Cornelius Van Dyck’s Encounters
- During periods of tension between native Christians and Druze in mid-19th century Lebanon, Dr. Cornelius Van Dyck often traveled between villages to tend to the sick and injured of both communities. On one occasion, a group of armed Druze mistook him for a local Christian and threatened his life. Although he pleaded that he was an American doctor serving people of all faiths, they refused to believe him, impressed that he spoke fluent Arabic. He was saved only by the timely arrival of another Druze who recognized him.
- Dr. Van Dyck, a skilled astronomer, was often consulted by his students when planning field trips. Once, after preparing for an excursion, a sudden storm disrupted the plans. Students rushed to him for guidance, and he sharply reminded them, “I told you to get the carriages for the trip!” Within a few hours, the weather cleared, and the trip proceeded as planned.
- Due to his father’s financial losses, Van Dyck believed in avoiding debt at all costs. No member of his family was ever allowed to buy on credit, regardless of the cost. “If you cannot pay on the spot for what you want, you must do without it,” he insisted.