[1] Webster had graduated from Harvard College in 1885 at the top of his class and had stayed for a year as instructor in mathematics and physics.

He is credited with developing an instrument to measure the absolute intensity of sound (the phonometer) and for research on the gyroscope.

He also gave graduate lectures in theoretical physics at Clark University, which have been published as three textbooks.

[2] A group of 20 physicists, invited by Webster, founded the American Physical Society at a meeting at Fayerweather Hall in Columbia University on May 20, 1899.

In 1903, Webster became president of the American Physical Society and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

With a revolver he had bought a few hours before, Webster shot himself twice in the head in his private office while a class waited for him next door.