The Influence of the late W. H. R. Rivers on the Development of Psychology in Great Britain¹

Abstract

A MOURNFUL gloom has been cast over the proceedings of our newly born Section. Since its inauguration twelve months ago this Section, as, indeed, psychology in general, has suffered an irreparable loss through the sudden death, on June 4 last, of him who was to have presided here to-day. When, only a few weeks ago, it fell to me, as one of his first pupils, to occupy Rivers's place, I could think of little else than of him to whom I have owed so much in nearly thirty years of intimate friendship and invaluable advice; and I felt that it would be impossible for me then to prepare a presidential address to this Section on any other subject than on his life's work in psychology.