Description: (American Astronomer, Oceanographer, Meteorologist, Geologist and Naval Officer)
Matthew Fontaine Maury was an American oceanographer and naval officer acclaimed as the "Pathfinder of the Seas." His influential book, The Physical Geography of the Sea, made significant contributions to oceanography. Maury's work at the United States Naval Observatory revolutionized navigation techniques by utilizing ocean currents and winds. His standardized system for recording oceanographic data became universally adopted, benefiting navies and merchant marines worldwide. Despite briefly joining the Confederacy during the Civil War, Maury later resumed his career in academia as a teacher and author.