Henrys electromagnetic machine, 1831

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Henrys electromagnetic machine, 1831

Electromagnetic machine, devised and constructed by the US physicist Joseph Henry (1797-1878). He made it in Albany, New York, in 1831, for the laboratory of Yale College. It was operated with battery cells and used to determine the lifting power of the magnet (upper centre). It could lift between 900 and 1400 kilograms. Weights are used here, but the original apparatus was designed to lift people standing on the platform. This photograph is from a collection of unpublished images, dating from the 1860s to the 1920s, taken for The Pageant of America: A Pictorial History of the United States (1925-1929)

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Media ID 6332151

© MIRIAM AND IRA D. WALLACH DIVISION OF ART, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1831 Apparatus Electric Electrical Electricity Electro Magnet Electromagnetic Electromagnetism Experiment Gravitational Gravity Heavy Machine Magnet Magnetism Mass North American Powerful The Pageant Of America Us A Weight Weights Joseph Henry Mono Chrome Physical Yale Yale College

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases Henry's groundbreaking electromagnetic machine, a remarkable invention devised and constructed by the brilliant US physicist Joseph Henry in 1831. The machine was created specifically for Yale College's laboratory in Albany, New York. Powered by battery cells, this technological marvel aimed to determine the lifting power of magnets. In the upper center of the image stands a magnet capable of lifting an astonishing weight between 900 and 1400 kilograms. Although weights are featured in this particular photo print, it is important to note that Henry originally designed the apparatus to lift people standing on its platform – a testament to his audacious vision. Dating back from the late 19th century, this historical snapshot belongs to a collection of unpublished images taken for "The Pageant of America: A Pictorial History of the United States" (1925-1929). It offers us a glimpse into an era when electricity was still being harnessed as a powerful force for scientific exploration. Joseph Henry's electromagnetic machine represents not only his pioneering work but also serves as an emblematic symbol of progress within physics and technology during that time period. This extraordinary contraption embodies both physical gravity and electromagnetism, showcasing how innovation can push boundaries and shape our understanding of science.

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