12 MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY. 



mental problems of biology, he has set a very high standard 

 for the scientific work of the laboratory, and by his kindness, 

 sincerity, and generosity he has called forth similar qualities in 

 others, so that it has been characteristic of Woods Hole, as of 

 few other laboratories at home or abroad, that a spirit of genuine 

 cooperation and mutual helpfulness prevails. Who that ex- 

 perienced it can ever forget the inspiration and enthusiasm of 

 those early years of the laboratory? Who of us can forget the 

 cordial appreciation and generous encouragement which we re- 

 ceived from Professor Whitman? Some of us feel that we there 

 incurred a debt of gratitude to him which we can never fully 

 repay. Since those early years other laboratories have arisen 

 and other duties have drawn men away- from Woods Hole, but 

 the Marine Biological Laboratory never loses its charm for those 

 who have worked there, and this charm will continue as long 

 as the spirit of generous cooperation, which Whitman instilled 

 into it, prevails. 



Finally, Professor Whitman stood for the complete autonomy 

 of the laboratory. Although aid might have been had more 

 than once from universities and institutions by surrendering the 

 independence of the laboratory, he steadfastly and consistently 

 refused to do this, even though in doing so he had to face the 

 opposition of almost all the members of the board of trustees 

 and the corporation. There is still a difference of opinion as to 

 the expediency of this stand, but there is probably no question 

 as to the desirability of the autonomy. If the laboratory can 

 obtain endowments such as to provide for its present and future 

 needs and to insure its independence we shall all greatly rejoice, 

 but whether it shall succeed in this aim or not, we are probably 

 all agreed that this much at least of Professor Whitman's ideal 

 must be maintained, viz : that the laboratory must be left free 

 to grow and develop as its own needs and the interests of science 

 demand. 



These are the ideals which Professor Whitman has succeeded 

 in making part and parcel of the Marine Biological Laboratory 

 and which we count among our most valuable possessions. To 

 those who measure the success of an institution by the size of 

 its buildings or endowments, his efforts at Woods Hole may 



