Who developed the Williamson ether synthesis?

The Williamson ether synthesis was developed by the English chemist Alexander William Williamson in the 19th century.12

This method, which remains the most versatile way to synthesize ethers, involves the reaction of an alkoxide ion with an alkyl halide to substitute an alkoxy group for the halide. Williamson was also responsible for clarifying the structural relationship between alcohols and ethers, demonstrating that in ethers, an oxygen atom links two hydrocarbon groups.21