Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1000

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Joseph Henry collection, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1831-1872 (inclusive)

Creator:

Henry, Joseph

Form:

Correspondence

Abstract:

Joseph Henry (1797-1878) was an American scientist who served as the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. One of the most highly-regarded American scientists during his lifetime, he is known for his pioneering work on electromagnetism. The collection is comprised of correspondences between Henry and his colleagues in the scientific and academic communities. Subjects range from a letter of recommendation for the appointment of a friend to the faculty of William and Mary College to administrative affairs.

Joseph Henry (1797-1878) was an American scientist and professor who served as the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, from 1846 to 1878. One of the most highly-regarded American scientists during his lifetime, he is known for his pioneering work on electromagnetism. Henry discovered the phenomenon of self-induction and, independent of Michael Faraday, the phenomenon of mutual induction. His inventions include a precursor to the modern doorbell and the electric relay. In the International System of Units, the unit for induction (the henry) is named in his honor.

Born in Albany, New York to William and Ann Henry, Henry attended Albany Academy, where, in addition to his studies, he worked as a chemical assistant and lecture preparer. It was at this school, following an appointment in 1826 to the position of professor of mathematics and natural philosophy, that he began his research on electromagnetism. In 1832 he took an appointment as professor of natural philosophy at the College of New Jersey (present-day Princeton University).

After being voted secretary of the Smithsonian in 1846, Henry focused the institution on fostering relationships abroad, as well as publishing original research. He created a program that studied weather patterns that would eventually develop into the National Weather Service. Over 600 volunteers across the country participated in the Smithsonian Meteorological Project, providing the institution with monthly reports on temperature, humidity, air pressure and more.

After a paralytic attack in December of 1877, Henry's health rapidly deteriorated, and on May 13, 1878 he died in his quarters in the Smithsonian Castle. A statue of him stands outside the Castle today.

The collection is comprised of correspondences between Henry and his collegues in the scientific and academic communities. The majority of letters are addressed to Henry, though there are a small number which he composed himself. Subjects range from a letter of recommendation for the appointment of a friend to the faculty of William and Mary College to administrative affairs. There is a set of nineteen letters to and from Alexander Dallas Bache (1806-1867), a prominent contemporary who served as the superintendent of the United States Coast Survey.