Robert M. Patterson

Robert Maskell Patterson (March 23, 1787 – September 5, 1854) was an American chemist, mathematician, and physician. He was a professor of mathematics, chemistry and natural philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania and professor of natural philosophy at the University of Virginia. He also served as director of the United States Mint and as president of the American Philosophical Society.

Born in Philadelphia, to Robert Patterson, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and director of the Mint from 1805 to 1824, who had emigrated to America from Ireland. His mother was Amy Hunter Ewing and he was one of eight children of that marriage. Patterson attended the University of Pennsylvania graduating in 1804 with a B.A., followed by his M.D. in 1808. He journeyed to France that year, where he studied with Haüy, Vauquelin, Legendre and Poisson. In 1811, Patterson went to England where he studied with Humphry Davy. Returning to the United States in 1812, he was appointed a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Patterson remained at Penn until 1828 when he joined the faculty of the University of Virginia. He was elected an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1834. Patterson returned to Philadelphia in 1835 to become director of the U.S. Mint. He was asked by a committee of the American Philosophical Society in 1836 to write a brief report on recommendations for astronomical and physics observations to be carried out by the United States Exploring Expedition, which sailed in 1838. Ill health forced him to resign from the Mint in 1851. Patteson died in Philadelphia on September 5, 1854. He was married to Helen Hamilton Leiper (April 20, 1792 – December 17, 1874).

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