Francis C. (Francis Cowles) Frary

Born in Minneapolis on July 9, 1884, Francis Cowles Frary studied chemistry at the University of Minnesota, earning degrees there before joining the faculty. Early in his career he taught and carried out research in electrochemistry, building a strong reputation as both a scientist and an educator.

Frary later became closely associated with the Aluminum Company of America, where his work contributed to advances in aluminum production and refining. During World War I, he also worked on problems related to poison gas, reflecting the wide practical reach of his chemical expertise.

He is remembered not only for industrial and scientific achievements, but also for writing clear technical books, including Laboratory Manual of Glass-Blowing, a hands-on guide that remained useful to generations of laboratory students. He died in 1970.