 The study of mineralogy led to his preparation of papers on that subject which he sent to the "American Journal of Science", and in this manner he became acquainted with Benjamin Silliman, the elder.He was invited in 1827 to become Silliman's assistant, and continued so until 1831.Meanwhile, for a year he was curator of Franklin Hall, an institution that was established by James Brewster in New Haven, Connecticut, for popular lectures on scientific subjects to mechanics.