HENRY, JOSEPH

(1797-1878), an nerican scientist, b. in Albany, New York. Educated at Albany Academy, he afterwards contemplated adopting the dical profe ion, but in 1835 he was nexpectedly appointed a istant engier on the survey of a route fora state oad from the Hudson BR. to Lake Erie nd he at once embarked with zeal upon new enterprise. He appears to have m the first to adopt insulated wire for jhe magnetic coil. He was the first to magnetise iron at a distance, and he was also the first to apply the telegraph to mieteriological research. From 1868 he was chosen annually as president of the National Academy of Sciences, and he - was also president of the Philosophical _ Society of Washington from the date of _ its organization in 1871.