Born in Leyden, Massachusetts. Graduate of Rensselaer School, Troy, New York, in 1829. He lectured as a botanist and became a professor at Cincinnati Medical College. He received an M.D. from that college in 1836. Married to Mary in 1836. She died in 1839. He was a professor at the Medical College of Louisiana, later Tulane University, and remained there until his death.

In 1838, although unskilled, he was appointed by the President as melter and refiner in the New Orleans Mint where he continued until 1849.

In 1840 his dispute with Dr. John McCarthy resulted in a conviction for assault and battery.

In the scientific field he developed the Binocular microscope in 1851.

Author of A Monograph of the Silver Dollar Good and Bad in 1845.

Served as postmaster for New Orleans. During the Civil War he produced paper scrip. He died in New Orleans.

bio: ApCAB; BDAS; DAB; NCAB 21; WWWA-H