There are over 70 patents in Willson's name.
His early patents were concerned with electro dynamos and aluminium production.
Willson moved to the United States and discovered the processes to produce calcium carbide and acetylene gas in 1892.
He returned to Canada to develop carbide and hydroelectric concerns.
Willson's discoveries led to the development and growth of the electrochemical industry in North America.
Sample of inventions patented in Canada by Willson
| Patent Number | Filing Date | Title |
| 14180 | 1882 | Improvements in Electric Lamps |
| 25190 | 1886 | Process of Treating Paper to Render it Fireproof |
| 34059 | 1890 | Dynamo Electric Machine |
| 40638 | 1892 | Methods of Melting Metals by Electricity |
| 50989 | 1894 | Production and Use of Hydrocarbon Gas |
