Julius Timoleon Ducatel
Professor Julius Timoleon Ducatel
(1796-1849), Ducatel began his career with his father,
the principal pharmacist for the city of Baltimore, then as professor of
chemistry and geology at the University of Maryland. His ability as a
scientist and a lecturer led to his election to the chair of Chemistry
in the medical department and from 1832 till 1841 he also held posts
with the State geological survey, at first in the preliminary work, and
then as geologist.
DUCATEL, Julius Timoleon,
chemist, born in Baltimore, Md., 6 June, 1796; died there, 23 April,
1849. 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 vears he
was occupied in this pursuit. Soon after his return to Baltimore he
became professor of natural philosophy in the Mechanics' institute, and
later professor of chemistry and geology in the University of Maryland.
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 Meanwhile he had been made professor of chemistry,
mineralogy, and geology in St. John's college, Annapolis, but he
resigned both of these posts in 1839 in order to devote more time to his
speciality of geology. 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. He delivered an interesting
series of lectures on his return, giving an account of his experiences.
Prof. Ducatel was a member of scientific societies at home and abroad,
and regularly contributed scientific articles to the " Baltimore Times"
and the "American Farmer." His principal work was a " Manual of
Toxicology " (Baltimore, 1848).
(The personal edited research
notes of Michael Echols, the source of which may or
may not be completely documented)
