Robert M. Patterson

Robert Maskell Patterson (March 23, 1787 – September 5, 1854) was an American chemist, mathematician, and physician. He was a professor of mathematics, chemistry and natural philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania from 1812 to 1828 and professor of natural philosophy at the University of Virginia from 1828 to 1835. He served as the 6th director of the United States Mint from 1835 to 1851 and as president of the American Philosophical Society from 1809 to 1854.[1][2]

Early life and education

Patterson was born on March 23, 1787, in Philadelphia,[3] one of eight children of Robert Patterson, a professor of mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania, and the 4th director of the Mint, and Amy Hunter Ewing.[4] Patterson attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1804 with a B.A.. He studied medicine under Benjamin Smith Barton[5] and graduated with a M.D. in 1808.[6] He journeyed to France that year, where he studied with Haüy, Vauquelin, Legendre and Poisson for three years. In 1811, Patterson travelled to England and studied with Humphry Davy.[7]

Career

He returned to the United States in 1812. He was appointed professor of natural philosophy, chemistry and mathematics in the department of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He was appointed vice provost in 1814.[7] Patterson remained at Penn until 1828 when he joined the faculty of the University of Virginia. He was elected an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1834.[8] Patterson was nominated as director of the U.S. Mint by President Andrew Jackson[9][10] and served from 1835 to 1851.[11] He was asked by a committee of the American Philosophical Society in 1836 to write a brief report on recommendations for astronomical and physics observations to be carried out by the United States Exploring Expedition, which sailed in 1838.

He was active in the Franklin Institute, the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind.[6]

Patterson died on September 5, 1854, in Philadelphia,[12] and he was interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery.[13] He was married to Helen Hamilton Leiper, daughter of Thomas Leiper, on April 20, 1814.[14]

American Philosophical Society

Patterson was the youngest person elected to the American Philosophical Society at 22 in 1809. He served as secreatry in 1813, as vice-president in 1825, and as president in 1849.[12]

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Robert Patterson – Philadelphia, PA. waymarking.com
  2. ↑ "APS Member History". search.amphilsoc.org. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  3. ↑ Bache 1859, p. 60.
  4. ↑ "Robert Patterson 1743-1824". archives.upenn.edu. University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  5. ↑ Breck 1854, p. 9.
  6. 1 2 "Robert M. Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1814". founders.archives.org. National Historical Publications & Records Commission. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  7. 1 2 Bache 1859, p. 61.
  8. ↑ "Book of Members, 1780–2010: Chapter P" (PDF). American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  9. ↑ "U. S. Mint Medals Presented to Mint Director Robert M. Patterson ** 2012 ANA EXHIBIT **". coins.www.collectors-society.com. Collectors Society. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  10. ↑ Bache 1859, pp. 61–62.
  11. ↑ Seijas, Tatiana; Frederick, Jake (2017). Spanish Dollars and Sister Republics - The Money that Made Mexico and the United States. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. p. 123. ISBN 978-1-4422-6520-2. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  12. 1 2 Bache 1859, p. 62.
  13. ↑ "Robert M. Patterson". remembermyjourney.com. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  14. ↑ Breck 1854, p. 12.

Sources

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