Highlights in the early history of the International Association of Wood Anatomists

Abstract

The vision of Laurence Chalk (Imperial Forestry Institute, Oxford), B.J. Rendle (Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough), and Samuel J. Record (Yale School of Forestry) led to meetings among wood anatomists at the Fifth International Botanical Congress, Cambridge, England during August 1930 for the purpose of holding ‘an informal conference on Systematic Wood Anatomy.’ Following these discussions a committee was formed to consider the question of a formal organisation and to report at the next conference. This was provisionally fixed for July 1931 in Paris coincident with meetings of the Congres International du Bois et de la Sylviculture. At these meetings a constitution was drafted and an Organizing Committee of 9 was established with Record as secretary and Rendle as deputy. This group was charged with enrolling members and carrying out the affairs of the infant Association until a formal Council, as provided in the constitution, could be elected. To this end Record invited a group of internationally known wood anatomists to join the Association as founder or charter members. Thirty-six persons from 14 countries signified their intent to associate with the new society and to participate in its activities. Among the latter were the interchange of ideas and information on wood anatomy, development of a standard terminology, collection and exchange of wood specimens, and encouragement of teaching, research, and publication on wood structure. Members were formally nominated and admission to membership was controlled by the Council. Since these early days the Association has broadened its activities and objectives in conjunction with new technology and expanded fields of anatomical interest. Membership is open, without formal vote, to any actively participating in the aims of the Association.