Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone was but one of the major projects of a most productive life. The Scottish native, who emigrated to the United States from Canada, came upon the principal that made the telephone possible in 1875. The basic patent was granted March 7, 1876, was later challenged many times, and Bell always prevailed.

Three days after the granting of the patent, Bell transmitted his famous first message to his assistant: "Mr. Watson, come here, I want you." Among his other inventions was one that could transmit speech via light waves. He was instrumental in the founding of Science magazine in 1880. He was president of the National Geographic Society from 1898 to 1904, and was a regent of the Smithsonian Institution in 1898. Under his patronage, a group called the Aerial Experiment Association was formed in 1907. The group developed the hydrofoil, a form of speedboat that set a world record in 1919 of 70.86 mph. The principle is still in use today. Bell also invented the tetrahedral kite.