William Hillhouse | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 December 1850 Bedford, Bedfordshire |
| Died | 27 January 1910 (aged 59) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Bedford Modern School |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Known for | Botany |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | University of Birmingham |
William Hillhouse FLS (17 December 1850 – 27 January 1910) was the first Professor of Botany at the University of Birmingham (1882–1909).[1][2][3] He was one of the first professors appointed to the Mason Science College in Birmingham in 1882 and, prior to that appointment, was University Lecturer in Botany at the University of Cambridge and Lecturer in Botany at Newnham College, Cambridge and Girton College, Cambridge.[4] During the first year of his tenure at Mason, Hillhouse spent time in Bonn in the laboratory of Professor Strasburger who was then one of the most famous botanists of the time.[4] In 1887 he collaborated with Professor Strasburger on a translation of Strasburger's Practical Botany.[4][5]
Hillhouse was active in advancing education in the Midlands.[4] He was President of the Birmingham Natural History Society and the King's Heath, Bearwood and Moseley Institutes.[4] He was Chairman of the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society and assisted in making the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.