Alexander Graham Bell ('Graham' pronounced /ˈɡreɪ.

əm/) (March 3, 1847 – August 2, 1922)[3]

was a Scottish-born[N 2] American inventor, scientist, and engineer who is credited with inventing
and patenting the first practical telephone. He also co-founded the American Telephone and
Telegraph Company (AT&T) in 1885.[6][7]

Bell's father, grandfather, and brother had all been associated with work on elocution and speech
and both his mother and wife were deaf, profoundly influencing Bell's life's work.[8] His research
on hearing and speech further led him to experiment with hearing devices which eventually
culminated in Bell being awarded the first U.S. patent for the telephone in 1876.[N 3] Bell
considered his invention an intrusion on his real work as a scientist and refused to have a
telephone in his study.[9][N 4]

Many other inventions marked Bell's later life, including groundbreaking work in optical
telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics. Although Bell was not one of the 33
founders[11] of the National Geographic Society, he had a strong influence on the magazine while
serving as the second president from January 7, 1898, until 1903.[12]

Beyond his scientific work, Bell was an advocate of compulsory sterilization, and served as
chairman or president of several eugenics organizations.[13]