Alexander Winchell, an American geologist, born in Northeast, Dutchess co., N. Y., Dec. 31, 1824. He graduated at Wesley an university in 1847, taught natural sciences in New York and Alabama, became professor of physics and civil engineering in the university of Michigan in 1853, and in 1855 was transferred to the chair of geology, zoology, and botany, which he occupied for the next 18 years; and from 1866 to 1869 he held at the same time the chair of geology, zoology, and botany in Kentucky university. He was state geologist and naturalist of Michigan from 1859 to 1862. In 1860 he submitted the "First Biennial Report of the Progress of the Geological Survey," and in 1865 published a " Geological Map of Michigan." In 1866 he made the survey of the Grand Traverse region of Michigan, and furnished a report thereon. In 1869 he was appointed director of the geological survey of Michigan. In 1870 he published " Winchell's Geological Chart and Key," and "Report of the Progress of the Geological Survey." He made an official geological survey of salt lands in Minnesota in 1870, and published "Geology of the Stars " and " Topographical Data of Michigan." He was elected chancellor of Syracuse (N. Y.) university in 1872, resigned in 1874, and is now (1876) professor of geology and zoology in that institution, and a special lecturer in Vanderbilt university.

He has also published about 200 papers, mostly on scientific subjects, " Genealogy of the Winchell Family" (1869), and "Sketches of Creation" (New York, 1870), and has in press (1876) a work entitled "Lay Theology".