Memorial to
Neil Hooker Williams
1870-1956

Neil Hooker Williams, Professor Emeritus of Physics since his retirement in February, 1941, was born at Almont, Michigan, on October 23, 1870, and died in Ann Arbor November 21, 1956. He was the son of the Rev. Horace Robbins Williams and Amelia Buckley Williams.

Professor Williams was graduated from the University of Michigan in Electrical Engineering with the class of 1893. He taught physics at Bay City High School, at Detroit Central, and at Shortridge High School, Indianapolis; then served as assistant professor of physics at Rose Polytechnic Institute from 1903 to 1908. He received the master's degree in physics at the University of Michigan in 1895,
and the doctor's degree in 1912. He was married to Elizabeth McDonald of Detroit in 1899.

Appointed instructor in physics at the University of Michigan in 1908, he became assistant professor in 1912, associate professor in 1916, and full professor in 1919. He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Physical Society, and a member of the Institute of Radio Engineering. He was a member of the First Congregational Church.

Professor Williams was one of the great teachers of the University. He organized and developed the large undergraduate course for engineering students and, over a period of many years, gave the lectures and demonstrations. His lectures were models of clarity and he impressed his many students with the logic and power of physics as well as with his inherent kindliness and consideration for their problems. Together with Professors Randall and Colby he wrote a lucid and important text "General College Physics" which was published in 1929 and revised in 1937. He was also the author of an advanced text "Electron Tubes" published in 1935 and was a frequent contributor to the scientific journals.

Professor Williams' approach to physics was that of the pure scientist absorbed in discovery alone. Although aware of the importance of his work, he had little if any personal interest in the practical applications of what he discovered. His field of research was in the area of electronics and he made a number of fundamental advances which influenced the development of the subject. Among these there are two which particularly stand out. The first was a research in 1926 on a screen grid tube which was the forerunner of the groups of complex electron tubes which are the heart of modern electronics. The second was a brilliant piece of work completed in 1933 which resulted in the production and measurement of the shortest electromagnetic waves attained up to that time through the use of electron tubes. The subsequent development of the sources used in radar had much of its inception in this research by Professor Williams.

Professor Williams is survived by his wife, by two sons, Donald H. Williams of Port Huron and Dr. Howard R. Williams of Ann Arbor, and by five grandchildren to all of whom we extend our sincere sympathy.

R. W. Cowden
G. A. Lindsay
H. M. Randall
D. M. Dennison, Chairman