1988 Award. About the Launching of Modern Science in the U.S.

Alexander Dallas Bache

“…Historians have most commonly discussed Bache's career in the context of the emergence of the American scientific community. 7 In his pioneering work on the history of American science, A. Hunter Dupree had focused on the history of science as a development leading to the federal support ------6 Hugh R. Slotten, "The Dilemmas of Science in the Unites States.…”

“…Alexander had two older brothers, Robert Charles and Stuart George, a younger brother, Charles Stuart, and two sisters, Henrietta Charlotte and Elizabeth. 7 Alexander James Dallas received his education in Scotland and England, where the family returned when he was about five years old. Alexander's mother had died before the family returned to England, and Robert Dallas had remarried.…”

“…------9 Ibid., [6][7][8][9][9][10][11][12][13] Were Alexander and Maria rash and irresponsible? Were they neglecting a realistic assessment of their prospects?…”

“…It was hoped to avoid the dangers of a standing army such as the English Army prior to American independence because such an army was considered a potential danger to the republic. 7 The discussions on the feasibility of a school for officers had thus turned, under Jefferson, toward technical and "scientific" training as a solution. Upon completion of their education at West Point, graduates were not expected to join the army but to return to civilian life and to take charge of militias in case of war.…”

“…Student numbers increased and the reforms were considered a success. 7 In his second year at the university, Bache became the faculty secretary, adding an administrative burden to that of his teaching duties. For some of his seminars, he may have been able to draw on his teaching experience at West Point, or simply work through the text books he provided, but it still must have taken time to establish a teaching routine.…”