18 William Keith Broolcs 



the best opportunity at that time for the study of the 

 oyster and the problems connected with it. In 1880 a 

 paper entitled "Development of the American Oyster" 

 was published by Dr. Brooks, embodying the results 

 of his observations both; at Fort Wool and at Cris- 

 field. This paper was an important contribution to 

 science, to philosophy, and to political economy. It con- 

 tained a detailed and exhaustive account of the method of 

 reproduction of the American oyster, the first ever pub- 

 lished. Hitherto it had been taken for granted that the 

 American oyster did not differ in this respect from the 

 European species. In addition to the above, many obser- 

 vations concerning the anatomy of the oyster were 

 described. The bearing which the recorded observations 

 had upon philosophical questions then being discussed 

 throughout the scientific world, were clearly set forth. 

 The causes for the gradual decline of the oyster industry, 

 which had then begun in Maryland and Virginia, were 

 discussed and recommendations for legislation were 

 made, based upon the results of his own study, the object 

 of which was to place the industry upon a more satisfac- 

 tory basis. This paper was well received everywhere, and 

 gave to Dr. Brooks a prominent position among men of 

 science, especially in Europe, a position which became 

 permanent as a result of his later purely scientific papers. 

 In recognition of the value of the contribution, the Societe 

 d'Acclimatation of Paris voted a medal to Dr. Brooks in 

 1883. 



The discussion of the oyster problem within the State 

 of Maryland, immediately following the publication of 

 this paper and provoked mainly by it, created such an 

 interest in the Chesapeake and its resources that the 

 General Assembly of 1882 established a commission 

 charged with the consideration and recommendation of 

 ways and means to "Perpetuate the Oyster Beds of the 

 Chesapeake." Dr. Brooks was appointed chairman of 

 this commission by the Governor. Released from active 



