Wiring of thermal couples from a straw gas retort. Wires and boxes sitting on a shelf in [Engineering] Building. In a chemistry laboratory, a retort is a device used for distillation or dry distillation of substances.

Bio/Historical Note: Prof. R.D. MacLaurin, head, Department of Chemistry, was interested in the production of gas from straw as a fuel for heating and for engines. Though he was not alone in the research field, MacLaurin built a small extraction plant in the late 1910s and operate a McLaughlin Motor Car using straw gas. The research was promising but far from a breakthrough. The volume of gas produced was small and the mileage between fill-ups low. The most significant aspect of the research was not scientific but financial. MacLaurin felt cheated when Walter C. Murray, University President, distributed provincial research funds to several campus projects. Though he had the largest share of the grant, MacLaurin felt he deserved it all. He alleged Murray had misappropriated funds. A battle ensued for the control of the University administration. Murray was able to maintain the confidence of the Board of Governors and MacLaurin and three of his supporters - Samuel Greenway, Extension director; Ira MacKay, professor of Law; and John L. Hogg, head, Physics - were dismissed. Research into straw gas was discontinued.

[R.D. MacLaurin] standing (left) in front of a vehicle with a large tank attached on top which reads "Straw Gas". Three men sitting inside, possibly [F.H. Edmunds] in passenger seat. Sign on running board reads: "McLaughlin Motor Car Model D45". Engineering Building in background.

Bio/Historical Note: Prof. R.D. MacLaurin, head, Department of Chemistry, was interested in the production of gas from straw as a fuel for heating and for engines. Though he was not alone in the research field, MacLaurin built a small extraction plant in the late 1910s and operate a McLaughlin Motor Car using straw gas. The research was promising but far from a breakthrough. The volume of gas produced was small and the mileage between fill-ups low. The most significant aspect of the research was not scientific but financial. MacLaurin felt cheated when Walter C. Murray, University President, distributed provincial research funds to several campus projects. Though he had the largest share of the grant, MacLaurin felt he deserved it all. He alleged Murray had misappropriated funds. A battle ensued for the control of the University administration. Murray was able to maintain the confidence of the Board of Governors and MacLaurin and three of his supporters - Samuel Greenway, Extension director; Ira MacKay, professor of Law; and John L. Hogg, head, Physics - were dismissed. Research into straw gas was discontinued.

View of Field Husbandry Building at centre; National Research Council Building at left and Engineering Building at right.

Bio/Historical Note: Field Husbandry changed its name to Crop Science in 1962.

View of Field Husbandry Building at centre; National Research Council Building at left and Engineering Building at right.

Bio/Historical Note: Field Husbandry changed its name to Crop Science in 1962.

Looking northeast at Field Husbandry (later Crop Science) Building and Engineering Building. Two unidentified women sitting on grass in foreground; cars parked on road.

Elevated view looking northeast at University buildings (from l to r): Field Husbandry (later Crop Science) Building; Engineering Building; and National Research Council. Landscaping and lamp post visible in foreground. Probably taken from Physics Building.

Looking northwest with feed (grain) elevator and Rutherford Rink in foreground, Engineering Building at centre and Western College of Veterinary Medicine at top.

View of greenhouses in centre foreground of image. University buildings in background are l to r: outer edge of Administration Building, Engineering Building, Livestock Pavilion, and Main Barn. Flowering shrubs in foreground.

Elevated view looking east of University buildings from l to r: Engineering Building, Main Barn, and Physical Education Building. Greenhouses in foreground.

Ewes and lambs in a stock pen; Livestock Pavilion and old Engineering building in background.

Looking north at campus buildings (l to r): Engineering Building, Livestock Pavilion, and Main Barn.

View looking east of University buildings (l to r): Engineering Building, Rutherford Rink, Livestock Pavilion, Main Barn (Animal Husbandry Building in front), and National Research Council. Parking lot in front of Engineering Building; cars parked on road in foreground.

View looking west of University buildings (from l to r): corner of Field Husbandry (later Crop Science) Building; Engineering Building; Rutherford Rink; Livestock Pavilion; and National Research Council. Landscaping and road in foreground.