Person

Hunt, Thomas Sterry, 1826-1892

1826-1892

Geochemist Thomas Sterry Hunt was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and educated at Yale. In 1846 Hunt, then an employee of the Vermont Geological Survey, was hired by William Logan as a chemist for the Geological Survey of Canada. While at the survey, he undertook routine tasks of field exploration, chemical analysis of minerals, mining surveys, and administration. From his empirical laboratory experience he developed an interest in theoretical problems, which eventually produced the totally chemistry-based geology of his revolutionary "Report on the Chemistry of the Earth" (1870). Hunt's prolific publishing, as well as his important discoveries on petroleum and the chemistry of crystalline rocks, earned him an international reputation. In 1872, unsatisfied with the new administration of the Geological Survey, Hunt departed for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He stayed there only until 1878, for though he had taught at Laval (1856-1863) and McGill (1862-1868), he did not enjoy educational work. Hunt never again found a truly remunerative or satisfying position. However, he remained a very active member of numerous scientific organizations, including the Royal Society of Canada, of which he was president in 1884, continued to publish, and revisited Canada frequently.