Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Discovering Vitamins and Trace Minerals

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

1. Discovering Vitamins and Trace Minerals Marker

Inscription. By feeding diets of single grains to sixteen dairy heifers, University of Wisconsin scientists under the direction of biochemist E.B. Hart in 1907 set the stage for the discovery of vitamins and essential trace minerals. These feeding experiments revealed that micro-components other than fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and salts were necessary for life and reproduction. These missing components were later shown to be vitamins and essential minerals such as iron, copper, and iodine. The single-grain experiments, inspired by biochemist Stephen M. Babcock, changed forever the way scientists viewed diet and nutrition in animals and humans.

Erected 2001 by University of Wisconsin Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 43° 4.523′ N, 89° 24.923′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Linden Drive and Elm Drive, on the right when traveling west on Linden Drive. The marker is in front of the Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences Building on the University of Wisconsin campus.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1656 Linden Drive, Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Preventing Endemic Goiter (within shouting distance of this marker); Scientific Approach to Agriculture (within shouting distance of this marker); Understanding Immunity (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Revolutionizing Animal Reproduction (about 300 feet away); Disease-Resistant Plants (about 600 feet away); First Reliable Test of Milk Quality (about 600 feet away); The Land Ethic (about 600 feet away); Mass Production of Penicillin (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

2. Discovering Vitamins and Trace Minerals Marker

The Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences Building is in the background.

Agricultural Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 25, 2010

3. Agricultural Hall

According to the UW web site, "Built in 1902, Agricultural Hall was designed as the administrative and research home of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The building remains almost entirely unmodified and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985."

Hall of Agriculture, Auditorium and Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

4. Hall of Agriculture, Auditorium and Library

The back entrance to Agricultural Hall.

Detail on Agricultural Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

5. Detail on Agricultural Hall

Symbol of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 797 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on June 29, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.