Joseph Henry

Silliman published Henry’s research into electromagnetism and was responsible for his appointment to the Princeton faculty, despite his lack of formal education. Alexander was his brother-in-law. He met Faraday, Babbage, Wheatstone, Becquerel, Biot, Arago, de la Rive and Gay-Lussac on a visit to Europe. Baird worked with him at the nascent Smithsonian Institution, and followed him as director, though they differed on policy matters. Morse wrote to him on Gale’s suggestion, seeking advice and public endorsement; Henry obliged generously. Gray and Henry corresponded copiously; Torrey was another correspondent.