THE INCORPORATORS 13 
research. He lectured almost entirely from notes, which, as 
a rule, were not afterwards elaborated for the press. His best 
and most important works, in addition to the paper mentioned 
above are, “The Fundamental Principles of Mathematics ”; 
“The Origin of the Forms and the Present Condition of the 
Clusters of Stars and Several of the Nebule,” and “ Certain 
Harmonies of the Solar System.” American astronomy owes 
much to the diligence with which he pursued his study of that 
branch of science and to his long-continued efforts in the train- 
ing of youth. 
Stephen Alexander had a scholarly interest in a great variety 
of subjects. He was a linguist of more than common attainments 
and was well versed and deeply interested in literature, history, 
philosophy, theology, mathematics, and several other branches 
of learning. He also wrote very good poetry. He died in 1883. 
(From C. A. Youns, in Biographical Memoirs of the National Academy of 
Sciences, vol. 2, 1886, pp. 249-259.) 
ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE 
Born, July 19, 1806; died, February 17, 1867 
Professor Bache was in every way a remarkable man. His 
scholarship was without a flaw, he had a deep sense of responsi- 
bility, and he possessed to an extraordinary degree that rare 
power of influencing his fellowmen, beating down their opposi- 
tion and molding them to his wishes, whereby he was enabled 
to carry out the plans which he conceived for the promotion of 
the welfare of mankind. He was a great-grandson of Benjamin 
Franklin, and was born in Philadelphia on July 19, 1806. His 
mental abilities were conspicuous even when he was in the lower 
schools. At the early age of 15 years he entered the U. S. 
Military Academy at West Point as a cadet, and was graduated 
in 1825 at the head of his class of which he was the youngest 
member. He was immediately appointed an assistant professor 
and afforded opportunities to extend his studies. At the end of 
a year he was at his own request detailed to assist Colonel Totten 
who was then engaged in the construction of Fort Adams at 
