Article

Henry Holmes Croft

Published Online June 9, 2008

Last Edited December 15, 2013

Henry Holmes Croft, educator, scientist (b at London, Eng 6 Mar 1820; d near San Diego, Tex 1 Mar 1883). For 37 years Croft was professor of chemistry (the first) at the University of Toronto and its antecedent, King's College.

Henry Holmes Croft

Henry Holmes Croft, educator, scientist (b at London, Eng 6 Mar 1820; d near San Diego, Tex 1 Mar 1883). For 37 years Croft was professor of chemistry (the first) at the University of Toronto and its antecedent, King's College. His special interests included toxicology and forensic science, which led to his frequent service as a consultant and expert witness in the courts. He also supplied scientific advice to the early refiners of Ontario petroleum. Having a keen interest in biology, Croft contributed to the formation and activities of the Entomological Society of Canada. Inspired to disseminate scientific knowledge, he participated in the work of the MECHANICS' INSTITUTE and the Canadian Institute (now Royal Canadian Institute) in Toronto.