1807-1884

Geographer and geologist, born in Boudevilliers near Neuchâtel. Assisted Louis Agassiz in his research into glaciers and erratic blocks in the Alps. Moved to the USA in 1848 on the advice of Agassiz. Appointed professor of geography and geology in Princetown in 1854; held other teaching appointments in various schools. He also made important contributions to meteorology and oceanography, and produced a study of the Appalachians. He gave his name to a type of underwater volcanic formation.