Joseph Henry Constructs Large Electromagnet for Yale College Professor Benjamin Silliman

Summary

Shortly after completing an article on his electromagnet for Benjamin Silliman's Journal of American Science, Joseph Henry begins making a large electromagnet for Silliman to demonstrate to his students at Yale University. The 82.5 -pound magnet proves capable of supporting more than 2,000 pounds. In 1846, Henry would become the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

Subject

• Henry, Joseph 1797-1878
• Silliman, Benjamin 1816-1885
• Yale University

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

• Henry constructed this magnet based on principles outlined in a paper published in Silliman's Journal of American Science in January, 1831. For full text and illustrations, see http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/9077306. The magnet was described in the April edition of Silliman's Journal (http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/9077319).
• Reingold, Nathan, ed. The Papers of Joseph Henry, The Albany Years, December 1797 - October 1832, vol. 1. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1972, pp. 319-2.
• Scientific Writings of Joseph Henry. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Vol. 30. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1887, pp. 37-53.

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

January 15, 1831

Topic

• Electric apparatus and appliances
• Inventors
• Scientific apparatus and instruments
• Inventions
• Electromagnets
• Electromagnet
• Electromagnetism
• Electromagnetic Induction

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