After completing high school, Hull went on to study at Alma Academy . [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] He continued to excel in mathematics, particularly geometry. [ 3 ] His interest in geometry inspired him to begin thinking about how the mind can create new connections based on what is already known. [ 3 ] It was during his time at Alma Academy that he read the works of Baruch Spinoza , who he admired, though ultimately disagreed with. [ 3 ] As he was about to graduate from the academy, he attended a banquet where the food was contaminated, and contracted a near deadly case of typhoid , which delayed his return to college. [ 3 ] Many died during that time and Clark himself almost died.