ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT 



STATION — 1933 



INTRODUCTION 



F. J. Sievers, Director 



In the field of research the merit of the product will always be directly propor- 

 tionate to the ability of the investigator. For this reason, if no other, standardiza- 

 tion should never be carried to a point where it interferes with the opportunity 

 for the worker to express his individuality. With emphasis on this point, nothing 

 can influence an experiment station organization quite as much as a change in 

 personnel. During the last year this Station has seen pronounced changes 

 in this respect. 



On December 26, 1932, Dr. Joseph B. Lindsey, at the age of 70, was automati- 

 cally retired from service through the operation of the retirement system for 

 employees of the Commonwealth. He had been identified with the College 

 for about forty years of continuous service in various capacities: as Assistant to 

 Dr. Charles A. Goessm.ann, the first Professor of Chemistry at the College and 

 the founder of the Experiment Station; as Research Professor in Animal Nutri- 

 tion, a position held until his retirement; as Goessmann Professor and Head of 

 the Department of Chemistry; and as V^ice Director of the Experiment Station. 



During this period he was not only a pioneer in the research related to animal 

 nutrition, but also a very prominent factor in directing and formulating legislation 

 which protected the farmer against adulterated feeds and fertilizers. His interest 

 in most phases of education and his distinct common sense and practical approach 

 to all problems, coupled with a strong and lovable personality, made him a 

 delightful leader. Among agricultural scientists he is best known for his contribu- 

 tions in the field of animal nutrition, but his friends place a much greater value 

 on his qualities of manhood. 



A much more tragic change in the Experiment Station organization was ex- 

 perienced on December 5, 1933, through the sudden death at the age of 61 of 

 Dr. Roscoe W. Thatcher. His record in the field of education is well known 

 and since his death has been so thoroughly reviewed in scientific journals and 

 local publications that it requires no consideration here further than to say that 

 he had been given every honor that his associates had it in their power to bestow. 

 He accepted the presidency of Massachusetts State College in 1927 and served 

 in that capacity until 1932, when he found it necessary to retire because of poor 

 health. This decision made him free to accept appointment as Research Professor 

 of Chemistry in the Experiment Station. After a leave of absence of several 

 months, he actively and enthusiastically entered the field of research where 

 every one hoped he would give many more years of valuable service. His sane 

 viewpoint, conscientiousness in effort, and splendid training justified this ex- 

 pectation. His honesty and fairness combined with a frankness and sincerity 

 all too uncommon made him beloved and respected by all with whom he made 

 contact. He was not unwilling to confess his own faults and was so charitable 

 to the faults of others that it was a pleasure to work with him. His leadership 

 in education and especially in the organization and direction of research has 

 made a lasting impression. His friendship and lovable character we shall never 

 forget . 



