A professor of mathematics, astronomy, and natural philosophy at Harvard from 1833 until his death, Peirce also served as superintendent of the United States Coast survey, for which he created a general map of the United States.
He authored many articles and eleven books, thereby centering America’s mathematics and astronomical research at Harvard University. He also played a role regarding national foundations and organizations by helping to organize the Smithsonian Institution and incorporating the National Academy of Science.
His son, Charles Sanders Peirce, initiated the American philosophy known as pragmatism.