Pillsbury, W. B. (Walter Bowers), 1872-1960

Professor of psychology at University of Michigan.

From the description of Walter Bowers Pillsbury papers, 1858-1960 (bulk 1890-1942). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 81275256

From the description of Walter Bowers Pillsbury papers, 1893-1960. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34419856

Pillsbury received a Ph.D. degree from Cornell University in 1896.

From the description of Walter Bowers Pillsbury photograph album, 1894. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 74898913

Psychologist.

Cornell University Ph.D. 1896.

From the description of Walter B. Pillsbury photographs, [ca.1892-1896]. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 64755917

Walter Bowers Pillsbury was professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, teaching first in the philosophy department and then helping to establish a psychology department. Pillsbury was born July 21, 1872 in Burlington, Iowa. He studied at Penn College, the University of Nebraska, and Cornell University where he received his Ph. D. degree in 1896. After teaching for a year at Cornell, Pillsbury in 1897 came to the University of Michigan as an instructor in psychology (in the philosophy department). In 1901, he became director of the psychology laboratory. In 1910, he was made full professor and in 1929, when the department of psychology was established, he was appointed chairman.

Before coming to the university, there were only occasional lectures in psychology, given by philosophy professors. Pillsbury introduced regular courses in psychology. He also established the psychological laboratory which introduced students to laboratory work and stimulated extensive experimentation with humans as well as animals. In his research and writing, Pillsbury was renowned for his work in the area of reasoning and attention, publishing monographs on both topics. He was skilled as a teacher and lecturer, and was a prolific writer. Pillsbury retired from the university in 1942 and died in 1960.

From the guide to the W. B. Pillsbury papers, 1858-1960, 1890-1942, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)

Walter Bowers Pillsbury was professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, teaching first in the philosophy department and then helping to establish a psychology department. Pillsbury was born July 21, 1872 in Burlington, Iowa. He studied at Penn College, the University of Nebraska, and Cornell University where he received his Ph. D. degree in 1896. After teaching for a year at Cornell, Pillsbury in 1897 came to the University of Michigan as an instructor in psychology (in the philosophy department). In 1901, he became director of the psychology laboratory. In 1910, he was made full professor and in 1929, when the department of psychology was established, he was appointed chairman.

Before coming to the university, there were only occasional lectures in psychology, given by philosophy professors. Pillsbury introduced regular courses in psychology. He also established the psychological laboratory which introduced students to laboratory work and stimulated extensive experimentation with humans as well as animals. In his research and writing, Pillsbury was renowned for his work in the area of reasoning and attention, publishing monographs on both topics. He was skilled as a teacher and lecturer, and was a prolific writer. Pillsbury retired from the university in 1942 and died in 1960.

From the guide to the W. B. Pillsbury pamphlets and reprints, 1900-1950, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)