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James Merrill Safford (1822–1907) was an influential American geologist, chemist, and professor whose contributions to the geological study of Tennessee remain critical to the state’s scientific heritage. Born on August 13, 1822, in Putnam, Ohio, Safford pursued advanced education in chemistry at Yale University. His academic career began in 1848 when he was appointed as a professor of Chemistry and Geology at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he taught for more than two decades. In 1875, he joined Vanderbilt University, where he served as a professor of mineralogy, botany, and geology until his retirement in 1900.
In 1854, Safford was appointed as Tennessee’s State Geologist, directing the Second Geological Survey of the state. However, his earliest contributions to geology began shortly after his appointment at Cumberland University in 1848. By the early 1850s, Safford had already established himself as a promising geologist through his investigations of the Middle Tennessee region, specifically focusing on its Silurian formations. His early work in Middle Tennessee, now referred to as the Nashville Dome, culminated in two critical publications that set the foundation for his later achievements in the field.
Safford’s reputation as a geologist grew with the publication of his 1856 book A Geological Reconnaissance of the State of Tennessee. This work was the first comprehensive geological study of Tennessee, providing an in-depth analysis of the state’s geological features and natural resources. In the book, Safford described the stratigraphy, mineral deposits, and overall geological composition of Tennessee, offering insights that would later inform his more detailed work in Geology of Tennessee (1869). His 1856 publication was critical in bringing attention to Tennessee’s geological wealth, particularly its rich deposits of phosphate and iron ore, which would play significant roles in the state’s economic development.
His most significant achievement in this role was the publication of Geology of Tennessee in 1869, a seminal work that included the first colored geologic map of the state. This publication cemented Safford’s reputation as a pioneer in geological mapping in the United States. His map provided critical insights into the topography, mineral resources, and geological formations of Tennessee, becoming a reference point for scientists and industrialists alike. The work remained foundational for decades and continues to be cited in geological research today.
Throughout his career, Safford was deeply involved in efforts to apply geological science to practical and economic concerns. His collaboration with Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture, leading to the 1874 publication of Introduction to the Resources of Tennessee, was a landmark in promoting the state’s mineral and agricultural resources. This work was an important step in integrating scientific knowledge with the economic development of Tennessee, and Safford's geological contributions were highlighted at the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition, where he oversaw displays on Tennessee’s mineral wealth.
Beyond his geological work, Safford was a prolific academic, publishing fifty-four books, reports, and maps. His teaching career spanned over fifty years, during which he held professorships at Cumberland University and Vanderbilt University. At Vanderbilt, he was known for his dual roles in the Academic and Medical Departments, where he taught natural sciences and served as Dean of the Pharmaceutical Department from 1886 until his retirement in 1900. He also acted as Secretary to the Faculty and had a significant role in shaping the university’s curriculum in natural history and geological studies.
Safford’s contributions extended beyond geology and education. He was appointed to Tennessee’s Board of Health, where he served for thirty years. His expertise in chemistry and geology informed his work as a chemist for the Tennessee Bureau of Agriculture during the 1870s and 1880s. His research often intersected with public health concerns, including the study of water supply, soils, and the geological aspects of disease prevention.
In recognition of his contributions to geology and academia, Yale University awarded Safford an honorary Ph.D. in 1866, one of the earliest honorary doctorates in the field of geology. His career was marked by a balance of teaching, public service, and scientific inquiry, with his work continuing to influence geological research and education in Tennessee and beyond.
