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The work of labeling and catalogueing specimens in the exhibition series was completed during the year.

The electrical collection, of which we fomerly possessed only a valuable nucleus, was enriched by the addition of the original electro-magnetic engine designed by Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in 1831, ^[[deposited by his daughter.]] This little machine, which was constructed by his own hands, is one of the earliest applications of magneto electricity to the production of power. Henry calls it "Reciprocating motion produced my magnetic attraction and repulsion".

In July 1831, writing to the editor of Silliman's Journal, he says:

"I have lately succeeded in producing motion in a little machine by a power, which, I believe, has never before been applied in mechanics - by magnetic attraction and repulsion.

"Not much importance however, is attached