George S. V. Wills

George Sampson Valentine Wills (1849–1932) was a prominent chemist and pharmacist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for founding the Westminster College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, a pioneering educational institution in London that prepared students for the rigorous examinations of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, an organization established in 1841 to regulate the pharmacy profession.

Early Life and Education

George S. V. Wills was born in 1849, in a period of significant scientific and industrial advancement in Britain. Little is documented about his early life and education, but it is known that he pursued a career in chemistry and pharmacy, fields that were rapidly evolving during his time.

Career

In the late 19th century, Wills recognized the need for formal education and training in the pharmaceutical sciences. At that time, many pharmacists learned their trade through apprenticeships without any standardized curriculum or examinations. Seeing an opportunity to improve the profession, Wills founded the Westminster College of Chemistry and Pharmacy. This institution was among the first in Britain to offer structured educational programs in chemistry and pharmacy, aiming to prepare students for the examinations of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

The college quickly gained a reputation for excellence, attracting students from across the country. Under Wills' leadership, it became a model for pharmacy education, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Wills himself was known to be a passionate educator, dedicated to the advancement of his students and the profession at large.

Contributions to Pharmacy

Wills' contributions to the field of pharmacy extended beyond education. He was actively involved in the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, contributing to the development of standards and regulations for the profession. His work helped to elevate the status of pharmacists, ensuring they were recognized as essential healthcare professionals.

Moreover, Wills was an advocate for scientific research in pharmacy. He encouraged his students and colleagues to engage in experimental work, believing that a strong foundation in science was crucial for the advancement of pharmacy practice.

Legacy

George S. V. Wills passed away in 1932, but his legacy lives on. The Westminster College of Chemistry and Pharmacy laid the groundwork for modern pharmacy education in the UK, influencing the curriculum and standards used in pharmacy schools today. Wills is remembered as a visionary educator and a pioneer in the field of pharmacy, whose efforts significantly contributed to the professionalization and scientific advancement of pharmacy.

See Also

• History of pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
• Education in the United Kingdom

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  George Sampson Valentine Wills

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  Westminster College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Trinity Street, Southwark

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  George Wills habitat map from the Manual of Vegetable Materia Medica (1886)