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Eaton, Amos, 1776-1842

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1776-1842
  • Existence: 1776 - 1842

Biographical Note

Amos Eaton joined the New York Bar in 1802 and subsequently established himself as a lawyer and land agent in Catskill, New York. In 1810 Eaton taught what is considered to be the first popular course in botany in the United States. Shortly afterward, Eaton was imprisoned for forgery, and then pardoned in 1815. He relocated to New Haven, Connecticut and studied science under Benjamin Silliman at Yale. In 1817 Eaton began teaching natural sciences at Williams College, where he continued to give public courses as an itinerant lecturer. In the 1820s Stephen Van Rensselaer financed a series of geological surveys of New York State, furthering Eaton's reputation in both field work and scholarship. When Van Rensselaer established the Rensselaer School in 1824, he appointed Eaton senior professor. At Rensselaer, Eaton became a leader in scientific education by combining his unique teaching methods of laboratory experimentation and field observation. He was also an advocate of advanced education for women, although he was unsuccessful in his efforts to integrate women into the collegiate program. Eaton remained at Rensselaer until his death in 1842.

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Amos Eaton as a Chemist, 1938

 Monograph
Identifier: Publication 8
Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series:

The Engineering and Science Series includes sixtyseven monographs written primarily by Rensselaer faculty members and graduate students. Topics include scientific studies, engineering research, and historical essays about Rensselaer and individuals affiliated with the Institute.

Dates: 1938

Amos Eaton papers

 Collection
Identifier: MC 11
Abstract

Personal and professional correspondence, a geological notebook, and miscellany pertaining to Amos Eaton and members of his family.

Dates: Created: 1799-1841

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Amos Eaton, Author, Teacher, Investigator; The First Laboratories for the Systematic Individual Work of Students in Chemistry, Physics and Botany, to be Created in any Country, Established at Rensselaer School by Amos Eaton in 1824 ; B. Franklin Greene and the Reorganization in 1849-50, 1933

 Monograph
Identifier: Publication 8
Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series:

The Engineering and Science Series includes sixtyseven monographs written primarily by Rensselaer faculty members and graduate students. Topics include scientific studies, engineering research, and historical essays about Rensselaer and individuals affiliated with the Institute.

Dates: 1933

Strickland Kneass journal

 Item
Identifier: 1991-16
Content Description

This item is a journal, kept by Strickland Kneass, RPI Class of 1839. Most journal entries describe classes that Kneass took, primarily taught by Amos Eaton. Also included in the entries are small snippets about Troy and Kneass' social life, including parties that he went to, and frequent travels he took to Chicago.

Dates: 1838-1839

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 2
Collection 2
 
Subject
Chemistry -- Study and teaching -- New York (State) -- Troy 2
Botanists 1
Botany 1
Botany -- Study and teaching 1
Botany -- Study and teaching -- New York (State) -- Troy 1