Torrey, Theodore W. (Theodore Willett), 1907-1986

Indiana University professor of zoology 1932-1972. Served as department chair 1948-1966.

Professor Torrey taught courses in embryology and comparative anatomy for pre-medical students and advanced courses in experimental embryology for seniors and graduate students. He developed and taught a course in developmental anatomy. In his teaching he was one of the pioneers for using three-dimensional photographs and visual aids in both lectures and the laboratory.

Theodore W. Torrey, 1907-1986, was a Professor in the Zoology Department at Indiana University from 1932 until his retirement in 1972. He was Chairman of the Department of Zoology from 1948 to 1966. Torrey was born in Woodbine, Iowa in 1907 and spent his early years in Colorado. In 1927 he was graduated from the University of Denver and subsequently received his M.A. (1929) and Ph.D. (1932) from Harvard University.

Professor Torrey taught courses in embryology and comparative anatomy for pre-medical students and advanced courses in experimental embryology for seniors and graduate students. He developed and taught a course in developmental anatomy. The focus of his research was on the investigation of vertebrate evolution, primarily the excretory and reproductive organs. In his teaching he was one of the pioneers for using three-dimensional photographs and visual aids in both lectures and the laboratory. His textbook, Morphogenesis of the Vertebrates went through four editions from 1962-1979.