The Biographical Dictionary of America/Anthony, William Arnold
ANTHONY, William Arnold, physicist, was born in Coventry, R. I., Nov. 17, 1835. After his graduation from the Yale scientific school he taught in Rhode Island for three years, and in 1860 received his degree from Yale. During the two years that followed he was professor of sciences in the Providence conference seminary at East Greenwich, R. I. He subsequently taught the sciences in Antioch college, Iowa agricultural college, and Cornell university. He made many successful experiments in electricity and devised several practical improvements in mechanical electrical appliances. He contributed frequently to the more prominent scientific journals, and prepared, with C. F. Brackett, an "Elementary Text-Book on Physics" (1885). He was elected a member of the American institute of electrical engineers, and of the American association for the advancement of science.