User:Metahistorian

Samuel Williams (1743–1817) was a minister, natural philosopher, professor at Harvard University, and historian of Vermont.

Hollis Professorship
Williams was the third Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Harvard, taking over the position after the death of John Winthrop in 1779. Both Winthrop and Williams were responsible for major changes in the natural philosophy curriculum at Harvard. Williams also introduced a course on experimental astronomy, where his students learned about astronomical principles as well as used instruments.

Scientific Interests
Throughout his time at Harvard, and in the years after, Williams maintained a keen interest in several subjects: mathematics, physics, astronomy. He was most passionate about astronomy and, like other eighteenth-century astronomers, was particularly interested in comets.

Williams in Vermont
After his resignation from Harvard, Williams moved to Rutland, Vermont and quickly established himself as a preacher. While in Vermont Williams also researched, wrote, and published the book The Natural and Civil History of Vermont.