Cleavage and tissue formation
Trained in microscopy and embryology, Whitman completed a Leipzig doctorate on leech embryos in 1878. He connected early cleavage with subsequent tissue formation, examining the positions and descendants of individual cells. This work supplied material and approaches for later cell-lineage investigations.
Laboratories and international teaching
Whitman taught in Tokyo from 1879 and later worked at the Naples zoological station and Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology. He became the MBL’s founding director in 1888 and organized biological work at Chicago from 1892. Students including Frank Rattray Lillie continued experimental and educational work in embryology.
References: [1]
Comparing animal behaviour
Whitman also investigated pigeons and other animals, comparing innate behaviour with changes involving learning and experience. He helped establish publications including the Journal of Morphology and Biological Bulletin, maintaining channels for work spanning development, form and behaviour.