He was educated at St. Mary's College, and then became associated in business with his father, long the principal pharmacist in Baltimore.

His experience in this direction developed a fondness for the study of the natural sciences, and he turned to Paris, where for several years he was occupied in this pursuit.

His ability as a scientist and his success as a lecturer afterward led to his election to the chair of chemistry in the medical department of the university.

From 1832 till 1841 he held appointments in connection with the State geological survey, at first in the preliminary work, and then as geologist.

In 1843 he made a geological exploration of the upper Mississippi in connection with an expedition sent to that region, and in 1846 visited the Lake Superior district for persons interested in the industrial development of that country.