Preface 



In 1920 a committee was formed by numerous friends and admirers of 

 M a r t i n u s W i 1 1 e m B e ij e r i n c k with the aim of rendering ho- 

 mage to this great biologist at the occasion of his 70th anniversary. The 

 initiative taken by the first undersigned, who acted as president to this com- 

 mittee, led ultimately to the publication of the "Verzamelde Geschriften" 

 ("Collected Papers") of B e ij e r i n c k in five stately volumes. 



After B e ij e r i n c k's death on January 1st, 1931, it seemed expedient to 

 collect in a final volume those publications of B e ij e r i n c k which had 

 appeared after his retirement from the chair at Delft. 



On considering the publication of this volume the undersigned arrived at 

 the conclusion that it was most desirable to add to it a detailed biography 

 of the remarkable author of all these memoirs, as well as a comprehensive review 

 of his scientific achievements. 



It was then decided that each of the three undersigned should take care 

 of a part of this task. The review was therefore divided into three parts: one, 

 purely biographical, a second part dealing with B e ij e r i n c k's studies in 

 the field of general botany, and a third part in which his microbiological work 

 would be considered. 



The well-deserved fame which Beijerinck has attained in various 

 branches of biology seems to justify the idea of publishing this biographical and 

 laudatory essay also separately. In doing so it has become possible to make it 

 accessible to a wider circle of readers. 



Before finishing this preface the authors wish to express their profound 

 gratitude to all those who have assisted them in their task. 



In the first place the precious collaboration of the late Miss H. W. B e ij- 

 e r i n c k, sister of the scientist, should be most gratefully acknowledged. The 

 liberal way in which she has allowed access to data of biographical interest has 

 been of the greatest value for the successful completion of the purely bio- 

 graphical part. Already during her lifetime, Miss B e ij e r i n c k put her diary 

 at the disposal of the second undersigned, a token of confidence which has been 

 highly appreciated. Her unfailing interest in the publication as a whole has 

 greatly stimulated the work. It is a matter of sincere regret to the authors that 

 she did not live to see the book completed. On December 26th, 1937 this 

 energetic and sympathetic woman, whose life was so tightly interwoven with 

 that of her famous brother, quietly passed away at the age of ninety. 



The authors also wish to thank Mr. W. M. B e ij e r i n c k, retired Major 

 of the Artillery, for information concerning the genealogy of the Beijerinck 

 family. 



