Who was the British scientist whose bequest created the Smithsonian Institution?

British scientist James Smithson left the bequest that created the Smithsonian Institution.

Smithson died in 1829 and left most of his estate to his nephew, Henry James Hungerford. His will specified that if Hungerford died without children, the money should go to the United States to establish an institution in Washington for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Hungerford died childless in 1835, activating the bequest.

The United States accepted the legacy in 1836, and diplomat Richard Rush later brought 105 sacks containing 104,960 gold sovereigns from England. After years of debate over how to use the money, President James K. Polk signed the legislation establishing the Smithsonian Institution on August 10, 1846. It now operates museums, research centers, libraries, and educational programs.