 In 1830 he was appointed lecturer on natural history at Yale University, and held that place until 1847.He was associated with Silliman in the scientific examination of the culture and manufacture of sugar that was undertaken by the latter at the special request of the secretary of the treasury; and the southern states, particularly Louisiana and Georgia, were assigned to him to report upon.From 1834 until 1861, he filled the chair of chemistry of the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston.