The Dolphin in History

The Dionysos Cup by Exekias, c. 540 B.C. Staatliche Antikensammlungen, Munich. Photograph by Dr. Max Hirmer.
Papers delivered by Ashley Montagu and John C. Lilly at a symposium at the Clark Library, 13 October 1962
WILLIAM ANDREWS CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY University of California, Los Angeles 1963
Recently the dolphin has become the focus of much scientific interest and investigation which have led to flattering pronouncements about its remarkable intelligence, amiability, and astonishing friendliness towards man. It was in consequence of such activities that a symposium was held at the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library to consider the background to contemporary studies of the dolphin. The presentations of Dr. Ashley Montagu and Dr. John C. Lilly were received so favorably that it was decided to make them more widely available in the present form.
As will be readily apparent to any reader, Dr. Montagu has demonstrated conclusively that had the writings of the ancients been heeded we should long since have paid proper respect to this intelligent mammal, and Dr. Lilly has reinforced such classical appreciation by an account of his own astonishing observations of dolphin behavior. It is to be hoped that these two accounts will contribute to a lasting appreciation of our remarkable aquatic friend.
C.D. O’Malley
DIVISION OF MEDICAL HISTORY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
by Ashley Montagu
The friendly Dolphin, while within the maine,
At libertie delightes, to sport and play,
Himselfe is fresh, and doth no whit retaine