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of biological fields on the other, there arose a situation in which the Museum has 
tended to confine itself largely to systematics; while across the way there has 
grown up a large department of biology, well equipped with laboratories in which 
research and teaching are done in a great variety of biological subjects. It is 
our conviction that the Museum, while not neglecting systematics, should attempt, 
as far as its means permit, to expand its activities to some degree to cover a 
sp,ewjat hreayer ramge of the zoological spectrum. Certain aspects of ecology, 
for example, life histories and habits, aspects of embryology, morphology, 
zoogeography and evolutionary theory are all types of work which are reasonably 
well associated with museum activities in a narrower sense. This thesis arose 
out of a consideration of Museum appointments in general, but is reasonably 
applicable to an appointment to a professorship of the present sort. 
As to a specific proposal for a first appointee, there are no 
limits as to field other than those set forth in the will. On the whole it would 
perhaps be preferable that the nominee be from some area of zoology, since that is 
the main center of Museum interests, rather than physical oceanography or geology. 
It would be ideal if the man decided upon were in some field in which we are weak 
(ichthyology, for example), and on the other hand he should preferably not fee an 
entomologist, since we are currently adding further strength to that department. 
Such preferences of ours should, however, be of only secondary consideration; for a 
first appointee especially it is most desirable that he be really first-rate and that, 
no matter what his research speciality, he be a person of broad background and 
interests whow ould be a respected member of the Harvard scientific community. 
It may be difficult, if not impossible to arrange a satisfactory 
date upon which all the members of even a small group of this sort could come 
together. As a tentative date may I suggest Monday, April 30; if you would be 
willing to join us, and that day is not available, would a later Monday in May be 
possible? We would, of course, pay transportaticnand you would be our guest while 
in Cambr idge. 
Sincerely yours, 
i 
(Signed) A1 Romer 
