The College of Engineering

Instruction began in a small way in the College of Engineering in 1868, as will be noted later, but it was when Stillman W. Robinson entered upon his duties as professor of mechanical engineering on January 1, 1870, that instruction began in real earnest. Professor Robinson, then thirty-two years old, had been for the preceding three years assistant professor of mining engineering and geodesy at the University of Michigan, where he had received his undergraduate training With his arrival was inaugurated here the third attempt in this country to give instruction in mechanical engineering. Of those then responsible for the development of the College, he alone had definite ideas as to how to proceed. He was an advocate of combining practical with theoretical instruction, and was responsible for the inauguration of shop practice in the College. A man of fine and persuasive personality and an enthusiastic teacher, he soon enlisted the confidence and support of the administration and trustees and students. He made an impress on the educational aims and ideals of the new college which persisted over many years. He left the University in 1878 to go to Ohio State University.

Professor Robinson was followed by Dr. Selim H. Peabody, who was appointed professor of mechanical engineering and physics in 1878, and later became regent of the University. As regent, he continued for a time to teach the technical subjects in mechanical engineering; but in 1881 he was succeed by his son, Cecil H. Peabody, a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He, in turn, was succeeded by Arthur Tennant Woods, a graduate of the US. Naval Academy, who in 1883 became assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and was for four years in virtual charge of the department under detail from the Navy Department. From 1887 until he resigned in 1891 he was formally in charge as professor.