Reese's instructions were such as to encourage, in fact to compel, the exercise of initiative, and to develop independence of thought and action, "You will find some bones in the basement. Go work up a course in comparative osteology." Another time Lashley was told, "Here is a copy of Burkholder. Get some sheep brains and work up the anatomy. I want you to take charge of the laboratory course in neurology next term." This experience had lasting effects upon Lashley's philosophy of education and influenced his treatment of his own students in later years.