Dana, James Freeman, 1793-1827

Dates

• Existence: 1793 - 1827

Biography

James Freeman Dana was born in Amherst, New Hampshire on September 23, 1793. His name at birth was Jonathan, but he changed his name to James in 1820 via an act of the Massachusetts legislature. Dana prepared for college at Phillips Exeter Academy and graduated from Harvard in 1813. Dana then studied medicine under Dr. Gorham, the Chemistry professor at Harvard. After traveling to London to buy chemical equipment for the university, he helped set up Harvard's new Chemistry lab and served as a Chemistry assistant. In 1817, he received his medical degree from Harvard and, while continuing to work there, received an appointment to teach Chemistry each fall to the medical students at Dartmouth College. He married Matilda Webber on January 18, 1818. In 1821, he became Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy at Dartmouth, a position he held until 1826, when he resigned to become Professor of Chemistry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Dana received an honorary degree from Dartmouth in 1821; published a chemistry textbook and other medical essays; studied eletromagnetism; and played a leadership role as a freemason while in New Hampshire, rising to the position of Grand Master of the state in 1825. He died in New York City on April 15, 1827.

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records: