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William McPherson
1864–1951
Best remembered as a chemist, textbook author, and academic leader at Ohio State, he helped shape science teaching for generations of students. He also stepped in as acting president of the university during a transitional period at the end of the 1930s.
1 Audiobook
An Elementary Study of Chemistry
by William Edwards Henderson, William McPherson
About the author
Born in 1864 and dying in 1951, William McPherson built a long career at The Ohio State University as a chemistry professor and administrator. He is remembered not only for his work in the classroom and laboratory, but also for helping guide the university as acting president from 1938 to 1940.
McPherson wrote and co-wrote several chemistry textbooks and teaching materials, including works with William Edwards Henderson. Those books were widely circulated and show his strong interest in clear, practical science education.
His legacy at Ohio State lasted beyond his lifetime: a chemistry laboratory was named for him, reflecting the importance of his contribution to the university and to chemistry teaching more broadly.