The New Student's Reference Work/Maury, Matthew F.

Maury (ma̤′rĭ), Matthew F., an American naval officer and scientist, was born near Fredericksburg, Va., Jan. 14, 1806. In 1825 he entered the navy as midshipman, and while still a passed-midshipman he began his Treatise on Navigation, which was used as a text-book in the navy. After 13 years' service he became lieutenant, in 1837, but two years later an accident lamed him for life and unfitted him for service afloat. In 1842 he was made superintendent of the hydrographical office at Washington and, two years later, of the observatory. Here he made careful observations on winds and currents, from the results of which he wrote his Physical Geography of the Sea, The Gulf Stream, Ocean Currents and Great-Circle Sailing. Maury was made a commander in 1855, but when his state seceded he joined the Confederate navy. After the war he was professor of physics in Virginia Military Institute, Lexington. He was a member of the scientific societies of Europe, and practically was the founder of the new and important science of oceanography. Professor Maury died at Lexington, Va., Feb. 1, 1873. See his Life by his daughter.