Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-21
SKETCH OF THE LATE DIR. PATTER-
SON OF PHILADELPHIA.

SON Or
The Philadelphia Enquirer gives the follow
ing biographical sketch of DR.. Patterson, a
distinguished scientific gentleman, whose death
was recently announced in the newspapers:
aDr. Patterson was born in Philadelphia in
l787-the son of DIR. Robert Patterson, dis
tinguished Professor in the University of Penn
sylvania, Director of the Mint and President
of the American Philosophical Society, from
whom he inherited the talents and predictions
which raised him also TO the same honorable
places. He graduated as q physician at the
University at an early age, and continued his
medical studies for several years in Paris and
other parts Of Europe. Returning to this city
1912, with the intention of practising his pro-
fession, he was diverted from it by an immedi-
ate appointment to the Professorship of Natural
Philosophy in the Medical Department of the
University, and soon afterward TO that OF
Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the
Classical Department. AT the age Of twenty
seven he was elected to the Nice-Provosts
chair. During the war, at the time that the
attack of the British was threatened on Balti-
more in 1913, DR.. Patterson was called by the
Committee Of Safety Of that city, to lay out and
superintend the construction Of the forti6ca-
tions-a duty which he so ably performed as to
win n public vote of thanks. For fourteen
years DR.. p. remained in the University, full.
filling the duties of his chair with eminent sue
cess. During this period he directed his atten-
ton to various kindred objects, and had the
honor of the founders and most active and
efficient officers Of the Franklin 1nstitute-the
first institution of its nature in this country.
His tastes, however, we're not restricted to ex-
act science, or to the arts, only akin to IL In
1920 he established. with others, the Musical
Fund Society," also the first Of its class in the
| United States. and now rich and fourishing
| institution. OF this DR.. Patterson was many
years the President.
His earliest and most earnest affections, how
ever, were with the American Philosophical
Society, to which he was elected Just as he at
tanned his majority, continuing through life
one Of its leading members. He was elected
vice president, and in ls45 president, as sue
/ cessor to Mr.. Du Ponceau. He declined the
Office, however, his modesty refusing prede-
dence of his senior, the late eminent Dr. Chap
man, was was accordingly chosen to fill the
vacany. On the death Of DR.. c., DR.. Patter-
son was again elected to the head of this most
venerable Of American scientific associations
| In 1928 he had been called from the University
of Pennsylvania TO that Of Virginia, accepting
in the latter the chair Of Natural Philosophy
| After seven years service in that post, he was
rendered by President Jackson the directorshiT
Of the United States mint in this city--a place
which he continued to hold under every sub
segment President, until, owing TO rapidlp de-
clining health, he resigned during Mr.. Fill
more's administration. Among other positions
held by DIR. Patterson, indicative alike Of the
respect in which others held him, and OF his
own worthy aims, were those Of president o.
the Pennsylvania Life Annuity Company, and
vice president, Of the Pennsylvania institution
for the instruction Of the Blind. The mere
enumeration of these Offices is an index TO the
character Of DR.. Patterson's mind, the extent
Of his requirements, and the elevation, purity
and humanity Of his tastes. Various as were
the objects Of his attention, whether simple
1 science, the liberal arts, or benevolence, his do
votion to all was alike earnest and laborious
His impulses we're for good alone; and the
purpose which on an instant's reflection en-
gagged his sympathies, was pursued for years
with untiring conscientiousness. All Who have
been associated with him in the institutions VIC
have mentioned, can bear testimony to hi,
scrupulous fulflment Of every duty, not onl,
imposed but even implied by any connection
The manners of DR.. Patterson were worthy o
bis fine intellect and excellent heart at ono,
dignihed, cheerful and winning. His preseno,
and pursuits were most happily consonant il
illustrating the conception OF true Christian
gentleman--one equally serving and adjoining
society, ~