<P> 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 precursor of the Smithsonian Institution . He was highly regarded during his lifetime . While building electromagnets , Henry discovered the electromagnetic phenomenon of self - inductance . He also discovered mutual inductance independently of Michael Faraday , though Faraday was the first to make the discovery and publish his results . Henry developed the electromagnet into a practical device . He invented a precursor to the electric doorbell ( specifically a bell that could be rung at a distance via an electric wire , 1831 ) and electric relay ( 1835 ) . The SI unit of inductance , the henry , is named in his honor . Henry 's work on the electromagnetic relay was the basis of the practical electrical telegraph , invented by Samuel F.B. Morse and Sir Charles Wheatstone , separately . </P>
which american inventor invented the commercial telegraph based on joseph henry work
Samuel F.B. Morse Sir Charles Wheatstone