Hmma ipammel Ibanscn, 36. S., flD. S 
BY H. E. SUMMERS. 
Perhaps we do not always give just credit to the influence exerted on the 
progress of science by those who devote themselves largely to the teaching, 
to elementary students, of those methods and fundamental concepts upon a 
true appreciation of which their after development so much depends. Only 
a small proportion of beginners will become professional scientists, but 
every professional scientist was once a beginner, influenced for good or ill 
by the training then received. Furthermore, it is becoming more and more 
generally recognized that success in most occupations and also those quali- 
ties essential to good citizenship depend largely on conformity to the 
scientific method. 
Perhaps it was in this direction that Mrs. N. E. Hansen, during her 
active membership in the Academy, exerted the most lasting influence. Her 
ability as an investigator, however, was clearly shown by studies, the results 
of which were published in the following papers: 
“A comparative Study of the Leaves of Lolium, Festuca, and Bromus.” 
Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science. 4: 126-131. pi. 9-11. 
“A Contribution on the Gases produced by certain Bacteria”, L. H. and 
Emma Pammel. Centralb. f. Bakt. Parastienk. u. Ifekt. II. ABT. 2: 
633-600. PI. 5. 
Also some chemical papers published in the American Chemical Journal. 
Miss Emma Pammel was born at La Crosse, Wisconsin, November 17, 
1874. She prepared for college in the schools of that place and then entered 
the Iowa State College, from which she graduated in 1894. In her under- 
graduate course she was known as a really exceptional student, especially in 
scientific work. Her special interest was in Chemistry and Botany, and on 
her graduation she was appointed an assistant in the former subject, a posi- 
tion which she held for two years. She received her degree of Master of 
Science in 1896. Following this she was a teacher of Science in the East 
Des Moines High School for a year, and then held a similar position at 
Wahpeton, North Dakota. Her work as a High School teacher was discon- 
tinued upon her marriage in November, 1898, to Prof. N. E. Hansen of the 
University of South Dakota. 
Her sad death occurred at her home in Brookings, South Dakota, Decem- 
ber 16, 1904, at the early age of thirty. While this brought to an end her 
personal work in science, may we not hope and believe that her influence 
may live forever through the two children who now mourn her loss, but will 
in future remember her only with love and respect for the qualities for which 
they are indebted to her. 
