Abstract
THE retirement of Prof. P. T. Herring from the Chandos chair of physiology in the University of St. Andrews brings to a close a long term of office, for he has occupied the chair for forty years. Prof. Herring was educated in New Zealand and later at the University of Edinburgh, where he came under the influence of Sir Edward Sharpey-Schafer, with whom he later collaborated. His first researches, published in 1908, concerning the development and structure of the pituitary gland, quickly gained recognition and gave the histological background for many of the earlier investigations on the function of this body. The colloid bodies he described are still referred to as ‘Herring‘s bodies', and illustrations of his original preparations demonstrating the vascular bed of the pituitary are to be found in current textbooks. Later, the structure and function of the thyroid claimed his interest, and again he was responsible for contributing much valuable knowledge. Prof. Herring went to St. Andrews in 1908 with a reputation as a lecturer of great distinction, and during his tenure of the Chandos chair he has systematically developed the Department of Physiology and the teaching courses in accordance with current physiological thought. He himself has invariably undertaken the greater part of the teaching in his Department, and there will be many at this time who will recall his clear and stimulating lectures. In addition to his other duties, Prof, Herring has taken a large and vital part in the administration of the University of St. Andrews. He acted as dean of the Faculty of Science during 1921–39 and served as an assessor of the Senatus on the University Court for four periods. His colleagues and the many students Who have gained so much from his kindly interest and help will wish him long years of quiet and happiness in his retirement.
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Physiology at St. Andrews : Prof. P. T. Herring. Nature 161, 922 (1948). https://doi.org/10.1038/161922b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/161922b0