Inventor: William Sturgeon (UK), Joseph Henry (US)

The first electromagnet was created by William Sturgeon and was in a horseshoe shape. Although other attempts at making electric magnets were attempted, his was the first that could use magnetism to lift an object heavier than the magnet doing the lifting.  It worked by coiling a piece of electrical wire around the iron horseshoe and passing a current through it.  An electromagnet uses electrical current to create a magnetic field.  He demonstrated this by lifting a nine pound object using a 7 ounce object by harnessing the current of battery to create magnetism.  This invention led to the use of electricity for appliances and other machines by means of an electric motor or electric generator.  It also led much faster long distance communication.  For example, in 1830, American Joseph Henry created a much stronger electromagnet and was able to send an electric current across a long distance and activate an electromagnet.  This system was the predecessor to the telegraph system.

*Pictures from <http://www.esupply.co.uk/magnetics.html>

SOURCES:

Bellis, Mary. “Electromagnet”, 17 Jan 2004, <http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blelectromagnet.htm>

• This website contains a basic description of the principles of electromagnets

Bergan County Technical Schools & Special Services.  “The History of the Motor”, 17 Jan 2004 <http://www.bergen.org/AAST/Projects/Engineering_Graphics/2002/
electric_eraser/motor_page.htm>

• This page shows details on how electromagnets can be used for electric motors and generators

Cellular-news.  “History of Wireless Telecoms”, 17 Jan 2004, <http://www.cellular-news.com/history_of_telecoms/history_of_
cellphones.shtml>

• This site is a timeline of important events in communications technology

Center for the Study of Technology and Society.  “Today in Technology History” <http://www.tecsoc.org/pubs/history/2002/dec4.htm>

• This website has information on the life and achievements of William Sturgeon