The document discusses the history and components of the electric bell. It describes how William Sturgeon invented the electromagnet in 1823, laying the foundation for future developments like Wagner's vibrating hammer and Marsh's oscillating electric wire. An electric bell works by using an electromagnet to attract an iron clapper that strikes a bell, producing a buzzing or clanging sound when electric current flows through the coils around iron rods in the electromagnet. Electric bells have applications as alarms for fires, burglars, and doors due to their low cost and ability to perform over 100,000 operations.