View/Open - HPS Repository - Marine Biological Laboratory

12 MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
mental problems of biology, he has set a very high standard
for the scientific work of the laboratory, and by his kindness,
sincerity, ànd generosity he has called forth similar qualities in
others, so that it has been characteristic of Woods Hole, as of
few other laboratories at home o'r abroad, that a spirit of genuine
coöperation and mutual helpfulness prevails. Who that experienced
it can ever forget the inspiration and enthusiasm of
those early years of the laboratory? Who of us can forget the
cordia.l appreciation and generous encouragement which we received
from Professor Whitman? Some of us feel that we there
incurred a debt of gratitude to him which we can never fully
repay. Since those early years other laboratories have arise,n
and other duties have drawn men away from Woods Hole, but
the Marine Biological Laboratory never loses its charm for those
who have worked there, and this charm wil continuè as long
as the spirit of generous coöperation, which Whitman instiled
into it, prevails.
Finally, Professor "Whitman stood for the complete antonomy
of the laboratory. Although aid might have been had more
than once from universities and institutions by surrendering the
independence of the laboratory, he steadfastly and consistently
refused to do this, even though in doing so he had to face the
opposition of almost all the members of the board of trustees
and the corporation~ There is stil a difference of opinion as to
the expediency of this stand, but there: is probably no question
as to the desirability of the autonomy. If the laboratory can
obtain endowments such as to provide for its present and future
needs and to insure its independence we shall all greatly rejoice,
but whether it shall succeed in this aim or not, we are probably
all agreed that this much at least of Professor Whitman's ideal
must be maintained, viz: that the laboratory must be left free
to grow and develop as its own needs and the interests of science
demand.
These are the ideals which Professor Whitman has succeeded
in making part and parcel of the Marine Biological Laboratory
and which we count among our most valuable possessions. To
those who measure the success of an institution by the size of
its buildings or endowments, his efforts at Woods Hole may