124 iL 100 Y'EARS EXPLORING LIFE, 1888-1988 



many of them MBL researchers as well. Whitman, Wilson; and others 

 advised their students to venture to Naples, even after they had their own 

 MBL to satisfy their research needs. For Naples afforded two real advan- 

 tages, which complemented what the MBL offered: a different set of 

 organisms to work with and an international group of scientists using the 

 absolute foremost of contemporary research techniques. Dohrn made sure 

 that the Naples station had sufficient funds to guarantee the best equipment 

 and materials needed. As a result, in tlie early years, biologists said, "For 

 techniques, go to Naples." Very soon, the MBL became a mecca on its own 

 for the latest in techniques and ideas. 



For techniques, Whitman determined after his trip to Naples that the 

 Americans needed a manual for marine biology. As usual when he per- 

 ceived a need, he met it. In this case, he wrote the handbook in question, 

 concentrating on microscopic techniques for preparation, preservation, 

 fixing, and staining of specimens. With its emphasis on detailed cytological 

 study of fixed materials, his Methods of Research in Microscopical Anatomy 

 and Embryology of 1885 ofTered the latest word at the time. E. E. Just's 

 methods book or Donald Costello and Catherine Henley's handbook or W. 

 D. Russell-Hunter's introductory texts for study of marine invertebrates 

 filled a similar need for students of embryology and invertebrate biology 

 years later. In fact, a significant number of the standard biological textbooks 

 have been written by scientists affiliated in some way over the years vvdth 

 the MBL. 



Science at the MBL looks much different today than it did in those 

 earliest years, and yet there is a continuity to the changes that provides 

 perspective on each shift of emphasis. The return of the same people in 

 different but related roles year after year, and the continuing concern with 

 some of the same problems and organisms has ensured the persistence of 

 MBL traditions. Against that background of stability (at times embryology 

 has dominated; at other times, physiology), the problems, equipment, and 

 other details have become more specialized, more sophisticated, and 

 more expensive. Techniques and equipment, problems, and organisms 

 make up scientific research. 



Tecfimques and Equipment 



In the early years, a microscope with tlie latest lenses and dissecting stand, 

 a collection of glass dishes and slides and plates, tlie appropriate stains, a 

 microtome to slice up specimens (which could be shared witli others), and 

 a few otlier odds and ends made up the basic equipment kit. By concen- 

 trating the sorts of research around several central areas of concern, tlie 

 laboratory could provide what people needed even with their increasingly 

 complicated demands. Keeping the researchers and students well supplied 



