Number of Images: 2; Color: Color; Size: 8.75w x 10h; Type of Image: Document; Medium: Paper
Type:
Letters (correspondence)
Document
Paper
Place:
United States
Date:
January 11, 1857
19th century
Category:
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Notes:
Alfred Vail was a key partner to American inventor Samuel Morse and is credited with designing the machine and alpha code used in the creation of the electromagnetic telegraph.
Joseph Henry, first Secretary of the Smithsonian (term 1846-1878), had conducted experiments in electromagnetism relevant to the work of Vail and Morse.
For Morse's response, see the January 15, 1857 letter (Negative Numbers SIA2011-0816 to SIA2011-0821). For the letter to Joseph Henry enclosed in the January 15 letter, see Negative Numbers SIA2011-0822 and SIA2011-0823. For materials relevant to Vail's work, see Negative Numbers SIA2011-0824 to SIA2011-0830.
Summary:
Alfred Vail writes to Samuel Morse, saying that he has seen another article injurious to himself, regarding his book and Joseph Henry's work. He requests of Morse a copy of his 1846 letter to Joseph Henry. He also inquires about several legal matters dealing with his invention of the electromagnetic telegraph: Mr. Ellsworth's activity in the case against Francis Orman Jonathan Smith; the claim against Livingston and Wells; and the case against Bain.
Contained within:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7055, Box 2, Folder: 2
