William H. Chapin Papers

William Henry Chapin, Professor of Chemistry at Oberlin College for 32 years (1904-38) is credited with transforming the teaching of chemistry at Oberlin and elsewhere, largely by means of his well-received textbook, Second Year College Chemistry (1922). Aware of ferment in the scientific method of the time and of the traditional content of the undergraduate chemistry courses, he decided his own courses in analytical chemistry were too concerned with method and detail when what was needed was knowledge of general principles tested through experience. Statements needed to be supported by experimental data and documented by reference to original papers. Since no course existed in the Oberlin Chemistry Department, he designed a laboratory course and manual and wrote his textbook. Published in 1922, it even included a chapter on atomic theories discussing new theories of Irving Langmuir (1881-1957) and Gilbert Newton Lewis (1875-1946), noted chemists of the time. His course had a huge impact on Oberlin's curriculum and eventually the teaching of chemistry throughout academia.

William Chapin was born in Brownhelm, Ohio, on 5 October 1872 to Almon (1816-1911) and Julie Ette Broughton Chapin (1831-1886). He spent a few years teaching in local area public schools before entering Oberlin College in 1900. As a senior he served as a laboratory assistant in the Chemistry Department before graduating in 1904. He immediately accepted a position as assistant in the chemistry lab at Oberlin College (1904-06). His value to the department is evidenced by his repeated academic promotions: Instructor (1906-07), Assistant Professor (1910-22), and Professor (1922-38). He left Oberlin (1907-10) to earn a Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania (1909) and to pursue a graduate fellowship (1909-10) before returning to Oberlin in 1910. In 1936, Chapin suffered a stroke, which restricted his activity and led to his retirement in 1938.

A shy, somewhat aloof person whose manner concealed many acts of thoughtfulness and kindness, he was highly respected by his students who responded to his high standards of work and expectations for them. He held membership in the American Chemical Society, the National Geographic Society, and the First Church in Oberlin. He shared his expertise with the Oberlin community (Board of public works, 1922-25) and is especially noted for his efforts to assure pure, soft water for the city. As an amateur photographer, his images of California missions are noteworthy. He also taught some summer courses at USC.

Chapin's research and writings included historical pieces as well as articles devoted to chemistry. In addition to his textbook for chemistry, Chapin's writings included Exercises in Chemistry (1922), "Chemical Research Problems," and "Halide Bases of Tantalum." He wrote a series of articles for the Oberlin Alumni Magazine (1929-31) about the historic landmarks of Oberlin College and the town. His writings also include reports and an article concerning the Oberlin water supply system.

He was married to Bertha Alice Staver (1878-1962) on June 27, 1906. She was active in civic and women's clubs in Oberlin. The couple had four children: Almon Joel (OC 1926-27, 1928-29; 1907-1976), Margaret E. (OC '36; 1913-1996), Mary Elizabeth (1910-1996), and Herbert Arthur (1917-1928). William Henry Chapin died on 5 December 1962 at the age of 90. William and Bertha Chapin were buried in Westwood Cemetery, Oberlin, Ohio.

Sources Consulted

Faculty file of William H. Chapin (RG 28/3); Student File of William H. Chapin (RG 28).