Developed what has since been recognized as the world's first metal detector to try the locate the bullet inside the body of President
James A. Garfield, who had been shot by
Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. While Garfield's doctor, Dr. Willard Bliss, told reporters Bell found the bullet, in fact, he had not because Bliss would not allow Bell to examine the left side of Garfield's body, where the coroner later found the bullet. Garfield died from massive infection and blood poisoning on September 19, 1881. A medical inquiry determined Garfield's death was primarily the result of the incompetence of his doctors, most notably, Bliss.