In 1830, Doc enrolled in Amherst College. In 1833, he transferred to Yale College from which he graduated in 1835.  Later that year, Doc entered Harvard Medical School and graduated in 1838.  It was at Harvard that Doc made the acquaintance of Oliver Wendell Holmes (Sr.) where they roomed at the same boarding house.

“Having nothing to do at Commencement, it will be a considerable saving of both time and money not to attend.”

Daniel Lucius Adams, June 29, 1835