'The Columbus Marine Biological Station'
'Lady Blake thinks that the fourth centenary of Columbus might be fittingly commemorated by the establishment of a biological station in Jamaica.'
Daily Gleaner, March 10, 1892
'. . . Lady Blake, wife of the Governor of Jamaica, who has done much to promote scientific research on the island.'
Mary J. Rathbun, 1897
Mary J. Rathbun, 1897
How did it happen that Lady Blake, who was no mean naturalist herself, having done a wonderful and very accurate series of water colours of Jamaican lepidoptera (now in the archives of the Museum of Natural History in London), became enthralled with the idea of setting up in Jamaica a permanent marine biological laboratory, probably at Port Henderson, where biologists from Johns Hopkins University carried out research in the summers of 1891, 1893 and 1896. The story of this project, and its failure, is not recorded systematically anywhere I have found, but I will set out on this page what I have found, so far!
The earliest references I have yet seen, to the possibility of a permanent marine laboratory, come in news items about comments made by John Stuart, who taught at Jamaica College, and had been a participant in the John Hopkins project in Port Henderson in the summer of 1891.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daily Gleaner, November 24, 1891
We understand that at the next meeting of the members of the Jamaica Institute Mr. Stuart will read a paper on the animal life in the waters on our coasts. For several months this year, we think from May to August, a party of American naturalists under the leadership of Dr. Brooks, of Johns Hopkins University, at Baltimore, lived at Port Henderson and pursued their investigations with the subject Mr. Stuart is to handle, and we believe that his paper will give some account of the results of the investigations. The hope is entertained by many that what has been done may lead to the establishment of a Biological Station here. We suppose Mr. Stuart will tell us whether the results already gathered encourage the hope. Daily Gleaner, December 16, 1891
[at the end of the talk by John Stuart] . . . Rev. William Gillies asked Mr. Stuart if he knew what impression was left on the Professor's mind as regards the suitability etc. of Jamaica for a tropical station. Mr. Stuart said he was thoroughly satisfied with the results achieved. Prof. Brook's idea he thought, was that some British scientific society and one in the United States—such as the John Hopkins University—should combine and have a joint laboratory. This would cost a considerable sum of money perhaps, but his (the speaker's) own belief was that a great deal might be done by an outlay of about £30 or £40. A tent might be procured, and put up on the sea-coast and a boat and dredging apparatus purchased for a small sum. The material procured at this out-station could be temporarily preserved and forwarded to Kingston, where it could be worked up, and studied in detail, or fixed and sent on to Europe. The expenses might be considerably reduced by a system of collecting specimens and exporting them to foreign scientists, such as was done at the Naples Marine Laboratory with great success, the expenses being greatly lessened by what was received for samples. PROFESSOR BROOKS TO COME BACK. Dr. Neish said that a few weeks ago he had received a letter from Johns Hopkins University in which it was stated positively that the Professor and his students were coming back; and therefore they might look to further contributions to the history of our marine animal life. Rev. Mr. Gillies said he thought Mr. Stuart had mentioned too modest a sum for the establishment of a station. He hoped however that something would be done in the matter, and that by and by we would possess a fully equipped and valuable laboratory. |
and then -
Daily Gleaner, December 23, 1891
We now learn that the project of establishing a Marine Laboratory in Jamaica suggested itself, shortly before leaving for England, to LADY BLAKE, with the hearty support and approval of His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR, both being of opinion that the establishment of such an Institution here could not be attended with other than beneficial results not only to the cause of science, but in the promotion of the welfare of the Island. If all goes well the spot selected will be Port Henderson, which place Professor BROOKS stayed at for the purpose of making investigations, on the occasion of his recent visit to Jamaica. LADY BLAKE thereupon wrote to him enquiring whether he considered Port Henderson would be suitable for the purpose, and what steps could be taken in the matter. In reply Dr. BROOKS addressed a long letter to Lady BLAKE in which he assured Her Ladyship how very suitable that place was for a Tropical Laboratory. As a result of this correspondence, it is now ascertained, after thoroughly investigating the subject, that the prime cost of the establishment of such a Laboratory would be about £20,000. For this amount the institution could be fully and properly equipped with the necessary apparatus &c. and would provide for the cost of placing a qualified Superintendent in charge. Briefly speaking, the proposed Institution will be established upon the lines of the Marine Laboratory at Naples, a description of which will be found elsewhere. When Lady BLAKE recently visited England she lost no time in setting to work to further the object in view, and after considerable correspondence Her Ladyship has in her possession letters upon the subject from, amongst others, Professor HUXLEY, Sir LYON PLAYFAIR, Professor GUNTER, of the British Museum, Professor MOORE, the Head of the Dublin Museum, Dr. BALL, Professor FLOWER, also of the British Museum, Mr. SLATER, the Secretary of the London Zoological Society, Mr. SCOTT of the Meteorological Department, Mr. CURBY and many others well known in scientific circles. All these gentlemen with whom Lady BLAKE has communicated have expressed the warmest approval of the project. Further than this, the well-known Firm of Coutts & Co. have consented, to become the bankers, and Lady BLAKE has also written to a prominent gentleman in London who takes a deep interest in such work and who will, there is no doubt, consent to act as Secretary. |
King's House, Jamaica, 1st Feb., 1892.
Dear Mr. Brown, — My husband and I are at present much interested in a scheme on behalf of which I am anxious to enlist your energetic assistance. It is proposed to establish here a Marine Biological Station, on the lines of the Stations at Plymouth and Naples. The Station is to be founded as a Memorial of the fourth Centenary of the discovery of the New World, and to be named "The Columbus Marine Biological Station." In England the scheme is supported by Professor Huxley, Professor Ray Lankester, M, A., Professor Flower, Gunther, (British Museum) Dr. Ball, F. R. S., and many other eminent scientific men. The Hon. Walter Rothschild has undertaken to act as Honorary Secretary; Messrs. Coutts & Co. to be Bankers and the Editor of the "Times'' has promised a prominent position to correspondence on the subject. |
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We have also promises of support from many leading scientific men in America and are most anxious to secure the assistance and countenance of leading men m Canada. We shall be so much obliged if you will do anything in your power to push the scheme there. We are anxious that the Institution should be as international as possible in its scope, and it would be a great matter to have a meeting place in common for scientific students from the old and new worlds. Jamaica is within easy reach of both, and appears to offer every advantage for the proposed institution. Your advocacy of the plan in Canada would be of great value. Please let me know if you think we may hope for any assistance from there.
Believe me. Yours truly, EDITH BLAKE. Adam Brown, Esq., Hamilton, Canada. |
1891-2 The Ottawa Naturalist.
Vol. VII. of the transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.
The value of such a station is undoubted and the Island of Jamaica is particularly suitable for its location. The accessibility and convenience of this station for American students would assure its being appreciated and made use of by the large number of specialists in the United States.
His Excellency the Governor of Jamaica, Sir Henry A. Blake, and Lady Blake, have received so many promises of help from eminent Biologists in Britain and elsewhere that they are sanguine as to the feasibility and great value of such a station, which is to be international in its objects. The Hon. Adam Brown with his characteristic energy in patronizing and helping measures tending towards scientific advancement is corresponding with the leading students in Canada asking for their co-operation in forwarding this important project which has our
fullest sympathy.
Vol. VII. of the transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.
The value of such a station is undoubted and the Island of Jamaica is particularly suitable for its location. The accessibility and convenience of this station for American students would assure its being appreciated and made use of by the large number of specialists in the United States.
His Excellency the Governor of Jamaica, Sir Henry A. Blake, and Lady Blake, have received so many promises of help from eminent Biologists in Britain and elsewhere that they are sanguine as to the feasibility and great value of such a station, which is to be international in its objects. The Hon. Adam Brown with his characteristic energy in patronizing and helping measures tending towards scientific advancement is corresponding with the leading students in Canada asking for their co-operation in forwarding this important project which has our
fullest sympathy.
. . . some distinguished English scientists who backed the idea -
There was quite a bit of chatter, both locally and in the U.S.A. and U.K., in 1892-3, about the proposed Marine Biological Laboratory.
in the U.K.
NATURE, NO. 1165, VOL. 45, February 25, 1892,
It is proposed that Englishmen shall celebrate the fourth centenary of the discovery of the New World, and do honour to the memory of Columbus, by esta blishing in Jamaica a marine biological station on the lines of the marine laboratories at Naples and Plymouth. The institution would be called "the Columbus Marine Biological Station." An excellent letter on the subject by Lady Blake appeared in the Times on Wednesday. The scheme has been laid before Prof. Huxley, Prof. Ray Lankester, Prof. Flower, Dr. Gunther, Dr. Ball, Sir John Lubbock, Mr. Scott, Mr. Sclater, and numerous other scientific men, all of whom warmly approve of it. For the establishment of the laboratory on a sound basis an outlay of 15,000 will be required. The following have consented to receive subscriptions :— Prof. Ray Lankester, Oxford; Dr. Gunther, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road; Dr. Ball, Science and Art Museum, Dublin; the Duchess of St. Albans, Bestwood Lodge, Arnold, Notts.; and Messrs. Coutts and Co., bankers, 59 Strand. The Hon. Walter Rothschild, 148 Piccadilly, has undertaken the duties of honorary secretary. [Note: the Duchess of St Albans was Edith Blake's sister, Grace.] |
Natural Science: A Monthly Review of Scientific Progress, Volume 1, No. 2, April, 1892
pages 83-4 The Colonies and India, June 18, 1892
London, United Kingdom Sir Henry and Lady Blake have much at heart the establishment of a marine biological station at Jamaica. Nothing of the sort is at present in existence in tropical latitudes, and the constant current of the Gulf Stream will, it is believed, bring to the station at Jamaica a rich treasure of specimens of the marine life of the Atlantic in low latitudes. The project will, it is hoped, be liberally aided by the Imperial Government and by personal contributions. It has been warmly commended by Professor Huxley, Professor Ray Lankester, Professor Flower, and Lord Rosse. It has been warmly taken up in the United States. |
The American Association for the Advancement of Science had an assessment of the project made:
Proceedings AAAS 1892
Report upon the proposed biological station at Jamaica. By Albert H. Tuttle, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
This report is made to Section F for the purpose of calling attention to the movement now on foot for the establishment of a Station at some desirable point upon the island of Jamaica, to be known as "The Columbus Marine Biological Station." It is the intention of the promoters of the enterprise to make the Station international, but chiefly under English and American auspices, and steps have already been taken in England and America towards the accumulation of an adequate fund.
The advantages offered by such a Station to American biologists will be manifold. Among others may be mentioned the richness of the fauna and flora, both marine and terrestrial. Prof. Jas. D. Dana says of this, "I know of no place on either side of the northern Atlantic so well suited in this respect for a biological station:" Prof. W. K. Brooks, who has already spent several months at Jamaica, and who has made prolonged visits to nearly every point of importance along our coast and at several places in the West Indies, expresses himself equally strongly In favor of the proposed location. The opportunity which every naturalist desires to see something of tropic life can nowhere be afforded more advantageously. Climatic conditions are favorable to a marked degree, and the high mountains of the interior afford numerous pleasant places of resort when a change is desired from the heat of the coast. The island is well governed under English rule, and good sanitary conditions exist in the towns. The cost of living is small, and access from American ports is easy and not expensive, rendering it practicable for American investigators to spend successive summer vacations at the Station without great inconvenience or outlay.
It is certainly desirable that the American Association for the Advancement of Science should do all in its power to aid in the establishment and maintenance of the proposed Station: to this end it is suggested to this Section that it recommend to the Council of the Association the appointment of a committee to report at the next meeting upon a plan of cooperation, including the permanent establishment of a table at the Station, to be known as the American Association table.
Report upon the proposed biological station at Jamaica. By Albert H. Tuttle, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
This report is made to Section F for the purpose of calling attention to the movement now on foot for the establishment of a Station at some desirable point upon the island of Jamaica, to be known as "The Columbus Marine Biological Station." It is the intention of the promoters of the enterprise to make the Station international, but chiefly under English and American auspices, and steps have already been taken in England and America towards the accumulation of an adequate fund.
The advantages offered by such a Station to American biologists will be manifold. Among others may be mentioned the richness of the fauna and flora, both marine and terrestrial. Prof. Jas. D. Dana says of this, "I know of no place on either side of the northern Atlantic so well suited in this respect for a biological station:" Prof. W. K. Brooks, who has already spent several months at Jamaica, and who has made prolonged visits to nearly every point of importance along our coast and at several places in the West Indies, expresses himself equally strongly In favor of the proposed location. The opportunity which every naturalist desires to see something of tropic life can nowhere be afforded more advantageously. Climatic conditions are favorable to a marked degree, and the high mountains of the interior afford numerous pleasant places of resort when a change is desired from the heat of the coast. The island is well governed under English rule, and good sanitary conditions exist in the towns. The cost of living is small, and access from American ports is easy and not expensive, rendering it practicable for American investigators to spend successive summer vacations at the Station without great inconvenience or outlay.
It is certainly desirable that the American Association for the Advancement of Science should do all in its power to aid in the establishment and maintenance of the proposed Station: to this end it is suggested to this Section that it recommend to the Council of the Association the appointment of a committee to report at the next meeting upon a plan of cooperation, including the permanent establishment of a table at the Station, to be known as the American Association table.
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The Tablet June 25, 1892
CHRONICLE OF THE WEEK THE COLUMBUS CELEBRATION. A meeting has been held at Lord Brassey's house "to confer upon the best means of establishing at Jamaica an Observatory of Marine Biology, in commemoration of the fourth centenary of the discovery of America." Lord Brassey, who occupied the chair, said when he was at Jamaica early this year the one thing which was pressed upon him as a necessity was the establishment of a Marine and Biological Observatory on that Island. The physical geography of the place made it extremely suitable for such a station, as investigations could be carried an under tropical conditions; and at present there was no observatory of that character in the tropics. The cost might be raised by contributions out of the finances, of the island and from the English Exchequer. To obtain this assistance, it would be necessary to present a memorial in the first place, and if one bore the signatures of the leading men of science, it was likely to have great weight with the authorities. Lord Rosse moved "that an observatory of marine biology in tropical seas is necessary for the development of science; and that no tropical sea promises so rich a harvest of biological specimens as the great gulf in the West Indies." Professor Ray Lankester seconded the motion,and warmly supported the project, urging that by such an observatory very valuable observations would be made of the habits of fish and of the treasures of the sea, and fresh industries opened up for the employment of the people. A Committee was formed, with the Duke of St. Albans as chairman, and Mr. Walter Rothschild as honorary secretary. |
London Standard, June 22, 1892 p 5
The proposal to celebrate the fourth centenary of the discovery of America by the foundation of a Laboratory of Marine Zoology in the West Indies is one of the most sensible of the many not very sensible schemes by which that great event in the world's history is to be commemorated. The suggestion was originally made by Lady BLAKE, wife of the Governor of Jamaica, and a meeting was held in Lord BRASSEY'S house yesterday, to give effect to this modest departure in the interest of Science.The physical geography of the neighbourhood renders it specially suitable for a scientific station of this character, as investigations could thus be conducted under tropical conditions, a fact the more important as no such observatory is at present established in the tropics. The first step to be taken will, of course, be to raise funds. It was suggested yesterday that the initial outlay should be divided between the finances of the Island and our own Exchequer. The Government of Jamaica will, no doubt, provide the site, and help the Laboratory in various ways, but the fitting up of the building, the boats, dredging apparatus, instruments, library, and a host of similar expenses, will absorb a good deal of money, which the local authorities cannot be expected to provide. If such a Zoological Station possesses the elements of usefulness which on every hand we are assured it would possess, the centres of scientific activity ought to evince their confidence in their opinion by backing it up with the necessary funds to start the establishment. Luckily, there is no need of an extravagant endowment. A small beginning will suffice, and, if all goes well, the "pious founder" will not forget to enlarge it. There is no intention to establish the Jamaica Station on so large a scale as at Naples, or the one at Plymouth. A small staff -- a superintendent, and perhaps an assistant, with a couple of boatmen -- must necessarily be maintained as a permanent staff. But if there is anything in the unanimous opinion of those best qualified to offer one, the Laboratory ought to be self-supporting, so far as current expenses are concerned. The "tables" will be let out for so many weeks, or months, at affixed charge, to Zoologists anxious to undertake an investigation under conditions attainable nowhere else. We may also be sure that, if the model of the existing establishments of a similar kind is accepted, various Universities and learned Societies will, by payment of an annual subscription, have the right of nominating for such a period as they may think proper some one to occupy the table thus rented by them. Naturally, owing to the distance of the West Indies from Europe, the chief patrons of the Station will be Americans: but, as Science is not of any nationality, this fact will make no difference. Indeed, it is well understood that several of the leading Naturalists of the New World are among the the heartiest supporters of the scheme; and though, perhaps, it would be better to provide the funds ourselves, if any of them wish to subscribe we can accept their pecuniary good intentions as a substantial compliment to the perfect impartiality of the Provisional Committee charged with this latest enterprise for the advancement of knowledge. |
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The accommodation on board a ship, no matter how well fitted up -- be it Challenger, or Blake, or Hassler, or Albatross -- is insufficient for the proper study of the delicate beings brought up from the bottom or caught in the skimmings of the towing net. Many of these, like the jelly fishes, and the allied forms, cannot be preserved more than a few hours in a condition fit for study, and the greater number of the Tropical marine animals die if removed from their native waters. But in such a Laboratory as that which will, we trust, be the outcome of yesterday's meeting, the "material" will be taken direct out of the sea into the station aquaria, to remain until it can be subjected to the dissecting needles and the microscope. There was a time when this sort of labour would not have been at all adequately appreciated. But since the dawn of the Darwinian theory, the development of an animal is considered quite as important as its external structure and internal anatomy. By tracing it from the egg to the perfect form we gain an insight into its pedigree, and its relationship to the extinct species entombed in the earth's crust -- the failures, as it were, of Nature in that struggle for existence which is the first law of life. The all-important investigation of corals, sponges, and other tropical species cannot be undertaken at many hours' distance from the locality in which they live. But, apart from this, the half-explored fauna of the Caribbean Sea is of extreme interest. Not a dredge can be hauled without its contents displaying some little-known, interesting, or altogether novel species. Even Kingston Harbour, in Jamaica, naturally one of the most frequently-visited localities, is so rich that in a recent number of the "Johns Hopkins University Circulars," Mr. FIELD, who had just returned from a cursory examination of it, tells us that he found in and about the cays at its mouth no less than twenty-eight species of star fishes and sea urchins, while the surface was "wonderfully rich" in all manner of those larval forms which it will be one of the principal objects of the students in the new Laboratory to examine. During the dredging of the Blake the few crustacea then known from the West Indian region were increased by no less than forty new genera and one hundred and fifty new species; while four hundred and sixty-one forms of mollusks, and other groups in proportion, were added to our lists from the labors of this single expedition. These facts -- and scores of similar ones might be added -- serve as a hint regarding the riches awaiting the happy men who have the good fortune to be "the first who ever burst" into the Caribbean Sea, provided with proper conveniences for studying its crowded life. Nor, when we remember the importance of the sponge fisheries of the Bahamas, and the splendid economic results due to the labours of the United States Fish Commission at sea and in the laboratory, need we banish from the possibilities of the new Station the chance that the experts who will tenant it during the delightful Winter months of the Antilles may make discoveries that will add to the wealth of "the islands." |
Daily Gleaner, August 9, 1892
The scheme for the establishment of a Biological Observatory in this Island is being warmly commended by the Press of the neighbouring islands and of the Isthmus.
The scheme for the establishment of a Biological Observatory in this Island is being warmly commended by the Press of the neighbouring islands and of the Isthmus.
Kate Field's Washington, 1892
Lady Blake, whose husband is Governor of Jamaica, wants a memorial of Christopher Columbus to be located at Kingston, Jamaica, to be named "The Columbus Marine Biological Station," on the lines of stations at Plymouth, England, and Naples, Italy. Lady Blake asks aid from Americans, but I question whether she gets it. |