an American astronomer, historian, oceanographer, meteorologist, cartographer, author, geologist, and educator. n 1825 at age 19, Maury obtained a midshipman's warrant in the United States Navy. When a leg injury left him unfit for sea duty, Maury devoted his time to the study of navigation, meteorology, winds, and currents. He became Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Observatory and head of the Depot of Charts and Instruments.
