The well-known historical development of Electromagnetism, strongly influenced by the work of Faraday and Maxwell, has led to the introduction of the magnetic field as an important component to explain the diverse phenomena of electromagnetic induction. This historical development is compared in the form of a thought experiment with a possible different course in which the work of Ampere and Weber would have influenced the former development with far-reaching consequences. Two examples are given to show how Weber´s work can be applied to explain the phenomenon of self-induction and the interaction between parallel current carrying conductors. The source for further information to explain different induction phenomena like mutual induction, motional emf and unipolar induction is indicated.