Bessie Blount: Inventor and Scientist

Born November 24, 1914 in Hickory, Virginia, Bessie Blount fulfilled her desire to benefit humankind with her invention of medical devices to assist the physically disabled and skill as a forensic scientist.  She studied at Panzar College of Physical Education and at Union Junior College in New Jersey before completing her physical therapy training in Chicago.

While working with World War II amputees, Blount devised ways to assist them in regaining their independence.  She taught amputees do things without feet and hands.  In 1951, Blount invented anelectric feeding device that allowed amputees to feed themselves.  The device, which delivered food through a tube, could be used for ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. By biting down on the tube, the patient signaled a machine to send the next morsel.

Blount donated the device to France with the statement "that a Black woman can invent something for the benefit of humankind."  She was unable to market it in the United States and the Veterans Administration (VA) showed no interest in using it.  In 1952, the French government began utilizing the device that helped make life better for hundreds of disabled veterans.

Blount patented the "portable receptacle support," which also allowed people to feed themselves.  It used a brace around the neck to support a bowl, cup or dish. In 1953, she appeared on the Philadelphia television show "The Big Idea."  She was the first black and the first woman to receive such recognition.

Blount invented a disposable cardboard emesis basin, which she fashioned out of old newspaper, cake flour and water and baked in an oven.  Her invention was never patented in the USA; the Veteran's Administration was unwilling to use it.  Slightly modified, these basins are currently in use all over the country of Belgium.  US hospitals continue to use the old standard kidney shaped basins of 1913.

In 1969, Blount began a career in forensics.  She served with law enforcement departments in New Jersey and Virginia.  By 1972, she had become a chief document examiner.  In 1977, she became the first black woman to train and work at Scotland Yard, after J. Edgar Hoover of the FBI turned down her application.

Blount used her forensic skills to examine and research the authenticity of African slave "papers" and pre-civil war documents. In addition, she worked with material from Native-American treaties made with the US government.
(Sources: www.aaregistry.com and www.inventors.about.com)
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