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Root Nodule Bacteria and Leguminous Plants
Edwin Broun Fred, Ira Lawrence Baldwin, & Elizabeth McCoy
This classic monograph, first published in 1932, presented a thorough and critical examination of early research in biological nitrogen fixation. Seventy years later this publication continues to be an influential work and a valuable reference for those in the field.
Edwin Broun Fred (1887-1981). In a University of Wisconsin-Madison career spanning more than forty-six years, Dr. Fred was a renowned scientist, professor of bacteriology, dean of the Graduate School, and dean of the College of Agriculture. Dr. Fred became president of the university in 1945 and served for thirteen years. Under his leadership the university expanded its studies, services, and physical facilities at an unprecedented rate. Following his retirement Dr. Fred continued his extensive involvement with the university including the development of a program to support women’s graduate studies.
Ira Lawrence Baldwin (1895-1999). As a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of bacteriology, dean of the Graduate School, and dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Baldwin was recognized as an outstanding specialist in the fields of microbiology, industrial fermentation, and microbial physiology. Dr. Baldwin was deeply committed to the university as a source of education, research, and service for the benefit of the world community. In 2001 a gift from the Baldwin estate established the Wisconsin Idea Endowment, which helps fund community service learning programs for students and supports research projects focusing on societal issues.
Elizabeth McCoy (1903-1978). A Wisconsin native, Dr. McCoy was a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of bacteriology and was recognized throughout the world as a truly great microbiologist. She was also extensively involved in research efforts with botanists, plant pathologists, entomologists, limnologists, ecologists, and agricultural specialists. Dr. McCoy was the second woman at the University of Wisconsin to attain the rank of full professor outside the departments of Home Economics and Nursing. Dr. McCoy’s lifelong commitment to the university included the bequest of her family farms and gifts to the Wisconsin Academy. Elizabeth McCoy was considered “one of the great women of the university community.”