Tong Dizhou, perhaps the first biologist known to Chinese children, whose story of "studying under streetlights" and determination to "excel" has inspired generations of youth.
Tong Dizhou is not only the founder of experimental embryology in China but also a pioneer in marine science research. Today marks the 45th anniversary of his passing, let us together commemorate his legendary life.
▲ Tong Dizhou (Image Source: Study Times)
During his childhood, Tong Dizhou showed a keen interest in biology, with his father often emphasizing the importance of diligent study akin to "dripping water wears away a stone." His efforts paid off as he successfully gained admission to Fudan University, entering the scientific field he had longed for. In 1930, fueled by a strong desire to contribute to scientific advancements in his homeland, Tong embarked on a journey to Belgium for further studies.
Upon arriving in a foreign land, Tong encountered numerous challenges: language barriers, financial constraints, and discrimination from foreigners. However, these obstacles did not deter him; instead, he redoubled his efforts in learning and working. In his diary, he expressed the rallying cry, "Chinese people are not foolish; we should bring forth our contributions to honor our nation."
Opportunity favors the prepared mind. Soon enough, Tong encountered a chance to prove himself. At the time, the laboratory where Tong worked was conducting delicate operations on frog egg membranes. Due to the small size and thinness of the membranes, the surgeries had to be performed under a microscope, posing significant challenges.
Despite his petite stature, Tong, with his nimble hands, skillfully and confidently removed the membranes of frog eggs, astonishing the European biological community. Subsequently, he successfully removed the outer membrane of sea squirt eggs, each less than one-tenth of a millimeter in diameter, earning recognition and admiration from international peers.
In addition to his exceptional experimental skills, Tong possessed a solid theoretical knowledge, publishing several outstanding papers during his study abroad and successfully obtaining a doctoral degree. Just as several laboratories extended offers to him, Tong made the resolute decision to return to his homeland.
"Why should I work elsewhere when I can contribute to my own country with my achievements?" In 1934, Tong Dizhou abandoned the comfortable life and research conditions in Brussels, choosing to return to China to embark on embryology research.
In the 1940s, major world powers vigorously pursued marine scientific research, yet China lagged behind in this field. Tong felt a sense of urgency. After the liberation of Qingdao in 1949, Tong, then teaching at Shandong University, was invited to Beijing to participate in the preparatory meeting of the China Association for Science and Technology. Seizing this opportunity, he, along with marine biologist Zeng Chengkui, proposed the establishment of China's marine research institution.
In 1964, Tong Dizhou (second from the left in the front row) and others posed for a photo at 28 Laiyang Road (Image source: Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences). In 1950, the Chinese Academy of Sciences decided that Tong Dizhou, Zeng Chengkui, and Zhang Xi would be responsible for establishing China's first marine science research institution in the new China—the Qingdao Marine Biological Research Laboratory of the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (predecessor of the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences), marking the beginning of comprehensive, systematic, and large-scale development of modern marine science in China. "Our cause requires hands, not mouths." This is the profound saying of Tong Dizhou and a reflection of his life.
At that time, Tong Dizhou's main research focus was on the embryonic development of cephalochordates, particularly the amphioxus. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining amphioxus eggs and their small size, there were few researchers internationally who studied this using experimental methods. Tong Dizhou and his colleagues thus took on the challenge of this research topic.
During that period, the first person students would always see in the laboratory every early morning was Tong Dizhou. And as night fell, one could often see Tong Dizhou sitting in front of the microscope with intense concentration.
In the end, the research team led by Tong Dizhou revealed the consistency in the developmental mechanisms between amphioxus and vertebrates, demonstrating the significant role of amphioxus in the evolutionary transition from invertebrates to vertebrates. These series of research achievements made Tong Dizhou one of the most authoritative experts on amphioxus research internationally at that time.
▲ Tong Dizhou working in the laboratory (Image Source: Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Tong Dizhou dedicated himself tirelessly to the research of cell and developmental biology, pioneering the field of interspecies nuclear transfer. In 1973, through experiments involving nuclear transfer between carp and crucian carp, Tong Dizhou successfully obtained the first batch of reproductive and high-yield carp-crucian hybrids. He thus became the world's first scientist to apply nuclear transfer technology to fish research, paving the way for cloning technology in China and earning the title of "Father of Chinese Cloning."
"As it's the season of spring blossoms and fish spawning, I must return to arrange the work." In March 1979, despite being ill, Tong Dizhou, with his thoughts fixed on ichthyological research, rejected the suggestion of hospitalization. On March 30th, Tong Dizhou passed away due to illness.
As another spring returns to the earth, reflecting on Tong Dizhou's extraordinary life journey, we deeply appreciate his immense contribution as an outstanding scientist. His life exemplifies the noble belief of "willing to work tirelessly for the country," resonating profoundly in the annals of scientific history.
(Original Title: "To Engage in Work, One Should Return to the Motherland" | History of Science)
