 | CHAPTER XXVI Jefferson, Cabell and the University of Virginia |  |
Mathematics:
Thomas Hewitt Key organized the School of
Mathematics in 1825, and remained at its head until
1827. He seems never to have been satisfied in
America, certainly not after the disorders of October,
1825. Together with Mr. Long he tendered his
resignation on that unhappy occasion, but it was not
accepted. During the eighteen months following he
twice endeavored to resign, and the last time entered
a plea of failing health in the Virginia climate. He
was released then, and his successors have been
Charles Bonnycastle, 1827-40; J. J. Sylvester,
1840-41; Edward H. Courtenay, 1842-53; Albert
T. Bledsoe, 1854-63;[4]
Robert T. Massie, 1861-62;
Francis H. Smith, 1863-65; Pike Powers was professor
by temporary appointment from 1840 to 1841
and again from 1842 to 1843, and Alexander Nelson
1865-96 (Emeritus, 1896-1900); W. H. Echols
since 1896; James M. Page, adjunct, 1896-98, and
asociate 1898-1902, professor since 1902.
One of the most gifted and aggressive of men was Dr.
Alfred Taylor Bledsoe. Previous to his removal to the University
he was professor of mathematics in the University of
Mississippi. He was a contemporary of Jefferson Davis and
Robert E. Lee at West Point, and as a lawyer practiced in
the same courts in Illinois as Lincoln and Douglas. He went
to Europe during the war at Mr. Davis's request to have the
use of the library in the British Museum in preparing his
book, "Is Davis a Traitor?"
| CHAPTER XXVI Jefferson, Cabell and the University of Virginia | |