Sir David Orme Masson, 1858 - 937

To few men has it been given to build so worthily in an outpost of the Empire as did the late Sir David Orme Masson, emeritus professor in the University of Melbourne, who passed away on 10 August 1937. For over half a century he was an outstanding influence in fostering science in Australia, and its acknowledged leader for many a year preceding his death. He lived to see his adopted University increase tenfold in size and the city of Melbourne grow in population from 400,000 to well over a million. Not only did he found a School of Chemistry which achieved high distinction under his leadership, but he was ever a very active guide and administrator in general University development and in many lines of national life outside the academic walls.