The Biographical Dictionary of America/Alexander, John Henry

ALEXANDER, John Henry, scientist, was born in Annapolis, Md., June 26, 1812. His education was acquired in his native city, and he was graduated from St. John's college in 1826. He then studied law, but did not practise, devoting himself to scientific investigation and study. As topographical engineer of Maryland, to which office he was appointed in 1834, he made a survey of the state in connection with the geological survey, and prepared the annual reports until 1841. These reports prompted the opening of valuable coal and iron mines. He was an authority on standards of weight and measure, and was associated with Superintendents Hassler and Bache of the coast survey. He went to England in 1857 as delegate from the United States government to the British commission on decimal coinage. His research in this field recommended him as director of the U. S. mint, which appointment was prevented by his death. He served as professor of physics in the University of Maryland, St. John's college and the University of Pennsylvania. He was one of the incorporators of the national academy of science, and a member of the chief scientific societies of America. He published, beside valuable scientific papers, "History of Metallurgy of Iron" (1840-'42); "Universal Dictionary of Weights and Measures, Ancient and Modern" (1850). He left unpublished manuscript for "A Dictionary of English Surnames" (12 vols. 8 vo). William Pinkney wrote his life published in 1867, and J. E. Hilgard, a memoir published in Vol. I. of "Biographical Memoirs" of the national academy of science. Professor Alexander died in Baltimore, March 2, 1867.