The Biographical Dictionary of America/Bache, Alexander Dallas

BACHE, Alexander Dallas, physicist, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 19, 1806; son of Richard and Sarah (Franklin) Bache and great-grandson of Benjamin and Deborah (Reed) Franklin. He was graduated at the U.S. military academy in 1825, and remained there as instructor in engineering. He was professor of natural philosophy and chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 1828-’36. In 1828 he was elected a member of the Franklin institute, and was its corresponding secretary. In 1836 he became the first president of Girard college. The college building had not been finished, and Mr. Bache was sent to Europe to investigate the best educational methods of the old world. On his return, two years later, he published a large volume reporting the results of his study. "This report," says Joseph Henry, "has done more, perhaps, to improve the theory and art of education in this country than any other work ever published." The college was still, however, in a state of incompletion. and in order to use his time to advantage. Professor Bache undertook to reorganize the Philadelphia high school. This was accomplished in a year, and he then became principal of the high school and superintendent of the public schools of Philadelphia. In 1842 he returned to his former chair at the University of Pennsylvania. but the following year left it to succeed Mr. Hassler, superintendent of the United States coast survey. This survey, though begun in 1807, had accomplished very little, extending only from New York harbor to Point Judith, and south to Cape Henlopen. Professor Bache, with the intuitive talent for organization which won him his title of "chief," set various expeditions at work, under efficient leadership, each to survey a section of the coast, thus having the whole work accomplished simultaneously. In a memoir of Professor Bache, published by the National academy of sciences, his biographer says: "He commenced the exploration of the Gulf Stream, and at the same time projected a series of observations on the tides, on the magnetism of the earth, and the direction of the winds at different seasons of the year. He also instituted a succession of researches in regard to the bottom of the ocean within soundings, and the forms of animal life which are found there, thus offering new and unexpected indications to the navigator. He pressed into service, for the determination of the longitude, the electric telegraph; for the ready reproduction of charts, photography; and for multiplying copper-plate engravings, the new art of electrotyping. Of his work in the coast survey he published reports which are included in twenty large volumes and are of great value." But while devoting so much of his time and attention to this important work, Professor Bache also held many prominent and responsible offices. He was superintendent of weights and measures, a commissioner on the lighthouse board, a regent of the Smithsonian institution, vice-president of the United States sanitary commission, president of the American philosophical society, and of the American association for the advancement of science and the first president of the National Academy of Sciences, 1863-'67. In selecting names for the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, New York university, October, 1900, his name in "Class H. Scientists" received nine votes, Audubon and Gray only securing place in that class. He published, "Observations at the Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory of Girard College" (3 vols., 1840-45). His death occurred in Newport. R. I., Feb. 17, 1867.