In 1869 Nobbe set up the first seed control station, establishing the science of seed testing. He set out to improve seed quality in a sustainable way, through systematic inspection. In his Handbuch der Samenkunde he described the morphology and anatomy of seeds, the germination process, and the physical conditions required for germination, and methods for determining the value of the seeds. He called for the introduction of uniform examination methods. His experimental and control station for seeds in Tharandt, Germany became a model for the establishment of similar seed testing stations elsewhere. Digital facsimile from Google Books at this link.