Third Absence In Office's History

President Neil L. Rudenstine's announced medical leave of absence is an unprecedented event in Harvard's history, according to University records.

The only other recorded presidential absences were President Derek C. Bok's three-month sabbatical in 1987 and the year-long leave taken by President Charles William Eliot, class of 1853.

Bok spent the first three months of 1987 traveling abroad and visiting other universities, while former Dean of the Faculty Henry Rosovsky assumed the role of acting president.

Eliot took a leave of absence from November 21, 1900 to April 21, 1901, during which time Henry Pickering Walcott, Class of 1858 and Senior Fellow of the Harvard Corporation--the University's governing body--acted as president.

Eliot did not reveal the purpose of his absence in his annual report, but a letter dated January 17, 1901, places him in Bermuda. "This island is the best winter resort I have ever visited... always withdrawn and reposefully," he writes.

Besides Rosovsky and Walcott, most acting presidents in Harvard's history have been appointed during transitional periods between presidential appointments.

Albert Carnesale, who was announced acting president, yesterday is the first to be given position unexpectedly.

Harvard's earlier history is plagued with nine deaths of presidents in office. The position was often offered to faculty members.

After President Edward Holyoke died in office in 1769, Hollis Professor of Divinity John Winthrop, Class of 1739, presided over the Commencement ceremonies. Winthrop subsequently declined the presidency due to old age.

When President Joseph Willard died in office in 1904, "election of a successor hung fire" recalls Harvard historian Samuel Eliot Morison '08, because Hollis Professor David Tappan had recently died.

Another professor, Hancock Professor of Hebrew Eliphalet Pertain served as acting president for two years before an official successor was chosen.