Hobart Hurd Willard

Hobart Hurd Willard (June 3, 1881 – May 7, 1974) was an analytical chemist and inorganic chemist who spent most of his career at the University of Michigan. He was known for his teaching skill and his authorship of widely used textbooks. His research interests were wide-ranging and involved the characterization of perchloric acid and periodic acid salts.

Early life and education Willard was born on June 3, 1881, in Erie, Pennsylvania. His family relocated to Union City, Michigan, in 1883 and he spent the rest of his early life there. His father and later his high school teachers encouraged his interest in chemistry, which he pursued as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan. He received his A.B. in 1903 and his M.A. in 1905. Meanwhile, he was briefly hired as an instructor of chemistry, but at the encouragement of coworkers he decided to pursue his Ph.D. at Harvard University. He received his Ph.D. in 1909 under the supervision of Theodore William Richards. He was known for his strong teaching skills and continued teaching at a variety of institutions after his retirement. often with former students as coauthors.