THE Scripps Institution of Oceanography of the University of California had its genesis in the search for a seaside station at which field studies in marine biology could be most profitably conducted. Despite the inclusion of other areas of research and teaching in the Institution's program, the investigation of the many and complex manifestations of life in the sea continues to occupy a prominent role. 
The Institution is an outgrowth of the program of field investigations on the animal life of the Pacific Ocean begun in 1892 by the Department of Zoology of the University of California under the leadership of Professor W. E. Ritter. A summer field station was established each year at a locality along the California coast. At first, financial support came in small sums from numerous persons interested in the work, from alumni of the University, and to some extent from the University itself. The interest of Miss Ellen B. Scripps and Mr. E. W. Scripps began in 1903 when the field station was moved from San Pedro to San Diego. Most of the funds for the physical development of the La Jolla campus and for support of the scientific work during the early years was given by the Scripps family. With the growth of the Institution, the State of California and the Federal Government have borne an increasing proportion of the total cost. 

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