MARGARET FLOY WASHBURN
1871 - 1939
Tribute of a Colleague
That Miss Washburn's fellow scientists considered
her an outstanding scholar and leader in research
is evident from the fact that she was a past presi-
dent of the American Psychological Association, and
a member of the Society of Experimental Psychologists
and of the National Academy of Science. One of her
most deep-seated principles was that a woman in
science should be judged entirely on the basis of her
work, and that no leniency or consideration should be
shown her on account of her sex. I remember that she
opposed honoring a certain woman because a member of
the committee remarked that he thought we should have
a woman in the selected group under discussion. I am
sure that I am reflecting the opinion of all those who
are acquainted with Miss Washburn's work that she
richly deserved the honors and recognition she
received.
It would be impossible to describe in this place with
any degree of completeness the vast number of publica-
tions that came from Miss Washburn's pen. The list of
her publications in the Psychological Register, which
starts with her first paper in l894, covers almost
six columns of fine print.
Miss Washburn was an ideal experimenter. She had a
lively curiosity, a profound respect for facts,
imagination, and an integrity which inspired trust in
her results. She could be abrupt with an opponent whose
ability she distrusted, but she was patient and generous
with those whom she respected because they were moti-
vated solely by the desire to arrive at the truth. Her
research was well-planned and carefully executed. She
was meticulous as to details but direct in her attack
and she never acknowledged defeat.
Miss Washburn's outstanding contributions were to
animal psychology and to the speculations on the motor
theory of consciousness. Through them she has earned an
honored place in the history of psychology. Her book,
The Animal Mind, is a classic in the former field and
Efie was a pioneer among the modern motor theorists.
MARGARET FLOY WASHBURN
Tribute of a Colleague(Continued)
I have met a number of students who have taken
courses under Miss Washburn. Almost all of them
have spoken of their respect for her scholarship
and her ability as a teacher, but they have added
that they were somewhat afraid of her and had dif-
ficulty in knowing her. From personal experience
I learned that her rather reserved and austere
manner was due principally to shyness and to extreme
earnestness in what she might at the moment be
interested. I soon discovered that she was generous
and warm-hearted, and a loyal friend and colleague.
Above all, she had the modesty of a sincere and
forthright personality.
Vassar Alumnae Magazine
January 1940, Page 4
Herbert S. Langfeld, Chairman
Department of Psychology
Princeton University