The New Student's Reference Work/Bache, Alexander Dallas

Bache (bāk), Alexander Dallas, a noted American scientist. He was a great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin, and was born at Philadelphia in 1806. He graduated with high honors at West Point, where he was made an instructor. He was professor of natural philosophy and chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and later president of Girard College at the same place. He organized a system of free schools in Philadelphia. He was superintendent of the United States coast survey and regent of the Smithsonian institution. He was prominent in scientific circles, and was connected with many scientific societies in both hemispheres. He died at Newport, Rhode Island, February 17, 1867.