Joseph Henry

Joseph Henry  (December 17, 1797 – May 13, 1878) was an American scientist who served as the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He was the secretary for the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, a previous form of the Smithsonian Institution.^[1] While building electromagnets, Henry discovered electromagnetism, He also discovered mutual inductance independently of Michael Faraday though Faraday was the first to make the discovery and publish his results.^[2][3][4] Henry also developed the electromagnet into a practical device. Among his inventions was the electric doorbell (specifically a bell that could be rung at a distance via an electric wire, invented in 1831)^[5] and the electric relay (1835).^[6]

Joseph Henry
1st Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
In office 1846–1878
Succeeded by	Spencer Fullerton Baird
2nd President of the National Academy of Sciences
In office 1868–1879
Preceded by	Alexander Dallas Bache
Succeeded by	William Barton Rogers
Personal details
Born	(1797-12-17)December 17, 1797 Albany, New York, U.S.
Died	May 13, 1878(1878-05-13) (aged 80) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Nationality	American
Spouse(s)	Harriet Henry (née Alexander)
Children	William Alexander (1832–1862) Mary Anna (1834–1903) Helen Louisa (1836–1912) Caroline (1839–1920)
Alma mater	The Albany Academy
Known for	Electromagnetic induction, Inventor of a precursor to the electric doorbell and electric relay
Scientific career
Fields	Physics
Institutions	The Albany Academy The College of New Jersey Smithsonian Institution Columbian College