Eaton, Amos, 1776-1842
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 1 Collection or Record:
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
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.
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- Subject: Physics -- Study and teaching -- New York (State) -- Troy X