The investigations reported here were undertaken pri- 

 marily in the realization of the existence of certain human 

 nutrition problems which, conceivably, might be traceable 

 to deficiencies in the diet. This objective for research con- 

 formed definitely to the interests of Dr. Joel E. Goldthwait, 

 an alumnus of Massachusetts State College, who, in his own 

 experience in the medical field, had reached the conclusion 

 that many human ailments might be brought about by de- 

 ficiencies in the diet — especially deficiencies in the mineral 

 content of the food consumed. As a result of his interest 

 he was instrumental in gaining substantial financial assist- 

 ance through the good graces of Mrs. Henry Lang of 

 Montclair, New Jersey; and with this support to supplement 

 the general Experiment Station resources, this program be- 

 came possible. 



