[5] On the completion of his education, he joined his father in business as a chemist in Oxford Street, and at the same time attended chemistry lectures at the Royal Institution, and those on medicine at King's College London.

[7] Bell carried his scheme through in the face of many difficulties, and further advanced the cause of pharmacy by establishing the Pharmaceutical Journal, and superintending its publication for eighteen years.

[6][7] In December 1850, Bell successfully contested a by-election in the borough of St Albans[1] in order that he might be able to advocate his proposals for reform more effectually in parliament.

[7] St Albans was disenfranchised for corruption in May 1852, and at the general election in July 1852 Bell stood unsuccessfully in Great Marlow.

[10] Bell bought William Powell Frith's painting The Derby Day from the artist in 1858 for £1,500, and left it to the National Gallery on his death in the following year, 12 June 1859.