Wesley Mills

Born in Brockville, Upper Canada, in 1847, Wesley Mills became one of the key early figures in Canadian physiology. He studied at the University of Toronto and later earned his medical degree at McGill, then continued advanced work in England before returning to build his career in Montreal.

At McGill University, he is remembered as Canada's first professional physiologist and as an energetic teacher who helped introduce laboratory-based scientific training. His research and writing ranged widely, including comparative physiology, animal behavior, and the physiology of voice production, showing an unusual ability to connect careful experiment with practical questions.

Mills also wrote books for students and practitioners, including works on animal physiology and on singing and speaking. He died in London, England, in 1915, leaving behind a reputation as a versatile scientist, educator, and author who helped shape the study of physiology in Canada.