Many of the instruments used for classroom demonstrations and lab experiments were designed and assembled by Naylor himself. Most of his efforts concentrated on devices for electrical and optical measurements; he made several different types of galvanometer and electroscope, a Wheatstone bridge, a heliostat (which he nicknamed "Joshua"), and two types of interferometer. These apparatus have survived decades of student use and today form part of the "History of Physics at DePauw" exhibit in the Science Center. The Naylor instruments, priceless in terms of their uniqueness and historical value, form a lasting tribute to the craftsmanship of DePauw's last classical physicist.

In 1902, the physics department moved out of its cramped quarters in Middle College and into the south wing of the newly completed Minshall Laboratory. The new science facility, built with a gift of roughly $60,000 from D.W. Minshall and his family, provided much-needed classroom and laboratory space for the increasing enrollments in physics and chemistry.  The main entrance to the building faced west along South College Avenue, almost directly across from the present location of the Phi Psi house. Advanced lab rooms and a machine shop were located on the first floor.  The physics lecture room was on the second floor, together with areas for a library, recitation classes, and a photography darkroom. The general physics laboratory met in a large room on the third floor. As was the case in Middle College, dynamos in the basement provided current for lecture demonstrations and lab work.

In terms of faculty, equipment, and facilities, DePauw now had a solid physics department. The main attraction was Professor Naylor, who had quickly become a favorite among the students. Naylor was a Santa Claus-like figure in both appearance and personality; it was said that "behind those drooping mustaches was a smile for every student."  His lectures were delivered with flair and enthusiasm, and were punctuated by demonstrations, personal anecdotes, and tales of the historical development of physics.  Little wonder that, moving into the second decade of the new century, the number of students taking the introductory course in physics had risen to about 60 per semester, with another dozen students enrolled in upper-level courses. As physics goes, a relatively large chunk (about 10 per cent) of the student population sat through Naylor's lectures in Minshall Laboratory.

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