1864-1949

American mathematics instructor who was appointed chairperson of the mathematics department at Wellesley University, a position she held until her retirement in 1932. Merrill authored or co-authored three mathematical textbooks. Her last, Mathematical Excursions: Side Trips along Paths Not Generally Traveled in Elementary Courses in Mathematics, was written for the general public. Merrill was also very active with the Mathematics Association of America from its inception. She also served as vice-president (1920-1921) of the Mathematical Association of America. In addition to her mathematical interests, Merrill was also a published poet, writing several poems about her field of study.