The Career of Clarence King

As the first director of the U.S. Geological Survey Clarence King had significant influence on the development of American geology. From his first professional work, in 1863, until he died, in 1901, King was a leading figure within the American geological community. Although he was always interested in geology, King's career reflects personal concerns that had little, if anything, to do with science. Some of these personal factors and personal values can be identified. Examining them provides insight into the complexity of scientific careers in the late nineteenth century.