A.D. Waller and the University of London physiological laboratory.

By 1900, physiology in England was a well-defined academic discipline served by independent departments with full-time professorial staff.' Within the University of London there were twelve medical schools, each teaching physiology to its own students. These schools were, to a large extent, self-governing institutions within the federal framework of the University. As a central organization the University had been concerned only with examining and its associated administration; teaching was the responsibility ofthe colleges. But in 1900 the University received new statutes, which not only empowered but also encouraged it to engage in teaching activities independently of the colleges. One development under these statutes was the creation of a Physiological Laboratory for advanced teaching and research. The initiative for this extension of the University's activities was taken by A. D. Waller, largely with funds raised by him, and he directed its work for the 20 years ofits existence. The history and achievements ofthis laboratory are described in this paper.