Charles Henry Davis

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Charles Henry Davis

American naval officer and scientist

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Born:: Jan. 16, 1807, Boston, Mass., U.S.

Died:: Feb. 18, 1877, Washington, D.C. (aged 70)

Founder:: National Academy of Sciences

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Charles Henry Davis (born Jan. 16, 1807, Boston, Mass., U.S.—died Feb. 18, 1877, Washington, D.C.) was a U.S. naval officer and scientist. Davis spent two years at Harvard before becoming a midshipman, and he returned there for the study of mathematics between sea cruises. He made the first comprehensive survey of the coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine, including the intricate Nantucket shoals area. He also was a prime mover in establishing the American Nautical Almanac (1849), supervising its preparation for several years. A tireless worker for scientific progress, Davis was one of the founders of the National Academy ...(100 of 160 words)

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