XXXIV CHARLES OTIS WHITMAN 
At various times these lectures, which have sometimes taken 
on a spirit of some formality, have been supplemented by informal 
discussions following lectures delivered by investigators before 
classes, especially the class in embryology during the early years, 
and later in physiology; at other times research seminars have 
been formed for the distinct purpose of discussing and criticising 
work presented by the investigators; and at all times in the his- 
tory of the Laboratory free and informal discussion between 
investigators of their work in progress has been a characteristic 
feature in the laboratory life. In all this the steady and sane 
influence of Whitman was at work. All coveted discussions with 
Whitman; he had a most sympathetic interest in all work going 
on in the Laboratory, and deep insight into the fundamental 
problems. One frequently discovered after unburdening one’s 
self in response to his sympathetic attitude that he had thought 
out the problem in question more thoroughly. But his courteous 
and honest attitude always saved such a situation from being 
painful. He exercised in these ways a steadying influence on the 
investigations of others, for he was never hurried into following 
a mere fashion in research. 
The social life of the Laboratory in Whitman’s time was simple 
and sincere. He had a horror of all formality and met everybody 
on a plain and equal footing. His hospitality usually took the 
form of small dinners particularly well cooked and served, with 
not more than half a dozen guests usually. He was a most charm- 
ing host, gracious and self-effacing. The conversation usually 
turned on some scientific subject and he had the knack of making 
the others talk, and it was considered quite a triumph for the 
others to draw him out. He sustained relations with his stu- 
dents both at Woods Hole and elsewhere, that can only be de- 
scribed as fatherly. He often helped them financially, and stood 
by them with the greatest loyalty in securing positions. To the 
respect that all his students felt for his scholarship and ability 
was added the love and devotion that they owed to the best of 
friends. 
No account of Whitman’s relations to the Marine Biological 
Laboratory would be complete which failed to describe his con- 
