History of the Chemistry Department

The first chemistry degree class consisting of 5 men, taken in 1886.

Introduction : 1874-1886

1874, The department started with 31 young men. Mr. George Baptie was the first Professor of Chemistry.

1880, Professor J.H. Panton oversaw inorganic, organic, and agricultural chemistry among other specialties.

1882, Professor R. B. Hare converted the gym/old dining hall in the residence at the time into a lab. The tables and shelving were built by the students.
1885, C. C. James became Professor of Chemistry. Up until 1886 programs were 2 years long (associate certificate). Students studied chemical physics, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, elements of analytical chemistry, and laboratory practice. A 3rd year "post-graduate" course was started with the addition of 4 courses in chemistry qualifying it as a degree and became affiliated with the University of Toronto. The first degree class consisted of 5 men - 1 was G. C. Creelman who later became President of the OAC; another was C. A. Zavitz who was college staff as Assistant in Chemistry from 1898-1904 and acting president of the OAC during World War I. Both men have buildings on campus in their name. Early studies were on chemical composition of dairy products, well water, drainage water, wood ashes and fertilizers.

Part 1: 1887 - 1896

1887, A new building was constructed to become the first separate science building known as the chemistry building.

1888, Studies were conducted on ensilage corn as a source of feed.

1889, First work on sugar beets was reported.

1891-1901, A. E. Shuttleworth was Professor of Chemistry.

1896, The chemistry building was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in the same year with new, larger 2 storey building. It was the first building on campus with electric lighting.

Part 2: 1901 - 1949

1901, The chemistry program changed to a 4-year course while still offering a 2-year course with some chemistry for men who intended to return to the farm.

1903, The women’s college, MacDonald Institute opened. Women took inorganic chemistry in first year and had lectures and labs on the chemistry of food.

1906-7, The Chemistry building got an extension. This building was finally demolished in 1965.

1921, Susannah Chase was the first woman to graduate with a B.A.S.

1926, Trent Institute was built for commercial baking and further study was managed by the Professor of Chemistry until 1940-41. The building is now Physical Resources. Professor Harcourt used the new space to determine gluten content in different varieties of wheat. The addition to the building allowed for milling and baking on site to conduct these studies.

1946-1947, Another addition was added to the back of the chemistry building to accommodate in influx of students post-World War II.

1948-1949, One lab was converted for work on radioactive tracers.

Part 3: 1965 - 1974

1965, The Chemistry and Microbiology Building was built.

1965, When the Federated Colleges became the University of Guelph, the Department of Chemistry moved from the OAC into the newly formed Wellington College (formed in 1964 for the teaching of Arts and Science) Semesters were introduced where 2 semesters were equal to 1 year at other universities.

1967, Physical Science Building (now known as MacNaughton Building) was opened with the west wing devoted to chemistry.

1970, The Department of Chemistry moved to Wellington College.

1974, Biochemistry was revived and reinstated as a degree program. The Department now had two honours programs: Honours in Biochemistry and Honours in Chemistry.

The College of Engineering & Physical Sciences : 1989 - 2017

1989, The OAC’s School of Engineering merged with the College of Physical Science to form the College of Physical and Engineering Science.

2002, A multiphase plan was implemented to build the Science Complex to replace the Chemistry and Microbiology Building. The Chemistry and Microbiology Building was demolished in stages while the new building was built.

2004, The Science Complex enters its first phase of opening with 165 000 square feet including research laboratories and greenhouses.

2007, The Science Complex completes its final phase of opening.

2014, The Science Complex is renamed the Summerlee Science Complex after Alastair Summerlee who was the University’s president from 2003-2014.

2017, The College of Physical and Engineering Science (CPES) renames to the College of Engineering and Physical Science (CEPS).

Pandemic: 2020 - 2024

2020, Renovations to MacNaughton West started in March but were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovations resumed in May and were completed in December of the same year.

2024, The Department of Chemistry celebrates 150 years since its formation with an Open House and dinner during Alumni Weekend. Nearly 200 alumni, students, current and retired faculty and staff, and their families were in attendance. Guests were treated to liquid nitrogen ice cream, a variety of science-based crafts, and experiments for all ages.

Chem 150

In June of 2024, the Department of Chemistry commemorated its 150th anniversary. The Department organized a series of events and activities under the "Chem 150" banner, aimed at engaging students, faculty, staff, alumni and former faculty to honour the department's history and ongoing contributions to the field of chemistry.

Events and activities included a Symposium at the annual Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition, celebrations at Alumni Weekend, a dedicated issue in the Canadian Journal of Chemistry, and more. Read more: Chem 150: 150 Years of Pioneering Chemistry.

For a complete history from 1874 – 1980, please see:

History of the Chemistry Department 1874 – 1980 by Dr. R.S. Brown