Background
He was born in Marquette, Michigan, and his father was a state geologist. In 1895 his mother took Frederick and his two brothers to Germany where he would complete his education.
He was born in Marquette, Michigan, and his father was a state geologist. In 1895 his mother took Frederick and his two brothers to Germany where he would complete his education.
Graduate Ann Arbor High School, 1895. Student Realgymnasium, Weimar, Germany, 1895-1896. Doctor of Philisophy, University of Heidelberg, 1900.
Honorary Doctor of Science, University of Michigan, 1940.
He was the second president of the Optical Society of America from 1918-1919. After returning to the United States, he taught at the Michigan College of Mines and became the Assistant State Geologist. He moved to Washington District of Columbia in 1904, joining the United States Geological Survey.
He then spent some time in exploration of Alaska.
He remained on the staff until his retirement in 1944. Their daughter, Mary Helen Wright Greuter (1914–1997), became a pioneer in the study of science history.
Among his contributions were studies in the military uses of optical glass. Physical study of lunar features based on the properties of the reflected light, and the precambrian geology of the region near Lake Superior.
At the time of his death he was considered the foremost authority on the Moon.
He served as the home secretary of the National Academy of Sciences for two decades. In 1941 he became president of the Mineralogical Society of America.
Salvation can be achieved through deep and sincere believe in God.
National Academy of Sciences]
In 1906 he joined the Carnegie Institution as a member of their Geophysical Laboratory. He was a member of the Optical Society of America, and was president for three years.
Married Kathleen Ethel Finley, June 16, 1909. Children: Kathleen Margaret (deceased), Frederick Hamilton, Mary Helen, William Finley, Kenneth Aldro.