Dr. Marion Dorset

(1872-1935) Born in Columbia, Tennessee, Dr. Dorset attended the University of Tennessee and graduated in 1893 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then studied medicine for a year at the University of Pennsylvania. He entered the service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1894 as assistant chemist.

While employed in Washington, he continued his medical studies at George Washington University where he completed his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1896.

The scientific investigations conducted by Dr. Dorset during the forty years of his connection with the Bureau of Animal Industry covered a very broad field. Without any question, his investigations of hog cholera brought him the greatest fame. Toward the close of the year 1905, Dr. Dorset and his assistants demonstrated conclusively that a hog could be protected from hog cholera.

In 1906, the method was patented by Dr. Dorset, all rights to its use being dedicated to the public, without the payment of any royalty. His scientific discoveries have had a marked impact upon agriculture in the world.

Information provided by Tom Price, Director of The Maury County Archives