Chatin is first to state clearly that goitre (a swelling of the thyroid gland) is caused by iodine deficiency. Tests on children show that taking iodine can prevent goitre, but these findings are ignored.
- 1898
Born in Murchison
Muriel’s two siblings both die before she is 8. In 1907, her mother is killed in a Wellington tram accident, which also badly injures her father.
- 1911
At school in Nelson
Starts at Nelson College for Girls, where she is later head girl.
- 1916
Starts university
Encouraged into further education by her stepmother. Starts a BA course at Victoria University College but transfers to University of Otago Medical School after a year.
- 1917
Iodine helps children
American pathologist David Marine starts large-scale test on the effect of iodine on goitre in school children. By 1920, he has shown that taking iodine can prevent goitre.
- 1920
New research prompts iodine action
Public domain. Photo by Martin Finborud (1861–1928).
In the 1920s investigations again show that taking iodine prevents goitre. This time, something is done to improve public health. Iodine is added to salt in New Zealand and other countries so it becomes part of everyone’s food.
- 1922
First iodised salt
Switzerland becomes the first country to add iodine to salt as a way of reducing goitre in its population.
- 1922
Graduation
Obtains Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
- 1923
Lecturer in physiology
Otago University and Medical School, Dunedin. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-09299-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22903249
Becomes one of the first female academics at the University of Otago Medical School. Muriel is a lecturer until 1927.
- 1924
Iodised salt in New Zealand
Roger & Alice Montgomery, Tryon County Bookshop
Iodised salt is introduced in New Zealand, as well as America.
- 1926
Muriel Bell goitre research
Muriel’s doctoral research is on goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. This work contributed to the introduction of adding iodine to salt.
- 1926
First woman MD
Becomes first woman to be awarded Doctor of Medicine at University of Otago.
- 1928
Muriel marries
Marries James Saunders. Keeps her maiden name, as this is the one she has used in early publications.
- 1930
Research in London
Muriel, with her husband, goes to London and carries out research on vitamins. She stays for a time as a pathologist at a hospital run by women.
- 1935
Return to New Zealand
Becomes lecturer in physiology and experimental pharmacology at University of Otago Medical School.
- 1937
Medical Research Council
Becomes a member of the new Medical Research Council, a post she keeps for 20 years.
1937Board of Health
Becomes the only woman member of the Board of Health. On the nutrition committee, she looks into the diets of poor people and Māori and represents children and women. Stays on the Board until 1965.
- 1938
Increased iodine
Level of iodine in New Zealand salt increased (remains at this level in 2013).
- 1939
Good Nutrition
Dr Muriel Bell, of Dunedin, who has been appointed nutritionist to the Department of Health. (Evening Post, 03 October 1940). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/17692559
Becoming the first nutrition officer of the Department of Health makes Muriel a public figure. Works with scientists to increase vitamin B1 in bread. Her husband James dies this year.
- 1940
Fluoride and tooth decay
Public domain, courtesy of USCDC
Research over the last 40 years by dentist Frederick McKay and others in America establishes link between fluoride and tooth decay.
- 1941
War work
Over the next few years, Muriel writes over 100 articles on nutrition for The Listener , encouraging the public to eat more fruit and vegetables and less fat and sugar. Involved in wartime rationing and promoting increased vitamin C intake.
1941Recognition
Becomes Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry.
- 1942
Second marriage
Marries Alfred Hefford.
- 1945
First fluoridation
First American experimental fluoridation of public water supply in Grand Rapids, Michigan. By 1950, people have fewer teeth cavities.
1945Free school milk
Two primary school girls drinking their school milk, Linwood, Christchurch. Pascoe, John Dobree, 1908–1972: Photographic albums, prints and negatives. Ref: 1/4-000032-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23196181
Becomes the only woman member of the Central Milk Council. Pushes for provision of free school milk and the pasteurisation of milk.
- 1948
Notes for Nurses
University of Waikato
Publishes Normal Nutrition: Notes for Nurses . The book becomes popular and is updated several times over the next 20 years.
- 1950
More long-term research brings fluoride action
After 50 years of research and testing show positive effects, fluoride is added to many public water supplies in New Zealand and other countries during the 1950s.
- 1950
Cholesterol and the heart
Starts research on the link between cholesterol and heart disease.
- 1952
Muriel Bell and fluoride
S14-589c Photograph of Dr Muriel Bell, Margaret Madill papers, r.6653. Hocken Collections, Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago.
Muriel visits America and studies experiments on adding fluoride to public water to increase dental health. On return, she fights for fluoridation in New Zealand.
- 1952
Royal Society
Becomes a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
- 1953
Iodised salt works
A survey shows that goitre in New Zealand children has been greatly reduced since introduction of iodised salt.
- 1954
Fluoride for New Zealand
Fluoride first added to public water in Hastings. At this time, New Zealand has the highest per-capita sugar consumption, and the worst teeth, in the world.
- 1955
Fluoride in toothpaste
Kenyon, Brand and Riggs, Cottontail Toothpaste/Facecloths. K E Niven and Co: Commercial negatives. Ref: 1/2-222449-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23052767
Launch of first clinically proven fluoride-containing toothpaste in US. Fluoride had first been added to toothpaste in 1914, but its benefits were only proven after years of research.
- 1956
Rations for the Antarctic
A shipment of eggs before loading for HMNZS Endeavour , with Sir Edmund Hillary, Mr JH Miller and Mr R Cawdrey. Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: EP/1956/2852-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23127826
Muriel prepares food rations for the men and dogs of Edmund Hillary’s 1956–57 trans-Antarctic expedition.
- 1957
Husband dies
Muriel’s husband Alfred Hefford dies.
- 1959
Receives CBE
Queen’s New Year’s Honours List announces Muriel as Commander of the British Empire.
- 1968
More fluoride for New Zealand
65% of the New Zealand population that has a public water supply receive fluoridated water. Evidence shows that fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and interferes with damaging bacterial growth.
- 1968
Honorary doctorate
University of Otago presents Muriel with honorary doctorate.
- 1974
Muriel dies in Dunedin
Although officially retired, Muriel carries out nutrition work until the day she died in May 1974.
- 1997
Iodine deficiency again?
A survey generates new interest in iodine deficiency as a health issue.
- 2000
Benefits of iodine and fluoride confirmed
After many years of use, iodine and fluoride are confirmed as having strong health benefits.
- 2002
Less salt in diet, so less iodine
Thyroid problems have increased in some New Zealand children. This may be linked to a reduced use of salt in the diet.
- 2006
Support for fluoridation
The New Zealand Ministry of Health continues to support fluoridation, after reports over many years provide evidence of effectiveness and safety.
- 2009
Iodised salt in bread
Gorgev, licensed from 123RF Ltd
Iodised salt is added to bread in New Zealand.
Find out more in the article: Iodine in our bread .
- 2010
Growing opposition
2010 onwards some people still question the need for iodine and fluoride addition. They would prefer to have a choice rather than be forced into having the additives in their food and water.
- 2011
Less tooth decay
Just over half of New Zealand people get fluoridated water. Tooth decay is less in fluoridated areas.
- 2013
Continued criticism of fluoride use
Some people continue to question effectiveness and safety of fluoride use. Much of the criticism is not aimed at the science but at the ethics of enforced medication and lack of personal choice.
- 2016
Proposed legislative changes
The government proposes the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking water) Amendment Bill, allowing district health boards (DHBs) to direct local authorities to fluoridate community water supplies. The bill has a second reading in June 2017.
- 2018
Evidence for folic acid fortification
123RF.com
A Royal Society Te Apārangi expert panel unanimously concludes that the benefits of mandatory fortification of packaged bread with folic acid outweigh possible, but unproven adverse effects. Fortification will ensure more pregnant women will have access to folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Artisan breads are an option for people who prefer to opt out.
- 2021
Folic acid addition to bread
Government announces that folic acid will be added to bread-making flour to reduce birth defects.
Muriel Bell – nutritionist
This timeline lets you see aspects of Muriel's life and work, and how these fit into a wider science picture of nutrition. A full transcript is underneath.
