Mineralogist; born in
Utica, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1813; graduated at Yale College in 1833; went to the Mediterranean in the
Delaware as teacher of mathematics in the United States navy, and was mineralogist and geologist of
Wilkes's exploring expedition, 1838-42 (see
Wilkes, Charles). For thirteen years afterwards
Mr. Dana was engaged in preparing the reports of this expedition and other scientific labors.
These reports were published by the government, with atlases of drawings made by
Mr. Dana.
He was elected to the chair of
Silliman Professor of Natural History and Geology in Yale College in 1850, entered on his duties in 1855, a place he held till 1890, and was for many years associated with his brother-in-law,
Benjamin Silliman, Jr., in editing and publishing the
American journal of Science and art, founded by the elder
Silliman in 1819.
Professor Dana contributed much to scientific journals, and was a member of many learned societies at home and abroad.
In 1872 the Wollaston gold medal, in charge of the London Geological Society, was conferred upon him. He died in New Haven, April 14, 1895.
