Top 8 Quotes & Sayings by Joseph Henry

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an American physicist Joseph Henry.

Last updated on April 16, 2025.

Joseph Henry 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 and electric relay (1835). His work on the electromagnetic relay was the basis of the practical electrical telegraph, invented by Samuel F. B. Morse and Sir Charles Wheatstone, separately. In his honor the SI unit of inductance is named the henry.

American - Physicist | December 17, 1797 - May 13, 1878

Source: Wikipedia

Nothing but the infinite Pity is sufficient for the infinite pathos of human life.

Joseph Henry

The man of true genius never lives before his time, he never undertakes impossibilities, and always embarks on his enterprise at the suitable place and period. Though he may catch a glimpse of the coming light as it gilds the mountain top long before it reaches the eyes of his contemporaries, and he may hazard a prediction as to the future, he acts with the present.

Joseph Henry

The Logos was divine, not the divine Being himself.

Joseph Henry

The seeds of great discoveries are constantly floating around us, but they only take root in minds well-prepared to receive them.

Joseph Henry

Meteorology has ever been an apple of contention, as if the violent commotions of the atmosphere induced a sympathetic effect on the minds of those who have attempted to study them.

Joseph Henry

The general mental qualification necessary for scientific advancement is that which is usually denominated "common sense," though added to this, imagination, induction, and trained logic, either of common language or of mathematics, are important adjuncts.

Joseph Henry

All creeds and opinions are nothing but the mere result of chance and temperament.

Joseph Henry

The person who thought there could be any real conflict between science and religion must be either very young in science or ignorant of religion.

Joseph Henry