,transcriber's ,notes3 ,underscores 80 before and after a word or phrase indicate italics in the original text4 ,small capitals have been converted to ,,solid capitals4 ,illustrations and footnotes have been moved so they do not break up paragraphs4 ,old or antiquated spellings have been preserved4 ,typographical errors have been silently corrected4 ,,the ,,american ,,electro ,,magnetic ,,telegraph3 ,,with ,,the ,,reports ,,of ,,congress1 ,,and ,a ,,description ,,of ,,all ,,telegraphs ,,known1 ,,employing ,,electricity ,,or ,,galvanism4 ,,illustrated ,,by ,,eighty-,,one ,,wood ,,engravings4 ,,by ,,alfred ,,vail1 ,,assistant ,,superintendent ,,of ,,elec4 ,,mag4 ,,tel4 ,,for ,,the ,u4 ,s4 ,,canst ,,thou ,,send ,,lightnings1 ,,that ,,they ,,may ,,go1 ,,and ,,say ,,unto ,,thee1 ,,here ,,we ,,are8--,,job4 8,the same principle which justified and demanded the transference of the mail on many chief routes1 from the horse-drawn coach on common highways to steam-impelled vehicles on land and water1 is equally potent to warrant the calling of the electro magnetic telegraph--that last and most wondrous birth of this wonder-teeming age--in aid of the post office1 in discharge of its great function of rapidly transmitting correspondence and intelligence40 ,,rep4 ,,of ,,com4 ,,of ,,ways ,,and ,,means ,,of ,h4 ,r41 #ahde4 ,,philadelphia3 ,,lea ,,blanchard4 #ahde4 ,,entered1 according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahde1 ,by ,,alfred ,,vail1 ,in the ,clerk's ,office of the ,district ,court of the ,united ,states1 in and for the ,district of ,columbia4 ,,contents4 ,,description ,,of ,,the ,,american ,,electro ,,magnetic ,,telegraph4 ,,page4 ,introduction1 #g ,the ,galvanic ,battery1 #i ,the ,wire1 #ac ,the ,electro ,magnet1 #ac ,the ,register1 #ah ,the ,correspondent1 #bb ,the two ,dependent ,circuits1 #bc ,the two ,independent ,circuits1 #bd ,the operation of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 #be ,the ,telegraphic ,alphabet1 #bg ,specimen of the ,telegraphic ,language1 #bh ,telegraphic ,alphabets for two1 three1 four1 five1 and six pens1 operating together1 or in succession1 #cj ,correspondent or ,key1 #cb ,the ,lever ,key1 #dj ,the ,circuit of the ,electro ,magnet1 closed and broken by the movement of the ,lever itself1 acted upon by the ,electro ,magnet4 ,showing the rapidity with which it is possible to close and break the ,circuit1 #da ,conducting ,power and ,galvanic action of the ,earth1 #dc ,six ,independent ,circuits1 with ,six ,wires1 each wire making an ,independent ,line of ,communication1 #dd ,mode of ,secret ,correspondence1 #df ,experiments made with #ajj pairs of ,grove's ,battery1 passing through #afj miles of insulated wire1 #ec ,the ,galvanometer or ,galvanoscope1 #eg ,an ,interesting ,experiment of supporting a ,large ,bar of ,iron within the ,helix1 #ei ,application of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph to the ,determination of ,longitude1 #ei ,mode of ,crossing ,broad ,rivers1 or other ,bodies of ,water ,without ,wires1 #fj ,telegraphic ,chess ,playing1 #fc ,improvement in the ,magneto ,electric ,machine1 and ,application of this ,instrument to operate the ,magnetic ,telegraph1 #fe ,,reports ,,of ,,congress ,,on ,,the ,,subject ,,of ,,electro ,,magnetic ,,telegraphs4 ,letter from the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 transmitting a ,report upon the ,subject of a ,system of ,telegraphs for the ,united ,states1 ,december1 #aa1 #ahcg1 #fg ,circular to certain ,collectors of the ,customs1 ,commanders of ,revenue ,cutters1 and other persons1 ,march #ajth1 #ahcg1 #fh ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 ,september #bg1 #ahcg1 #fi ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 ,november #bhth1 #ahcg1 #gc ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,editors of the ,journal of ,commerce1 ,sept'r #d1 #ahcg1 #gd ,specimen of ,telegraphic ,writing made by ,means of ,electricity1 at the distance of one-third of a mile1 #ge ,report of the ,committee on ,commerce to the ,house of ,representatives1 ,april #f1 #ahch1 #gf ,report of the ,franklin ,institute1 ,philadelphia1 ,february #h1 #ahch1 #gi ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,hon4 ,f4 ,o4 ,j4 ,smith1 ,february #ae1 #ahch1 #hj ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,hon4 ,f4 ,o4 ,j4 ,smith1 ,february #bb1 #ahch1 #hb ,report of the ,committee on ,commerce to the ,house of ,representatives1 ,dec'r #cj1 #ahdb1 #hc ,a ,bill to test the ,practicability of ,establishing a ,system of ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraphs by the ,united ,states1 #hg ,letter from ,professor ,henry to ,professor ,morse1 ,february #bd1 #ahdb1 #hg ,report of the ,american ,institute on the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 ,sept'r #ab1 #ahdb1 #hh ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,hon4 ,c4 ,g4 ,ferris1 ,december #f1 #ahdb1 #hi ,communication from the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 transmitting the ,report of ,professor ,morse1 announcing the ,completion of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 between the ,cities of ,washington and ,baltimore1 ,june #d1 #ahdd1 #ig ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to ,hon4 ,mc,clintock ,young1 ,june #c1 #ahdd1 #ih ,letter from the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 transmitting a ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 relative to the ,magnetic ,telegraph1 ,december #bc1 #ahdd1 #aja ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,hon4 ,g4 ,m4 ,bibb1 ,december #ab1 #ahdd1 #aja ,report of the ,committee of ,ways and ,means to the ,house of ,representatives1 ,march #c1 #ahde1 #ajg ,,history ,,of ,,telegraphs ,,employing ,,electricity ,,in ,,various ,,ways ,,for ,,the ,,transmission ,,of ,,intelligence4 ,discoveries in ,electricity1 #aae ,electrical ,feast on the ,schuylkill1 #aai ,dr4 ,franklin's ,experiment in ,drawing ,electricity from the ,clouds1 #abj ,lomond's ,electrical ,telegraph1 7#aghg17 #aba ,reizen's ,electric ,spark ,telegraph1 7#agid17 #aba ,dr4 ,salva's ,electric ,spark ,telegraph1 7#agih17 #abc ,discovery of ,galvanism1 7#agij17 #abc ,discovery of the ,decomposition of ,water by the ,agency of the ,galvanic ,pile1 #abe ,samuel ,thomas ,soemmering's ,voltaic ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahji17 #abf ,extract from the ,journal of the ,franklin ,institute in relation to the ,use of ,galvanism for ,telegraphic ,purposes1 7#ahaf17 #abh ,ronald's ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahaf17 #acj ,discovery of ,electro ,magnetism1 7#ahai17 #acb ,extract from a ,work on ,electro ,magnetism1 published by ,jacob ,green1 ,m4 ,d4 7#ahbg17 #acd ,triboaillet's ,proposition1 7#ahbh17 #ace ,fechner's ,suggestion1 7#ahbi17 #ace ,discovery of ,magneto ,electricity1 7#ahca17 #ace ,saxton's ,magneto ,electric ,machine1 #adb ,dr4 ,page's ,magneto ,electric ,machine1 #ade ,pole ,changer1 #adi ,morse's ,american ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 7#ahcb17 #aeb ,schilling's ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahcc17 #aee ,gauss and ,weber's ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 7#ahcc17 #aef ,experiments of ,messrs4 ,taquin ,ettieyhausen1 7#ahcf17 #aei ,vail's ,electro ,magnetic ,printing ,telegraph1 7#ahcg17 #aei ,wheatstone's ,electric ,needle ,telegraph1 7#ahcg17 #aga ,steinheil's ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahcg17 #agi ,masson's ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahcg17 #ahb ,davy's ,needle and ,lamp ,telegraph1 7#ahcg17 #ahb ,alexander's ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahcg17 #ahd ,m4 ,amyot's ,suggestion of an ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahch17 #ahf ,edward ,davy's ,electric ,telegraph1 7#ahch17 #ahg ,bain's ,printing ,telegraph1 7#ahdj17 #aii ,wheatstone's ,rotating ,disc ,telegraph1 7#ahda17 #bjc ,,introduction4 ,the propriety of presenting to the public a work of this character1 seemed desirable1 from the frequent calls made upon the author for some accurate and full description of the ,american ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 which might assist to an intelligible comprehension of the principles upon which it is based1 and the mode of its operations1 as well as descriptions of those plans now in operation in ,europe4 ,in the execution of this task it has been his determination to spare no labour1 and to omit nothing that could enable those who had never seen the operation of the telegraph1 to obtain a full understanding1 of the subject1 and also to judge for themselves of the merit of the ,american invention1 as compared with those of ,europe4 ,for this purpose eighty-one wood cuts are introduced to illustrate this and collateral subjects4 ,the various reports of ,congress which have been made1 from time to time1 as the subject of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph has been presented to them1 have been embraced in the work4 ,they contain much information in relation to the origin and progress of the invention1 as well as other useful matter4 ,in the closing part of the work is given a synopsis of the early discoveries in electricity2 the experiment of ,franklin1 and also the discoveries of ingenious and scientific gentlemen of the present day4 ,the principal part1 however1 is devoted to a full and complete description of the various plans of telegraphic communication1 by means of electricity and galvanism1 in the chronological order of their invention2 by which it will be seen1 that for priority as well as originality1 ,america has the pre-eminence1 not only at the time of the invention1 but up to the present period2 nothing having yet been brought forward that fulfils so completely the conditions of what is signified by the term telegraph1 as that plan invented by ,professor ,morse4 ,some of the foreign plans the author has found extremely difficult to illustrate1 without almost re-inventing them1 so imperfectly and obscurely have they been described4 ,the experimental line from ,washington to ,baltimore has been in successful operation for more than a year1 and has been the means of conveying much important information3 consisting of messages to and from merchants1 members of ,congress1 officers of the government1 banks1 brokers1 police officers2 parties1 who by agreement had met each other at the two stations1 or had been sent for by one of the parties2 items of news1 election returns1 announcement of deaths1 inquiries respecting the health of families and individuals1 the daily proceedings of the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives1 orders for goods1 inquiries respecting the sailing of vessels1 proceedings of cases in the various courts1 summoning of witnesses1 messages in relation to special and express trains1 invitations1 the receipt of money at one station and its payment at the other1 for persons requesting the transmission of funds from debtors1 consultation of physicians1 and messages of every character usually sent by mail4 ,the author trusts that the work will be received as one of a practical character1 and furnish to those desirous to acquaint themselves with the subject1 such information as they seek4 ,,alfred ,,vail4 ,,washington1 ,d4 ,c4 ,august #ah1 #ahde4 ,,the ,,electro ,,magnetic ,,telegraph4 ,,the ,,galvanic ,,battery4 ,the galvanic battery1 the generator of that subtle fluid1 which performs so important a part in the operation of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 is as various in its form and arrangement1 as the variety of purposes to which it is applied4 ,they all1 however1 involve the same principle4 ,it is not our design here to describe the various modes of constructing it1 but to confine our remarks more immediately to that used for the ,telegraph4 ,the effects produced by the galvanic fluid upon the metallic bodies1 iron and steel1 exciting in them the power of attraction or magnetism1 its decomposing effects upon liquids1 resolving them into their simple elements1 its effects upon the animal system1 in producing a spasmodic and sudden irritation1 are generally well known4 ,but of the character of the fluid itself1 its own essence or substance1 we know nothing4 ,in some of its phenomena1 it resembles the electricity of the heavens2 both find a conductor in the metals2 both exhibit a spark1 and both are capable of producing shocks1 or when applied1 cause the animal system to be sensible to them4 ,again1 in other of its phenomena it is totally unlike it4 ,the galvanic fluid is essentially necessary in producing the electro magnet2 while the electricity of the heavens1 or as it is generally termed1 machine electricity1 has no such power for practical purposes4 ,the former is more dense1 so to speak1 and more easily confined to its conductors1 while the latter becomes dissipated and lost in the atmosphere long before it has reached the opposite extremity of a long conductor4 ,the former is continuous in its supply2 while the latter is at irregular intervals4 ,the former always needs a continuous conductor2 while the latter will pass from one metallic conductor to another without that connection4 ,the latter would not subserve the purposes required in the working of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 and as it is neither essential nor antagonistical1 its presence upon the galvanic conductors or wires1 at the same time those wires are being used for telegraphic communication1 does in no way interrupt or confuse its operation2 and its presence is only known from the suddenness of its discharge at long intervals1 accompanied by a bright spark1 with a loud crack1 like that of a coachman's whip4 ,the most simple mode of developing the galvanic fluid is in the following manner3 if a common glass tumbler is two-thirds filled with dilute muriatic acid1 and a piece of bright zinc1 five inches long and one inch wide1 immersed in the liquid1 at one of its ends1 slight action will be discovered upon it4 ,if a slip of copper be then taken1 of the same dimensions1 and one end immersed in the liquid1 but separated from that portion of the zinc immersed1 and not permitted to touch it2 and the two projecting ends of the zinc and copper1 above the liquid be brought in contact1 an active decomposition of the muriatic acid will appear4 ,while the two outer ends are in contact1 there is that current formed in the metallic plates1 which is termed galvanic4 ,if the contact is broken1 the action ceases2 if it is again renewed1 the action is recommenced4 ,another very simple experiment1 and within the power of every one to demonstrate for themselves1 is that of applying a piece of zinc to the underside of the tongue1 and to the upperside1 a silver coin1 and then by bringing their projecting ends in contact1 a sensible and curious effect is experienced upon the tongue4 ,it is a feeble galvanic shock1 and is proof of the presence of that fluid termed galvanic4 ,we will now proceed to describe the battery used for telegraphic purposes2 the same in principle1 but in arrangement more complicated1 and far more powerful than those in common use4 ,two distinct acids are employed2 two metals and two vessels4 ,each part will be described separately1 and then the whole1 as put together ready for use4 ,first4 ,a glass tumbler of the ordinary size is used1 or about three inches high and two inches and three quarters in diameter4 ,second4 ,the zinc cylinder1 made of the purest zinc1 and cast in an iron mould1 represented by figure #a4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #a4 ,it is three inches high1 and two inches in diameter4 ,the shell ,i is three-eighths of an inch in thickness4 ,d is an opening in the cylinder1 parallel with its axis1 and is of no other use than to aid in the operation of casting them1 and facilitating the access of the fluid to the interior4 ,a ,a represents the body of the cylinder4 ,b is a projecting arm1 first rising vertically from the shell1 and then projecting horizontally one and three quarters of an inch4 ,to this arm1 at ,c1 is soldered a platinum plate of the thickness of tin foil1 and hanging vertically from the arm ,b1 as seen at ,o1 and of the form shown in the figure4 ,this constitutes the zinc cylinder and platinum plate1 the two metals used in the battery4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #b4 ,third4 ,the porous cup4 ,to avoid an erroneous impression in the use of the term porous1 it will suffice to state1 that it is a cup of the form represented by figure #b1 made of the same materials as stone-ware1 and baked without being glazed4#a ,a represents the rim surrounding the top4 ,from the under side of the rim to the bottom1 it is three inches long1 and one and one-quarter in diameter4 ,the rim projects one-quarter of an inch1 and the shell of the cup is one-eighth of an inch thick4 ,these several parts are placed together thus4 ,the porous cup1 fig4 #b1 is set in the hollow of the zinc cylinder1 fig4 #a1 represented by ,h1 with the rim of the cup resting upon the top of the zinc at ,i4 ,the zinc cylinder is then placed in the glass tumbler4 ,the whole is represented in figure #c4 #a ,these are made at the ,american ,pottery1 in ,jersey ,city1 opposite ,new ,york4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #c4 ,d represents the porous cup1 ,f the zinc cylinder1 ,g the glass tumbler1 ,a the projecting arm of the zinc1 ,c the platinum plate1 and ,b the over-lapping of the platinum plate upon the zinc arm1 where it is soldered to it4 ,it is now in a condition to receive the acids1 which are two3 first1 pure nitric acid1 and second1 sulphuric acid1 diluted in the proportion of one part of sulphuric acid to twelve of water4 ,first fill the porous cup with the nitric acid1 to within one-quarter of an inch of the top2 then fill the glass with the diluted sulphuric acid1 till it reaches to a level with the nitric acid in the porous cup4 ,one glass of the battery is now ready for use1 and as all the other members of the battery are similarly constructed1 7there being many or few1 as circumstances require17 and are to be prepared and filled with their appropriate acids in the same manner1 the above description will suffice4 ,there remains1 however1 some further explanation in regard to the extremities of the series of glasses1 that is1 the mode of connecting the zinc of the first glass with the wire leading from it1 and also the mode of connecting the platinum of the last glass with the wire leading from that end of the series of glasses4 ,figure #d represents their arrangement4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #d4 ,the glasses being all separately supplied with their acids1 and otherwise prepared1 they are put together upon a table1 ,a ,a1 perfectly dry1 and made of hard wood4 ,the first member of the series has soldered to its zinc arm a strip of copper1 ,c1 which1 extending downward1 has its end1 previously brightened and amalgamated1 immersed in a cup of mercury at ,n4 ,the cup being permanently secured to the table4 ,then the second glass is taken1 and the platinum1 ,b1 at the end of the zinc arm1 is gently let fall into the porous cup1 so that it shall be in the centre of the cup1 and reaching down as far as its length1 when the glass rests upon the table4 ,the third glass is then taken and placed in the same manner1 and so on to the last4 ,the last glass has1 in its porous cup1 the platinum plate1 ,d1 soldered to a strip of copper1 ,e1 which is so constructed as to turn at the top1 and admit of the easy introduction of the platinum into the porous cup1 while the other end of the copper1 previously prepared like the copper of the other end of the battery1 terminates in a cup of mercury1 ,p4 ,the cup being capable of adjustment1 so as to bring the platinum directly over the porous cup2 is1 when adjusted1 secured permanently to the table4 ,the battery1 thus arranged1 is ready to be applied4 ,,the ,,wire4 ,the wire used in making helices for the magnets1 and for connecting the telegraphic stations1 is made of copper of the best quality1 and annealed4 ,it is covered with cotton thread1 so as to conceal every part of the metallic surface1 not so much to prevent corrosion or waste from the action of the atmosphere1 as to prevent a metallic contact of one wire with another1 when placed near each other4 ,after the wire is covered1 it is then saturated with shellac1 and then1 again1 with a composition of asphaltum1 beeswax1 resin and linseed oil4 ,it is now in a condition to be extended upon the poles4 ,that portion of the wire of which the helices are made is only saturated with shellac4 ,,the ,,electro ,,magnet4 ,the electro magnet is the basis upon which the whole invention rests in its present construction2 without it1 it would entirely fail4 ,as it is of so much importance1 a detailed account will be given of the construction of the electro magnet1 as used for telegraphic purposes4 ,a bar of soft iron1 of the purest and best quality1 is taken and made into the form presented in figure #e1 which consists of four parts1 viz4 ,a ,f and ,a ,f are the two legs or prongs of the magnet1#b of a rounded form1 and bent at the top1 approaching each other towards the centre1 where the ends of each prong1 without touching1 turn up1 and present flat1 smooth and clean surfaces1 level with each other at ,f ,f4 ,the other end of these prongs or legs is turned smaller than the body1 on the end of which is a screw and nut1 ,c ,c4 ,these ends pass through a plate of iron1 ,b1 of the same quality1 at ,i and ,i1 until they rest upon the plate at the shoulder produced by turning them smaller4 ,they are then both permanently secured to the plate1 ,b1 by the nuts1 ,c ,c1 and the whole becomes as one piece4 ,this arrangement is made for the purpose of putting on the coils or taking them off with facility4 ,the form most common for electro magnets is that of the horse-shoe2 and is simply a bar of iron bent in that form4 ,e represents a small flat plate of soft iron1 sufficiently large to cover the faces of the two prongs1 ,f and ,f1 presenting on its under side a surface clean and smooth1 and parallel with the faces1 ,f and ,f4 #b ,the term magnet1 here1 is synonymously used with the iron for the magnet1 as the simple iron is not a magnet1 except when subjected to the action of the battery through the helices of wire around it4 ,it would confuse the reader1 if this distinction be not kept in view4 ,permanent magnets are those which retain their magnetism when once they are charged4 ,they are always made of steel1 and usually bent in the form of a horse-shoe4 ,sometimes they are of a single plate of that form1 and others are constructed with many plates1 side by side1 fastened together so as to present a compact magnet of the same form4 ,they are distinguished from ,electro ,magnets from the fact1 that the soft iron of the latter depends upon the influence of the galvanic fluid for its magnetism1 and retains it only so long as the soft iron is under its influence1 while the former1 when once submitted to the influence of the galvanic fluid1 retain their magnetism permanently4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #e4 ,the coils or helices of wire1 which surround the prongs1 ,a ,a1 necessary to complete the electro magnet1 consist of many turns of wire1 first running side by side1 covering the form upon which the spiral is made1 until the desired length of the coil is obtained2 the wire is then turned back1 and wound upon the first spiral1 covering it1 until the other end of the coil is reached1 where the winding began2 then again mounting upon the second spiral1 covers it1 and in the same manner it is wound back and forth1 until the required size of the coil is attained4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #f4 ,the coil is wound upon a form of the size 7or a little larger7 of the legs of the magnet1 and when the coil is completed1 the form is taken out1 leaving an opening in the centre1 ,b1 into which the prongs may freely pass4 ,figure #f represents a coil constructed in the manner described4 ,a and ,a are the two ends of wire which are brought out from the coils4 ,the one proceeds from the centre of the coil1 and the other from the outside4 ,c and ,c are circular wooden heads1 on each end of the coil1 and fastened to it by binding wire1 running from one head to the other1 around the coil4 ,the wire used in constructing it1 as heretofore mentioned1 is covered in the same manner as bonnet wire1 and saturated or varnished with gum shellac4 ,this preparation is necessary1 in order to prevent a metallic contact of the wires with each other4 ,such a contact of some of the wires with others encircling the iron prong1 would either weaken or altogether destroy the effect intended by their many turns4 ,if the wires were bare1 instead of being covered1 the galvanic fluid1 when applied to the two ends1 ,a and ,a1 instead of passing through the whole length of the wire in the coil as its conductor1 would pass laterally through it as a mass of copper1 in the shortest direction it could take4 ,for this reason1 they require a careful and most perfect insulation4 ,two coils are thus prepared for each magnet1 one for each prong1 ,a and ,a1 figure #e4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #g4 ,figure #g exhibits a view of the magnet2 figure #e1 with its two coils1 ,h and ,h1 placed upon the prongs4 ,those parts of the magnet1 not concealed by the coils1 are lettered as in figure #e1 and correspond with its description4 ,p represents the wire connecting the coil ,h with ,h1 and ,a and ,a the ends of the wires leaving the coils4 ,we now proceed to explain the manner by which the magnet is secured upon a frame1 and the arrangement of the armature1 ,e1 figure #g1 upon a lever1 so that the motion peculiar for telegraphic writing may be shown4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #h4 ,figure #h exhibits1 in perspective1 a view of the electro magnet and the pen lever1 in a condition to show the effect of the galvanic battery upon the prongs of the magnet1 ,f and ,f1 and the armature1 ,d1 and the movement of the pen lever to which the electro magnet is secured4 ,a bolt1 upon the end of which is a head or shoulder1 passes through the centre of the upright block1 ,c1 and between the coils1 ,h and ,h1 and also through the brass brace1 ,o1 projecting a little beyond it1 with a screw cut upon its end4 ,the thumb-nut1 ,p1 fitted to it1 is then put on1 and the whole firmly held by screwing the thumb-nut as far as possible4 ,f and ,f are the faces of the iron prongs1 as shown in figure #g1 presenting their flat surface to the armature1 ,d4 ,l is the pen lever1 suspended upon steel points1 as its axis1 which pass through its side at ,x1 and soldered to it4 ,each end of this steel centre is tapered so as to form a sharp and delicate point or pivot4 ,e is a screw1 passing through the side of the brass standard1 ,g1 and presenting at its end a sunken centre1 the reverse of the steel pivot point at ,x4 ,there is also another screw1 similar to ,e1 passing through the other side of the standard at ,g1 with a sunken centre in its end4 ,by the extremities of these two screws1 to which the tapered ends of the steel centre is fitted1 the pen lever is suspended1 so as delicately to move up and down1 as shown by the direction of the arrow4 ,the brass standard1 ,g1 is secured to the upright block1 ,c4 ,d is the armature1 soldered to the end of the brass pen lever1 ,l1 separated from the faces of the magnet1 ,f and ,f1 about the eighth of an inch4 ,w is a yoke1 secured to the lever by a screw1 and which admits through its lower part the steel wire spring1 ,m ,m1 for the purpose of bringing down the lever when not acted upon by the electro magnet4 ,the spring is secured to a brass standard at the top1 represented by ,n4 ,r represents the three steel points of the pen1#c which mark upon the paper the telegraphic characters2 each of which strike into its own appropriate groove in the steel roller1 ,s4 ,t and ,t are the flanges of the steel roller1 ,s1 and which confine the paper as it passes between the pen points1 ,r1 and the steel roller1 ,s1 described more fully hereafter4 ,j and ,i are two screws in the horizontal cross bar attached to the standard1 ,g1 and are used for the purpose of adjusting and limiting the pen lever in its movement upward and downward2 the one to prevent the pen points from striking too deeply into the paper and tearing it1 and the other to prevent the armature from receding too far from the faces of the electro magnet1 and beyond its attraction1 when it is a magnet4 ,k is the connecting wire of the two coils ,h and ,h4 ,a and ,b show the ends of the wire1 one coming from each coil and passing through the stand1 and seen below at a and b4 #c ,one marking point will suffice4 ,having explained this arrangement of the electro magnet1 the pen lever1 and the battery2 the effect of the latter upon the former will now be described4 ,let one of the wires from the coils1 figure #h1--;a1 for instance1 be extended so far1 that it can conveniently and securely be connected with the mercury cup1 ,n1 figure #d1 of that pole of the battery4 ,then take the wire b1 figure #h1 and extend it also to a convenient length1 so as to be freely handled1 and connect it with the mercury cup1 ,p1 figure #d1 of the other pole of the battery4 ,it will be found at the instant the connection is made1 that the lever1 ,l1 figure #h1 will fly up in the direction of the arrow at ,w4 ,the iron prongs in the centre of the coils1 ,h and ,h1 which were before perfectly free from any attractive power1 have now become powerfully magnetic by the inductive influence of the galvanic current following the circuitous turns of the wire around the iron1 so that now the electro magnet is capable of sustaining twenty or twenty-five pounds weight4 ,this magnetic power concentrated in the faces of the electro magnet1 ,f and ,f1 attracts to it the armature or small iron1 ,d1 drawing the pen lever down on that side of its axis1 and producing a reverse motion on the other side at ,l4 ,now take out the wire b from the mercury cup1 and in an instant its magnetism is gone1 and the lever1 ,l1 falls by the action of the spring1 ,m4 ,if the circuit is closed a second time1 the lever again flies up2 and if immediately broken1 falls4 ,in this manner it will continue to operate in perfect obedience to the closing or breaking of the circuit4 ,if the circuit is closed and broken in rapid succession1 the lever obeys and exhibits a constant and rapid vibration4 ,if the circuit is closed and then broken after a short interval1 the lever will remain up the same length of time1 the circuit is closed1 and falls upon its being broken4 ,whatever may be the time the circuit is broken1 the lever will remain up for the same length of time1 and whatever may be the time it continues broken1 the lever will remain down for the same time4 ,suppose the magnet is separated at the distance of one mile from the battery2 upon manipulating at the battery1 at that distance1 in the manner just described1 the same vibratory motion is produced in all its varieties1 as when they were removed only a short distance4 ,separate them #aj miles1 and still the same mysterious fluid is obedient to the pleasure of the operator in producing the desired motion of the pen lever4 ,if they were separated at distances of #ajj or #ajjj or #ajj1jjj miles apart1 the lever would doubtless obey the manipulations of the operator1 as readily as if only distant a few feet4 ,here is exhibited the principle upon which ,morse's ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph is based1 and which gives to the several portions of the civilized world the power of holding instantaneous communication with each other1 with a rapidity far beyond what has ever before been attained4 ,as the above explanation is given only in reference to the power of the electro magnet1 when connected with the battery1 and to show the movements of the pen lever1 we shall speak of the arrangement of the wires for extended lines hereafter4 ,having now explained the electro magnet and its operation through the agency of the battery1 we will proceed to describe those various parts of the register1 by which the electro magnet is made subservient to the transmission of intelligence from one distant point to another4 ,figure #i represents1 in perspective1 the whole of the register1 as also the key or correspondent4 ,the electro magnet1 ,h and ,h1 and the pen lever1 ,l1 which have just been described under figure #h1 need not be recapitulated here4 ,the letters used in figure #h1 represent the same parts of the electro magnet in this figure4 ,the brass frame containing the clock work1 or rather wheel work1 of the instrument1 is seen at #e and #e4 ,the whole purpose of the clock work is to draw the paper1#d #b1 #b1 under the steel roller1 ,s1 and over the pen1 ,r1 at an uniform rate4 #d ,the paper used for telegraphic writing is first manufactured by the paper making machine in one long continuous sheet1 of any length1 about three feet and a half in width1 and is compactly rolled up as it is made1 upon a wooden cylinder4 ,it is then put into a lathe and marked off in equal divisions of one and a half inches in width2 a knife is applied to one division at a time1 and as the roll of paper revolves1 the knife cuts through the entire coil until it reaches the wooden centre4 ,this furnishes a coil ready for the register1 and is about fifteen inches in diameter4 ,the whole roll of paper furnishes1 in this way1 about twenty-eight small rolls prepared for use4 ,there is also an arrangement in connection with the wheel work1 by means of which the clock work is put in motion and stopped at the pleasure of the operator at the distant station4 ,how this is done will now be explained4 ,upon the shaft1 ,r1 is a brass barrel1 upon which is wound the cord to which the weight1 #d1 is suspended1 and by means of which and the intermediate wheels1 the motion produced1 is communicated to two rollers 7not seen in this figure1 see fig4 #aj1 ,e ,f7 in advance of the steel grooved roller1 ,s4 ,these two rollers grasp the paper1 #b1 #b1 #c1 between them1 and supply it to the pen at a given and uniform rate2 the rate being determined by the adjustment of the wings of the fly1 connected with the train4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #i4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #aj4 ,we will now describe1 by figure #aj1 those parts connected with the wheel work1 which could not be easily shown in figure #i4 ,f and ,e represent1 in outline1 the two rollers which grasp the paper1 #b and #b4 ,the roller ,e is connected with the train by a cog wheel upon it4 ,f is not so connected2 but is pressed hard upon ,e by means of springs upon the ends of the axle2 ,s represents the grooved steel roller beneath which the paper1 #b and #b1 is seen to pass4 ,directly under the steel roller is one of the steel pen points at ,r1 upon the end of the pen lever2 a part of which only is shown4 ,thus far the description given of the clock work1 relates to those parts1 by the agency of which the pen is supplied with paper4 ,we now proceed to explain that part connected with the clock and pen lever1 by which the clock is set in motion or stopped at the option of the distant operator4 ,in figure #i1 at ,r1 is seen a small pulley upon the barrel shaft of the clock work2 at ,q1 is another pulley1 but larger4 ,from the pulley1 ,r1 is a cord1#e or band1 #aj1 proceeding to pulley1 ,q1 and then returning under it to pulley1 ,r1 making it continuous4 ,this band communicates the motion of pulley1 ,r1 to the pulley1 ,q4 ,in figure #aj1 these pulleys are represented by the same letters4 ,b represents the barrel2 the arrow1 the direction in which it revolves when in motion4 ,the arrow at ,q shows the direction which it takes when motion is communicated to it by ,r4 ,part of the pulley1 ,q1 is broken away in order to show the arm1 ,h1 soldered at the middle of the same spindle upon which is the pulley1 ,q1 and directly beneath the pen lever1 ,l4 ,it is bent at ,d1 so as to turn down and strike the wooden friction wheel1 ,c1 at the point1 ,p4 ,the friction wheel is secured upon the last spindle of the train at its middle and directly under the lever1 ,l4 ,from the pen lever1 ,l1 is seen a small rod of wire1 ,a1 passing down through the arm1 ,h1 with screw and nut under it1 at ,i1 for the purpose of shortening or lengthening it4 ,it is permitted to work free1 both at its connection with the lever and arm4 ,this wire is also extended and passes down through the platform1 where it operates upon a hammer for striking a bell1 to apprise the operator that a communication is to be sent4 ,the several parts being now explained1 their combined action is as follows3 #e ,the pulley and cord have been dispensed with and two small cog wheels substituted4 ,the arm1 ,h and ,d1 is a break1 which when brought in contact with the friction wheel1 ,c1 prevents the weight of the clock work from acting upon the train1 and there is no motion4 ,by the action of the magnet1 the pen lever1 ,l1 is carried up in the direction of the arrow1 #c1 and takes with it the connecting rod1 ,a1 and also the break1 ,h1 ,d4 ,the break being thus removed from the friction wheel1 ,c1 the clock work commences running by the power of the weight4 ,the barrel1 ,b1 must consequently turn in the direction of the arrow upon it2 this motion is communicated by the band to ,q1 which revolves in the direction of its arrow2 consequently1 if the lever1 ,l1 is not still held up by the magnet1 the break is descending slowly2 and when it reaches ,p1 stops the motion of the clock train1 unless the pen lever continues in motion1 in which case the break1 ,d1 is kept up from the friction wheel1 thus permitting the clock work to run1 until the lever ceases to move1 when the break is gradually brought down upon the friction wheel1 and the train stops4 ,by this contrivance1 the operator at a distance can so control the movement of the paper at the remote register1 that when he wishes to write1 it shall be put in motion1 his pen be supplied with paper1 and when he has finished his writing1 the register shall stop4 ,u represents 7figure #i7 the brass standards1 one on each side of the large roll of paper1 #a1 #a1 #a1 which it supports4 ,z is a wooden hub1 upon which the roll is placed2 and #ab1 the steel arbor of the hub1 and upon which the whole easily revolves as the paper1 #b and #b1 is drawn off by the clock work4 ,y is a brass spring1 between the hub and the standard2 and keeps the paper stretched between the roll and the pen4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #aa4 ,the key or correspondent is represented by #f1 #g1 #h1 #i4 ,another view of it is more distinctly seen in figure #aa4 ,the same letters in each1 represent the same thing4 ,v and ,v is the platform4 #h is a metallic anvil1 with its smaller end appearing below1 to which is soldered the copper wire c4 #g is the metallic hammer1 attached to a brass spring1 #i1 which is secured to a block1 #f1 and the whole to the platform1 ,v ,v1 by screws4 ,a copper wire passes through the whole1 and is soldered to the brass spring at #f4 ,the key or correspondent is used for writing upon the register at the distant station1 and both it and the register are usually upon the same table4 ,having now explained the ,register1 ,key and ,battery1 we proceed to describe the arrangement of the conductors or wires connecting distant stations1 and the mode by which the earth1 also1 is made a conductor of this subtle fluid4 ,the term circuit used frequently in this work1 has reference to the wire1 which1 commencing at the positive pole of the battery1 goes to any distance and returns to the negative pole of the battery4 ,when its going and returning are continuous or unbroken1 the circuit is said to be closed or complete4 ,when it is interrupted1 or the wire is disconnected1 the circuit is said to be broken or open4 ,when a magnet or key or battery is spoken of as being in the circuit1 it has reference to the use of the wire belonging to the key1 magnet or battery1 respectively1 as a part of the circuit4 ,there are three modes of arranging the wires1 so as to communicate between two distant stations4 ,two of these modes are inferior1 as they furnish but one circuit for the termini1 and consequently obliging one station to wait1 when the other is transmitting1 both stations not being able to telegraph at the same time4 ,these two modes are called the dependent circuits4 ,the first mode is1 where two wires are used1 of which figure #ab is a diagram4 ,b represents ,baltimore1 and ,w ,washington2 m is the magnet or register2 k the key1 and bat the battery1 all at the ,baltimore station2 m is the magnet or register2 k the key at the ,washington station4 ,the lines1 represent the wires upon the poles1 connecting the two stations1 and are called the east and west wires4 ,in this arrangement of the wires and also in the second1 the key 7which has been explained in a preceding figure1 #aa1 and shown at #f and #g to be open7 must be closed at both stations1 in order to complete the circuit1 except at the time when a communication is being transmitted4#f ,for the purpose of closing the circuit at the key1 a metallic wedge is used1 which is put in between the anvil #h and the hammer #g1 and establishes the circuit4 ,supposing the battery is in action1 and ,b has a communication for ,w3 he opens his key1 by removing the wedge1 and sends his message4 ,the galvanic fluid leaves the point1 ,p1 of the battery1 and goes to k1 to m1 along the east wire to k1 to m1 and back by the west wire to ,n pole of the battery4 ,in the same manner it proceeds along the wires1 if ,w is writing to ,b4 ,in this arrangement1 the direction of the galvanic current is the same1 whether ,b or ,w is communicating1 unless the poles of the battery are reversed4 #f ,at this time the key is opened at the station from which the communication is to be sent4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ab4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ac4 ,the second mode has but one wire and the ground1 represented by figure #ac4 ,the use of the ground as a conductor of the galvanic fluid1 between two distant points1 is to many a mystery4 ,but of the fact there is no question4 ,the above diagram exhibits the manner in which the east wire and ground were used from the first operation of the ,telegraph1 until the close of the session of ,congress1 ,june1 #ahdd4 ,in this diagram1 we will minutely follow the course of the galvanic current4 ,b represents ,baltimore1 and ,w ,washington2 ,c represents a sheet of copper1 five feet long and two and a half feet wide1 to which a wire is soldered and connects with the ,n pole of the battery4 ,this sheet of copper lies in the water at the bottom of the dock1 near the depot of the ,baltimore and ,ohio ,rail ,road1 ,pratt street4 ,from ,p of the battery1 the wire proceeds to k1 the key1 then to m1 the magnet or register1 then it is the east wire to k1 the key at ,w1 then to m1 the magnet or register1 then to the copper sheet1 ,c1 buried beneath the brick pavement in the dry dust of the cellar of the capitol4 ,the direction of the current is from ,p of the battery to k1 to m1 and along the east wire to k1 to m1 and to ,c1 where it is lost in the earth2 but reappears at the copper plate1 ,c1 at ,b1 and thence to the ,n pole of the battery1 having completed its circuit4 ,it is1 therefore1 certain1 that one-half of the circuit is through the earth4 ,from ,b to ,w the east wire is the conductor2 and from ,w to ,b the ground is the conductor4 ,in this arrangement1 the west wire is thrown out1 and is no part of the circuit2 while the earth has been made a substitute for it4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ad4 ,the last diagram1 as has been stated1 exhibits the plan of the wire and ground1 as used for telegraphic purposes1 from its first operation1 until the adjournment of ,congress in #ahdd1 being prevented from completing the arrangement of the third mode from the throng of visitors1 that pressed to see its operation4 ,after the close of the session1 the following arrangement of the wires was made1 as shown in the diagram1 figure #ad1 by means of which1 both stations could transmit at the same time1 with one battery for both1 and the keys were not required to be closed4 ,it is called the two independent circuits4 ,here the west wire is used for transmitting from ,b to ,w2 and the east wire from ,w to ,b4 ,the copper plates at ,b and ,w remain as they are described in the second plan4 ,bat1 the battery1 at ,b is used in common for both circuits4 ,it is simply necessary here to designate the course which the fluid takes when both lines are in operation1 viz4 ,b transmitting to ,w2 and ,w to ,b4 ,in the former case1 the current is from ,p of the battery to k1 then the west wire1 then to m1 at ,w1 then to ,c1 thence through the ground to ,c at ,b1 and then to the ,n1 or negative pole of the battery1 as shown by the arrows4 ,in the latter case1 the current is from ,p of the battery to m1 then the east wire1 then to k1 at ,w1 thence to ,c1 thence through the ground to ,c at ,b1 thence to the ,n1 or north pole of the battery1 as shown by the arrows4 ,this arrangement1 by which one battery is made efficient for both circuits at the same time1 where two were formerly used1 was devised by ,mr4 ,vail1 assistant superintendent1 in the spring of #ahdd1 and has contributed much to diminish the care and expense in maintaining that part of the apparatus of the telegraph4 ,one battery being now used instead of two4 ,by the above diagram1 it will be perceived that the ground is common to both circuits1 as well as the battery1 and also the wire from the ,n pole of the battery1 to the copper plate1 ,c2 and from the copper plate1 ,c1 to the junction of the two wires near the two arrows4 ,for the purposes of telegraphic communication they answer as well as though there were four wires and two batteries4 ,instead of using the ground between ,c and ,c1 a wire might be substituted1 extending from the ,n pole of the battery to the junction of the wires at the two arrows at ,w4 ,the arrangement of the wires1 battery1 keys1 magnets or registers at both stations1 with the ground1 as shown in figure #ad1 is the plan now used for telegraphic operations between ,b and ,w2 and has many decided advantages over the arrangements of figures #ac and #ad4 ,first4 ,in both of those arrangements1 the circuit is obliged to be kept closed1 when neither station is at work2 and as the battery is only in action when the circuit is closed1 it follows that the battery will not keep in action as long as when the circuit is allowed to remain open1 as in the use of the third plan1 figure #ae4 ,second4 ,there is an advantage in dispensing with the use of the metallic wedge1 which is liable to be forgotten by the operator4 ,third4 ,the attendant may occasionally leave the room1 and is not required to be in constant waiting1 as the clock work is put in motion and stopped by the operator at the other end1 and the message written without his presence4 ,but in the first and second arrangement1 the apparatus for putting in motion and stopping the clock work1 is entirely useless4 ,the attendant being obliged to put it in motion and stop it himself4 ,we will now proceed to describe the modus operandi of transmitting intelligence from one station to another2 the arrangement being as in figure #ad2 k is the key of the operator at ,baltimore1 and m represents his register1 or writing desk1 at ,washington2 k is the key of the operator at ,washington1 and m his register1 or writing desk1 at ,baltimore4 ,each has the entire control of his respective register1 excepting1 only1 that each operator winds up the other's instrument1 and keeps it supplied with paper4 ,it will also be borne in mind1 that each circuit is complete1 and everywhere continuous1 except at the keys1 which are open4 ,if1 then1 the hammer is brought in sudden contact with the anvil1 and permitted as quickly as possible to break its contact by the action of the spring1 and resume its former position1 the galvanic fluid1 generated at the battery1 flies its round upon the circuit1 no matter how quick that contact has been made and broken4 ,it has made the iron of the electro magnet a magnet2 which has attracted to it the armature of the pen lever2 the pen lever1 by its steel pen points1 has indented the paper1 and the pen lever has1 also1 by the connecting wire with the break2 taken it from the friction wheel2 this has released the clock work1 which1 through the agency of the weight1 has commenced running1 and the two rollers have supplied the pen with paper4 ,but1 as only one touch of the key has been made1 the clock work soon stops again1 if no other touches are made1 by the action of the break upon the friction wheel4 ,this shows the whole operation of the ,telegraph1 in making a single dot by a single touch of the key4 ,in order now to explain more fully the operation of the steel pen points upon the paper1 which is in contact with the grooved roller1 let there be made four touches at the key2 this will be sufficient to start the clock work1 and allow the paper to have attained a uniform rate2 then let six touches be made at the key4 ,the contact has been made six times and broken six times4 ,each time it is closed1 the electro magnet1 as heretofore explained1 attracts to it1 with considerable force1 the armature of the pen lever1 carrying up the steel pen points against the paper1 #b1 under the steel roller1 ,s4 ,the three points of the pen1 falling into the three corresponding grooves of the roller1 carry the paper with them and indent it1#g at each contact4 ,there then appear upon the paper1 as it passes out from under the rollers1 six indentations1 as if it had been pressed upon by a blunted point1 such as the end of a knitting needle would be supposed to make1 when pressed upon paper1 placed over a shallow hole1 but in such a manner as not to pass through the paper1 but raising the surface1 as in the printing for the blind4 ,these indentations of the paper are the marking of the pen1 but varied in the manner now to be described4 #g ,the first working model of the ,telegraph was furnished with a lead pencil1 for writing its characters upon paper4 ,this was found to require too much attention1 as it needed frequent sharpening1 and in other respects was found inferior to a pen of peculiar construction1 which was afterwards substituted4 ,this pen was supplied with ink from a reservoir attached to it4 ,it answered well1 so long as care was taken to keep up a proper supply of ink1 which1 from the character of the letters1 and sometimes the rapid1 and at others the slow rate of writing1 was found to be difficult and troublesome4 ,and then again1 if the pen ceased writing for a little time1 the ink evaporated and left a sediment in the pen1 requiring it to be cleaned1 before it was again in writing order4 ,these difficulties turned the attention of the inventor to other modes of writing1 differing from the two previous modes4 ,a variety of experiments were made1 and among them1 one upon the principle of the manifold letter writers2 and which answered the purpose very well1 for a short time4 ,this plan was also found objectionable1 and after much time and expense expended upon it1 it was thrown aside for the present mode of marking the telegraphic letter4 ,this mode has been found to answer in every respect all that could be desired4 ,it produces an impression upon the paper1 not to be mistaken4 ,it is clean1 and the points making the impression being of the very hardest steel1 do not wear1 and renders the writing apparatus always ready for use4 ,by examining the telegraphic alphabet1 the characters will be found to be made up of dots3 short and long lines--and short and long spaces4 ,a single touch of the key1 answers to a single dot on the paper of the register2 which represents the letter1 ,e4 ,one touch of the key prolonged1 that is1 the contact at the key continued for about the time required to make two dots1 produces a short line1 and represents ,t4 ,a single touch for about the time required to make four dots1 is a long line1 and represents ,l4 ,a single touch for about the time required to make six dots1 is a still longer line and represents the #j of the numerals4 ,if the use of the key be suspended for about the time required to make three dots1 it is a short space1 used between letters4 ,if suspended for the time required to make six dots1 it is a long space1 used between words1 and a longer space is that used between sentences4 ,these are the elements which enter into the construction of the telegraphic characters1 as used in transmitting intelligence4 ,the alphabet is represented by the following combination of these elements4 ,,alphabet4 - - - - -- -- -- ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ---- -- - - - - - ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v -- - -- - - - ,w ,x ,y ,z #a #b #c #d --- -- - -- ------ #e #f #g #h #i #j ,suppose the following sentence is to be transmitted from ,washington to ,baltimore3 - - -- - - ---- ,t h e ,a m e r i c a n ,e l e c - -- - -- - - - ---- -- t r o ,m a g n e t i c ,t e l e g - - - - - - - r a p h i n v e n t e d b y - - - -- ,p r o f e s s o r ,s ,f ,b ,m o - - -- -- r s e o f ,n e w ,y o r k - - - - - - o n b o a r d o f t h e - -- - - ---- p a c k e t s h i p ,s u l ---- - - ---- ---- - l y ,c a p t ,p e l l o n - - -- - -- h e r p a s s a g e f r o m - - - - -- ,h a v r e t o ,n e w ,y o r -- - - -- - - - k ,o c t o b e r #a #h #c #b ,it is evident1 as the attendant at ,baltimore has no agency in the transmission of this message from ,washington1 his presence1 even1 is not absolutely required in the telegraph room at ,baltimore1 nor is it necessary1 previously1 to ask the question1 are you there8 ,the operator at ,washington transmits it to ,baltimore1 whether the attendant is there or not1 and the telegraphic characters are distinctly recorded upon the paper of the ,baltimore-register4 ,if he omits a letter at the key1 in ,washington1 it is omitted on the paper in ,baltimore4 ,if he has added at the key in ,washington1 it is also upon the paper in ,baltimore1 nothing more or less is marked upon it4 ,specimen of the ,telegraphic ,language4 - - - -- - - - - -- - - -- -- - -- - - ---- - - ---- - -- - - - - - - -- ---- - - - - -- -- - -- ---- - ---- - -- - -- - - - - ---- ---- - ---- ---- - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - -- - -- - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - ---- - - - - - ---- ---- - - - -- - -- ---- - - - - - -- - - - - - ---- - - - - - - - ---- - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - ---- - - - -- - - - - - - - ---- - - - ---- - - -- - - - - ---- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - ---- - - - - - - - - ---- - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - -- - - ---- ---- -- - - ---- - - - - - - - - - - ---- - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - -- ---- - - -- -- - - - - ---- - -- - - - -- - - - - - ---- - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - -- - - - ---- -- - ---- - - -- - - - - -- - - -- - ---- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - ---- - - - -- - -- ---- ---- - - - - -- - -- - - -- - - - - - ---- - - - - -- ---- ---- - - - - - ---- -- - - - - -- -- -- - - -- ,from the peculiarity of the motion obtained at the pen lever by the action of the battery upon the electro magnet1 it is evident that a few elements only are presented upon which to base the telegraphic characters4 ,the motion of the lever1 to which is attached the steel pen points1 is vibratory2 but capable of being so controlled as to cause it to retain either of its positions 7that is1 up or down7 as long1 and at such intervals1 and in as quick succession as the operator may choose4 ,therefore1 every sort of combination which dots1 lines and spaces1 in any succession1 and of any length can make1 are here as much at the pleasure of the telegraphic manipulator1 as the ,english alphabet is with the letter writer4 ,so that if from this countless variety1 twenty-six of the most simple1 to represent letters1 and ten to represent the numerals1 shall be taken1 we come at once into possession of the means of representing words and sentences1 by new1 but intelligible characters1 and through them1 can be conveyed as clearly1 and as concisely1 as if they were given viva voce1 or written in ,roman characters4 ,such is the alphabet given above4 ,this conventional alphabet was originated on board the packet ,sully1 by ,prof4 ,morse1 the very first elements of the invention1 and arose from the necessity of the case2 the motion produced by the magnet being limited to a single action4 ,during the period of thirteen years1 many plans have been devised by the inventor to bring the telegraphic alphabet to its simplest form4 ,the plan of using the common letters of the alphabet1 twenty-six in number1 with twenty-six wires1 one wire to each letter1 has received its due share of his time and thought4 ,other modes of using the common letters of the alphabet1 with a single wire1 has also been under his consideration4 ,plans of using two1 three1 four1 five and six wires to one registering machine1 have1 in their turn1 received proportionate study and deliberation4 ,but these1 and many other plans1 after much care and many experiments1 have been discarded2 he being satisfied that they do not possess that essential element1 simplicity1 which belongs to his original first thought1 and the one which he has adopted4 ,a detailed account of these various plans with fewer or more wires1 might be given here1 but it will suffice merely to present the alphabet adapted to a register1 using #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 or #f wires1 with a separate pen to each wire capable of working together1 or in any succession4 ,it is obvious that every additional pen will give an additional element to increase the combination1 and were there any real advantage in such an arrangement it would have been adopted long since4 ,no4 #a4 ,alphabet for two pens1 operating together or in succession4 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z #a #b #c #d -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- #e #f #g #h #i #j ,no4 #b4 ,alphabet for three pens1 operating together or in succession4 ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z #a #b #c #d #e #f #g #h #i #j ,no4 #c4 ,alphabet for four pens1 operating together or in succession4 ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z #a #b #c #d #e #f #g #h #i #j ,no4 #d4 ,alphabet for five pens1 operating together or in succession4 ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z #a #b #c #d #e #f #g #h #i #j ,no4 #e4 ,alphabet for six pens1 operating together or in succession4 ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z #a #b #c #d #e #f #g #h #i #j ,,correspondent ,,or ,,key4 ,the modes of manipulation for sending intelligence1 which at various times have been invented by ,prof4 ,morse1 are more various than any other part of the machinery of the telegraph4 ,a few of them will now be described4 ,the first method1 invented as early as the year #ahcb1 was that of using a type1 resembling saw-teeth1 set up in long frames1 and made to pass under a lever1 by means of machinery1 at a uniform rate1 for the purpose of closing and breaking the circuit1 in a manner hereafter to be described4 ,the following figure1 #ae1 represents the saw-teeth type4 ,the top of the narrow tooth corresponds with the dots of the letters1 and the long tooth1 with the lines of the letters4 ,for instance1 ,a1 has one tooth for a dot1 and a long tooth for a line1 which is the telegraphic letter ,a2 then follows a space at the end of the type1 corresponding with the short space between two letters4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ae4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #af4 ,these type were set up in a cavity1 made by putting two pieces of long rules of brass plate together1 side by side1 with a strip of half their width between them2 so as to make the cavity sufficiently large to receive the type4 ,this was denominated the port rule1 and is represented in figure #af by ,a ,a4 ,parts of the type are seen rising above the edge of the rule1 and below it are seen the cogs1 by which1 with the wheel1 ,v1 the pinion1 ,l1 and the crank1 ,o1 the port rule1 with its type1 were carried along at an uniform rate in a groove of the frame1 ,k1 ,r1 under the short lever1 ,c1 which has a tooth1 or cam1 at its extremity4 ,j is a support1 one on each side of the frame1 for the axis of the lever1 ,b and ,c1 at its axis1 ,i2 a and i are two brass or copper mercury cups1 fastened to the frame4 ,these cups have the negative and positive wires soldered to them1 ,n and ,p4 ,d and ,h are the ends of one copper wire1 bent at right angles at that portion of it fastened to the lever1 ,b4 ,the ends of the copper wire are amalgamated1 and so adjusted1 that when the lever is raised at ,c1 by the action of its cam1 passing over the teeth of the type1 the lever1 ,b1 is depressed1 and the wires1 ,d and ,h1 dip into the mercury cups1 and thus complete the connection4 ,this plan worked well1 but was too inconvenient and unwieldy4 ,the second method was upon the same principle1 with a more compact arrangement4 ,the type being put into a hopper and carried one by one upon the periphery of a wheel1 the teeth acting upon a lever in the same manner as in the figure preceding4 ,the wheel being horizontal4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ag4 ,the third plan differed only in one respect1 instead of the types moving in a circle1 they were made to move in a straight line4 ,figure #ag represents that instrument4 ,the type were all made with small holes through their sides1 so as to correspond with the teeth of the wheel1 ,a1 driven by clock work and weight4 ,k is the side of the frame containing the clock work4 ,b is the hopper containing the types1 with their teeth outward4 ,the hopper is inclined at an angle1 so that the type may slide down as fast as one is carried through the cavity1 a and b4 ,c is a brass block to keep the type upright1 and sliding down with them4 ,e and ,f are two small rollers1 with springs 7not shown7 to sustain the type1 after the wheel1 ,a1 has carried them beyond its reach4 ,g is a lever for the same purpose as ,c in figure #af4 ,d its support1 through which its axis passes4 ,i is the long lever1 ,o1 of the left side figure1 to the end of which1 is the bent wire in the mercury cups1 ,h and ,s1 and to which are soldered the wires1 ,p and ,n4 ,t is the spring to carry back the lever1 ,o4 ,f is one of the small rollers1 and ,g the short lever4 ,at ,r may be seen a part of one of the type passing2 the tooth having the short lever upon its point1 thereby connecting the circuit at the mercury cups1 ,h and ,s1 by the depression of the long lever1 ,o4 ,the hopper1 ,b1 may be of considerable length1 and at a less angle4 ,when a communication is to be sent1 it is set up in type1 and put in the hopper4 ,the clock work is then put in motion1 and the wheel1 ,a1 will carry them down one by one4 ,in this manner1 the cam on the end of the lever1 ,g1 will pass over all the teeth of the type1 as in the plan shown by figure #af4 ,the fourth plan was by means of keys1 one for each letter and numeral4 ,by pressing upon any one of the keys1 it wound up the clock work of the instrument4 ,the key being instantly released1 and returning gradually to its former position1 produced the closing and breaking of the circuit required to write its character upon the register4 ,the fifth plan is in some respects similar to the last1 but much more simple1 and requiring less time in transmitting intelligence4 ,figure #ah exhibits a view of the keyed correspondent1 with its clock work4 ,a represents a top view of it1 and ,b is a side or front view4 #a #a #a #a1 of both views1 represent the long cylinders of sheet brass1 covered with wood or some insulating substance1 except at the black lines1 which represent the form of the letters1 made of brass1 appearing at the surface of the cylinder and extending down and soldered to the interior brass cylinder4 ,a cross section of the cylinder is seen at ,d1 of which the blank ring is the brass cylinder1 and the blank openings to the outer circle the metallic forms of the letter ,j1 and the shaded portion of the circle represents the insulating substance1 covering the whole surface of the cylinder1 except1 where the letter-forms project from the interior4 ,it is obvious that every letter and parts of each letter are in metallic connection with the brass cylinder4 ,at each end of the cylinder is a brass head1 with its metallic journal1 and the journal or arbor turns upon its centre in a brass standard1 #ag1 secured to the vertical frame4 ,to this standard is soldered the copper wire1 ,n1 connected with the negative pole of the battery4 ,there are together thirty-seven letters and numerals upon the cylinder1 and made to correspond to the letters of the telegraphic alphabet4 ,to each of these1 there is a separate key1 directly over the letter cylinder4 ,each key has its button1 with its letter1 ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 ,d1 c41 marked upon it1 and beneath the button in a frame of brass1 is a little friction roller4 ,the key is a slip of thin brass1 so as to give it the elasticity of a spring1 and is secured at the thicker end by two screws to a brass plate1 extending the whole length of the cylinder1 so as to embrace the whole number of keys4 ,this plate is also fastened to the vertical mahogany frame4 ,at the right hand end of the brass plate is soldered a copper wire1 leading to the positive pole of the battery1 after having made its required circuit through the coils of the magnet1 c4 ,it is clear1 that if any one of the keys is pressed down upon any portion of a metallic letter1 that the circuit is completed2 the galvanic fluid will pass to the brass plate to which1 ,p1 wire is soldered2 thence along the plate to the spring or key2 then to the small friction roller beneath the button2 then to that portion of any letter with which it is in contact2 then to the interior brass cylinder1 to the arbor2 then to the brass standard1 and along the negative wire1 soldered to it1 to the battery4 ,we have now to explain in what manner1 the cylinder is made to revolve1 at the instant any particular key is pressed1 so that the metallic form of the letter may pass at an uniform rate under the roller of the key2 breaking and connecting the circuit so as to write at the register1 with mechanical accuracy1 the letter intended4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ah4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ai4 #d #d is the platform upon which the parts of the instrument are fastened4 #c #c is the vertical wooden back1 or support1 for the keys and brass standard1 #ag4 #b is the barrel of the clock work contained within the frames1 #e #e4 ,with the clock work1 a fly is connected for regulating its motion1 and a stop1 a1 for holding the fly1 when the instrument is not in use2 #f is a very fine tooth wheel1 on the end of the letter cylinder2 #g is also a fine tooth wheel1 on a shaft driven by the clock train4 ,in the front view is seen1 at #i1 another fine tooth wheel1 suspended upon a lever1 the end of which lever is seen at #h1 figure #ah1 ,a4 #ah is a stop1 in the standard1 #ag1 to limit the return motion of the cylinder1 which also has a pin at #ah1 at right angles with the former4 #af is a small weight1 attached to a cord1 and at its other end1 is fastened to the cylinder at b4 ,the relative position of the three fine tooth wheels1 and the lever1 #h1 are better seen in a section of the instrument1 figure #ai4 ,the same figures represent the same wheels as in the other views1 ,a and ,b4 #g is the wheel driven by the weight and train4 #f the wheel1 on the end of the cylinder1 to which motion is to be communicated1 and #i is the wheel1 suspended upon the end of the lever1 #h1 of which #aj is its centre4 #a #a1 is the brass lettered cylinder4 #aa and #ac the buttons of the two keys1 one a little in advance of the other4 #ad is the spring and the two friction rollers of the key1 may be seen directly under the buttons4 #ae is the stop pin4 #af the small weight and cord attached to the cylinder1 to bring it back after each operation4 #d #d is the end view of the mahogany platform4 ,the arrows show the direction which the wheels take1 when the lever is pressed with the thumb of the left hand at #h1 so as to bring wheel #i1 up against #g and #f1 connecting the two1 as shown by the dotted lines4 ,wheel1 #g1 communicating its motion to #i1 and #i to #f1 which causes the metallic letters to pass under the rollers in the direction of the arrow4 ,now1 in order to use the instrument1 let it be supposed a letter is to be sent4 ,the stop1 a1 figure #ah1 ,a1 is removed from the fly1 and the clock work is set in motion by the large weight4 ,then the thumb of the left hand presses upon the lever1 #h1 at the same time1 key1 ,r1 is pressed down by the finger of the right hand1 so that the small roller comes in contact with the cylinder4 ,at the instant the roller touches the cylinder1 the letter begins to move under the small roller1 making and breaking the circuit with mechanical accuracy4 ,when the letter has passed under the small roller1 the thumb is taken off the lever1 #h1 and the finger from the key1 ,r4 ,the cylinder is then detached from its gear wheel1 #i1 and the weight1 #af1 instantly carries it back to its former position1 in readiness for the next letter4 ,then the lever1 #h1 and the key1 ,e1 are pressed down at the same instant for the next letter1 and it is carried under the small roller in the same manner as the first1 which1 when finished1 the wheel1 #i1 is suffered to fall1 and the cylinder returns to its natural position again4 ,the same manipulation is repeated for the remaining letters of the word4 ,in the following figure1 #bj1 is represented the flat correspondent4 ,it somewhat resembles the keyed correspondent1 but without keys or clock work4 ,a represents the arrangement of the letters1 presenting a flat surface4 ,those portions in the figure1 marked by black lines and dots1 represent the letters which are made of brass4 ,that portion which is blank1 represents ivory or some hard insulating substance1 surrounding the metal of the letters4 ,as in the keyed correspondent1 each letter and parts of each letter extend below the ivory and are soldered to a brass plate1 the size of the whole figure1 ,a4 ,a sectional view of this is seen at #a #a1 which is ivory1 and #b #b1 the brass plate below4 ,the whole is fastened to a table1 ,b4 #e and #e is a brass plate1 called the guide plate1 with long openings1 represented by the blanks1 so that when the guide plate1 #e #e1 is put over the form1 ,a1 each opening is directly over its appropriate letter1 and is a little longer than the length of the letter4 #d and #d is the wooden frame1 to which the guide plate is secured4 ,the ends of this frame are seen in the sectional figure at #d #d1 and the guide plate at #e #e4 ,the dark portions of which1 represent the partitions1 and the blanks the openings4 ,it will be observed here that the plate1 #e #e1 resting upon the wooden frame #d #d1 is completely insulated from the brass letter plate #a #a1 and #b #b4 ,the blank space between them showing the separation4 ,it is1 however1 necessary that the guide plate should be connected with one pole of the battery1 and the letter plate with the other pole4 ,for this purpose a brass screw1 ,f1 passes up through the table1 ,b1 and through #d1 into the guide plate #e #e4 ,the head of the screw has a small hole through it1 for passing in the end of the copper wire1 ,g1 from the battery1 and a tightening screw below1 by which a perfect connection is made4 ,at ,d1 is another screw1 passing through the table1 and into the letter plate1 #b #b4 ,to the head of this screw is also connected another copper wire1 ,e1 extending to one of the poles of the battery4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bj4 ,this instrument1 when used1 occupies the place of the key or correspondent1 in the description heretofore given of the register4 ,the circuit is now supposed to be complete1 except1 between the guide plate1 #e #e1 and the letter plate1 #b #b4 ,now1 if a metallic rod1 or pencil1 ,c1 be taken1 and the small end passed through one of the openings in the shield1 above the letter1 its point will rest upon the ivory2 and if it be gently pressed laterally against the side of the opening of the guide plate1 at the same time a gentle pressure is given to it upon the ivory1 and then drawn in the direction of the arrow1 #d1 it is obvious1 that when the metallic point reaches1 for instance1 the short line of letter ,b1 the circuit will be closed2 and the fluid will pass from the battery along the wire to the screw1 ,f1 then to the guide plate1 along the plate1 to the rod1 thence to the metallic short line of letter ,b1 thence to the letter plate below1 thence to the screw1 from the screw to the wire1 and thence to the battery4 ,when the point has passed over the short metallic line1 it reaches the ivory1 and the circuit is broken1 then1 when it comes upon the first metallic dot1 it is again completed1 and in the same manner the circuit will be completed and broken1 until the point has passed over the whole of the letter4 ,the use of this instrument requires great uniformity of time or speed in drawing the point over the letter form4 ,the steel point of a common ever-pointed pencil is frequently used in place of the pointed rod1 ,c4 ,the seventh plan is that heretofore explained as being now in use1 of which there are several varieties4 ,this mode of writing requires that the operator should be perfectly familiar with the alphabet1 as he is obliged to spell the word1 and measure the time1 required by the various parts of each character making the letter4 ,it might seem difficult1 yet experience has proved it to be superior to every other method yet devised4 ,by this method1 intelligence is transmitted faster than it can be written down by reporters2 and after a little practice1 with so perfect a formation of the characters1 that mechanical accuracy can alone be compared to it4 ,as this is the simplest in its construction1 it will doubtless supercede all the others4 ,we will now give its simplest form4 ,,the ,,lever ,,key4 ,this1 as we have said1 is the most simple form of the key1 or correspondent4 ,it is a modification of that shown at figure #aa4 ,the following figure1 #ba1 represents a key1 where the lever is taken advantage of to make a more perfect connection1 with less application of power4 ,a key of the above form has been used during the past winter for reporting the proceedings of ,congress1 and has been found to operate with ease1 with certainty1 and with great rapidity4 ,a ,a is the block or table to which the parts are secured4 ,e represents the anvil block4 ,j the anvil1 screwed into the block1 both of brass4 ,b is another block1 for the stop anvil1 ,k1 and the standard for the axis of the lever ,c4 ,l is the hammer1 and is screwed into the lever1 projecting downward at ,v1 almost in contact with the anvil1 ,j4 ,r is another screw of the same kind1 but in contact with the anvil1 ,k1 when the lever ,c is not pressed upon4 ,under the head of each of these two screws1 are tightening screws1 which permanently secure the two hammers1 to any adjusted position required for the easy manipulation of the lever1 ,c4 ,d is a spring which sustains the arm of the key up1 preventing the hammer1 ,l1 from making contact with the anvil1 ,j1 when not in use4 ,g is a screw connecting with the brass block1 ,b1 and ,f a screw connecting with the block1 ,e4 ,to these screws the two wires1 ,i and ,h1 of the battery are connected4 ,now1 in order to put it in operation1 it is necessary to bring the hammer1 ,v1 in contact with the anvil1 ,j1 for so long a time1 and at such regular intervals as are required by the particular letters of the communication4 ,when the key is pressed down1 the fluid passes from the battery to the wire1 ,h1 then to the screw1 ,g1 then to the block1 ,b1 then to the lever1 ,c1 at the axis1 ,s1 then to its metallic anvil1 ,j1 then to its screw1 ,f1 then to the wire1 ,i1 and so to the battery4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ba4 ,the circuit of the ,electro ,magnet1 closed and broken by the movement of the lever itself1 acted upon by the ,electro ,magnet4 ,showing the rapidity with which it is possible to close and break the circuit4 ,in order to give some idea of the rapidity with which the circuit may be closed and broken1 and answered by the motion of the lever1 a figure1 #bb1 is here introduced to explain its construction and arrangement4 ,the platform is shown at ,t1 and the upright at ,s1 to which the coils of the electro magnet1 ,a1 are secured by a bolt with its thumb-nut1 ,e4 ,d a projecting prong of the soft iron1 and ,c the armature attached to the metallic lever1 ,b1 which has its axis or centre of motion at ,k1 in the same manner as the electro magnet of the register2 ,r being the standard through which the screws pass4 ,o is the steel spring secured to ,r1 by a plate1 ,u1 upon it1 and the screw1 ,n4 ,l and ,m are adjusting screws1 for the purpose of confining the motion of the lever1 ,b1 within a certain limit4 ,p is a wire with an eye at the top1 through which the end of the steel spring passes1 with a hook at the other end1 passing through the lever4 ,the wire1 ,q1 from one of the coils is connected with the plate1 ,u1 at the top of the standard1 ,r4 ,as the standard1 ,r1 is of brass1 the plate ,u1 the axis of the lever of steel1 and the lever1 ,b1 of brass1 all of them being metals1 and conductors of the galvanic fluid1 they are made in this arrangement to serve as conductors4 ,i is the wire proceeding from the other coil1 and is extended to one pole of the battery4 ,the wire1 ,h1 coming from the other pole1 is soldered to the metallic spring1 ,j1 which is secured to the upright1 ,s1 by means of the adjusting thumb screws1 ,f and ,g4 ,this spring is extended to ,j1 where it is in contact with the lever1 ,b4 ,we have now a complete circuit4 ,commencing at ,i1 which is connected with one pole of the battery1 from thence it goes to the first coil2 then to the second2 then by ,q to ,u1 the plate2 then to the standard1 ,r2 then to the steel screw1 ,k2 then to the steel axis2 and then to the lever to the point1 ,j2 where it takes the spring to ,h1 the wire running to the mercury cup of the other pole of the battery4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bb4 ,the battery being now in action1 the fluid flies its circuit2 ,d becomes a powerful magnet1 attracting ,c to it1 which draws the lever down in the direction of the arrow1 ,x4 ,but since ,b and ,j are a part of the circuit at ,v1 and since1 by the downward motion at ,x1 and the upward motion at ,v1 the circuit is broken at ,j1 the consequence is1 that the current must cease to pass1 and ,d can no longer be a magnet4 ,hence the lever at ,v returns1 coming again in contact with ,j4 ,instantly the fluid again passes and the lever at ,v separates from ,j4 ,again the fluid ceases to pass1 and the lever again returns4 ,by this arrangement1 then1 the lever breaks and closes the circuit1 and it does it in the best possible manner to show how rapidly the magnet can be made and unmade4 ,when its parts are well adjusted1 its vibrations are so quick that no part of the lever is distinctly seen4 ,it appears bounded in size by the limits of its movement up and down1 and the motion is so rapid as to produce a humming noise1 sometimes varying the notes to a sharp key4 ,in this way it will continue to operate so long as the battery is applied4 ,we infer from this1 the almost inconceivable rapidity1 with which it is possible to manipulate at the key of the register in sending intelligence1 far surpassing that of the most expert operator4 ,this arrangement of the electrome1 was devised by ,mr4 ,vail in the summer of #ahdc4h #h ,see ,silliman's ,journal1 vol4 #ce1 #ahci1 pages #beh-bfg4 ,,conducting ,,power ,,and ,,galvanic ,,action ,,of ,,the ,,earth4 ,after the close of the session of ,congress in the spring1 #ahdd1 a series of experiments were commenced by the request of ,prof4 ,morse1 under the direction of ,mr4 ,vail1 for the purpose of ascertaining what amount of battery was absolutely required for the practical operation of the telegraph4 ,from the first commencement of its operations to the close of the session1 so anxious were the public to witness its almost magic performances1 that time could not be taken to put it in a state to test either the size of the battery required1 or bring into use all the machinery of the register4 ,on that account1 but one wire was used during that period for transmitting and receiving intelligence1 and the capabilities of the instrument were shown to some disadvantage2 requiring the constant attendance of those having charge of the two termini4 ,this first experiment made was to ascertain the number of cups absolutely required for operating the telegraph4 ,eighty cups had been the number in use4 ,upon experiment1 it was found1 that two cups would operate the telegraph from ,washington to ,baltimore4 ,this success was more than had been anticipated and urged on further experiments1 which eventually proved that the earth itself furnished sufficient galvanic power to operate the electro magnet without the aid of a battery4 ,in the first experiment1 a copper plate was buried in the ground1 and about three hundred yards from it1 a zinc plate was also buried in the ground4 ,to each of these plates a wire was soldered1 and the ends brought into the telegraph office1 and properly connected with the key and electro magnet of the register4 ,the battery not being in connection4 ,upon manipulating at the key1 it was found that the electro magnet was operated upon and the pen of the register recorded4 ,this led to another experiment upon a more magnificent scale1 and nothing less than that of using the copper plate at ,washington1 and the zinc plate at ,baltimore1 with the single wire1 connecting those distant points1 and the battery thrown out4 ,here1 too1 success followed the experiment1 though with diminished effect4 ,by the application of a more delicate apparatus the ,electro ,magnet#i was operated upon1 and the pen of the registering instrument recorded its success4 ,from these experiments1 the fact appears conclusive1 that the ground can1 through the agency of metallic plates1 constantly generate the galvanic fluid4 #i ,franklin appears to have been the first1 or among the first1 who used the ground as part of a conducting circuit in the performance of electrical experiments4 ,steinheil it appears was the first to use the ground as a conductor for magneto electricity4 ,bain1 in #ahdj1 was the first to use the ground as a source of electricity in conjunction with its conducting power1 as a circuit4 ,prof4 ,morse1 has since the establishment of the telegraphic line1 used the ground as half the line1 with perfect success1 employing the battery2 and ,mr4 ,vail1 in an experiment in #ahdd1 succeeded in operating the electro magnet1 with its armature attached to a lever1 without any battery4 ,six ,independent ,circuits1 with six wires1 each wire making an independent line of communication4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bc4 ,in the above figure1 #bc1 let the right hand side represent ,washington1 and the left1 ,baltimore4 ,the lines marked #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 and #f1 between m and k1 respectively1 represent the six wires connecting 7for example7 ,washington with ,baltimore4 ,each cluster of black dots1 ,p and ,n1 represent the batteries of that line upon which it is placed4 ,there are three batteries at ,w1 and three at ,b2 m #a1 m #c1 and m #e1 represent the three magnets1 or registers1 and k #b1 k #d1 and k #f1 the three keys1 or correspondents1 at ,baltimore2 k #a1 k #c1 and k #e1 are the three keys1 or correspondents1 and m #b1 m #d1 and m #f1 the three magnets1 or registers1 at ,washington4 ,c ,b is the copper plate at ,baltimore1 and ,c ,w1 the copper plate at ,washington1 one at each terminus4 ,in order to operate the six lines1 simultaneously1 if required by the pressure of telegraphic communications1 there must be three operators at each station1 commanding their respective keys1 and presiding at their respective registers4 ,if the three operators at ,washington choose to write in ,baltimore1 together1 or in succession1 on their respective registers at the latter place1 the galvanic current of the three lines #a1 #c1 and #e1 takes this direction4 ,commencing at the point1 ,p1 of the three batteries1 #a1 #c1 and #e1 at ,w1 it passes to k1 of the keys2 thence along the wires to m1 the magnets1 #a1 #c1 and #e at ,b2 thence to the single wire1 where the three currents join in one to ,c ,b1 the copper plate2 then through the ground to ,c ,w1 the other copper plate2 then up the single line to their respective batteries at the point1 ,n1 having each finished its circuit independently of each other4 ,if1 in reply1 the three operators at ,baltimore wish to write upon their registers at ,washington1 either together1 or in any succession1 they may choose2 the fluid leaves the point1 ,p1 of their respective batteries1 at ,baltimore1 #b1 #d1 and #f2 unite in the single wire to ,c ,b1 the copper plate2 then pass through the ground in the direction of arrows to ,c ,w1 copper plate at ,washington1 then along the single wire to their respective magnets1 m1 #b1 #d1 and #f2 then along the extended wires to k1 #b1 #d1 and #f at ,baltimore2 and then to ,n pole of their respective batteries4 ,in this manner six distinct circuits may be operated independently of each other1 at the same time1 or in any succession1 with only one wire for each1 and the ground in common1 as a part of the circuit4 ,it is obvious from the above arrangement that if one wire only1 extended between two distant points1 will suffice to enable communications to be exchanged with each other2 that any number of wires extended1 will also1 each1 individually1 give a distinct and separate line for telegraphic purposes1 independently of all the other lines on the same route4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bd ,in figure #bd1 the same arrangement of wires is observed as respects their number1 and the situation of the keys and magnets2 but1 with this difference1 that instead of six batteries1 one for each wire1 there is but one1 which is placed upon the single wire1 with which the six wires join4 ,the battery is represented by four black dots1 marked ,n ,b ,p4 ,the course of the fluid in this case is from ,p to ,c1 the copper plate on the left side2 then through the ground to ,c1 the copper plate on the right2 then through the single wire to any of the six wires1 which may be required1 then to the single wire on the left side to ,n1 of the battery4 ,it is obvious that in this arrangement there is a division of the power of the battery1 depending upon the number of circuits that may be closed at any one instant4 ,for example3 if circuit #a is alone being used1 then it is worked with the whole force of the battery4 ,if #a and #b are used at the same instant2 each of them employ one-half the force of the battery4 ,if #a1 #b and #c are used1 then each use one-third its power4 ,if #a1 #b1 #c and #d1 then each circuit has one-fourth the power2 if #a1 #b1 #c1 #d and #e are used1 at the same moment1 then one-fifth is only appropriated to each circuit1 and if #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e and #f1 then each employ a sixth part of the galvanic fluid generated by the battery4 ,,mode ,,of ,,secret ,,correspondence4 ,the great advantage which this telegraph possesses in transmitting messages with the rapidity of lightning1 annihilating time and space1 would perhaps be much lessened in its usefulness1 could it not avail itself of the application of a secret alphabet4 ,we will now proceed to describe some of the various systems by which a message may pass between two correspondents1 through the medium of the telegraph1 and yet the contents of that message remain a profound secret to all others1 not excepting the operators of the telegraphic stations1 through whose hands it must pass4 ,for this purpose let the telegraphic characters representing particular letters be transposed and interchanged4 ,then the representative of a1 in the permanent alphabet1 may be represented by y1 or c1 or x1 in the secret alphabet2 and so of every other letter4 ,as there are twenty-seven characters in the telegraphic alphabet1 they can1 by transposition1 furnish six hundred and seventy-six different kinds of secret alphabets2 nearly two for every day of the year4 ,two persons have agreed to use1 in their telegraphic correspondence1 the secret alphabet4 ,from the six hundred and seventy-six combinations1 they have selected one for each day in the year1 and given each their particular date4 ,in the course of their business1 it becomes necessary on the first of ,july1 for one to transmit important information to the other4 ,he then refers to the telegraphic book1 for the alphabet belonging to that date1 and from it writes his communication1 as follows3 ,the firm of ,g4 ,barlow ,co4 have failed4 ,he runs his eye along the alphabetical column for t1 and finds that for the first of ,july it is e1 that h is j1 e is n1 and in the same manner1 he proceeds with the remaining letters of his message1 which1 when completed1 reads as follows3 ,ejn stwz ys qhwkyf p iy jhan shtknr4 ,as every person employing the telegraph has his name1 occupation and place of business registered in the record book of the office1 with his telegraphic number1 we will suppose1 that ,mr4 ,hammond1 ,builder1 #eg ,anson-st4 ,philadelphia1 sends the above communication to the office for ,messrs4 ,talford ,co4 ,lumber ,merchants1 #da ,bradford-st4 ,new ,york4 ,in the record1 the former name is numbered #ad2 and the latter #ca4 ,the private message is then directed thus1 ,no4 #ad to ,no4 #ca1 and reads thus3 ,mr4 ,hammond1 c4 sends the following communication to ,messrs4 ,talford ,co4 c4 8,the firm of ,g4 ,barlow ,co4 have failed40 ,this message1 in substituted characters1 is copied at the receiving station1 and immediately delivered4 ,the messenger returns with the following3 ,syw fjhe hzyxce4 ,to which is prefixed ,no4 #ca to ,no4 #ad4 ,this is sent to ,mr4 ,hammond1 who1 on translating it1 discovers that it must be answered by figures4 ,he then refers to the secret numerals1 under the date of the first of ,july1 and finds the private numerals required are #hig1 #cab1 adding to it a few letters1 when it reads thus1 ,no4 #ad to ,no4 #ca1 #hgi1 #cab rykkm4 ,if it should happen1 that on the #fth of ,december1 or #acth of ,may1 it was necessary to send a private communication1 the secret alphabets of those dates are used1 and so for any date of the year4 ,july #ast4 ,march #bhth4 ,december #fth4 ,may #acth4 ,a change to ,h ,a change to ,a ,a change to ,q ,a change to ,x ,b change to ,q ,b change to ,n ,b change to ,p ,b change to ,m ,c change to ,i ,c change to ,o ,c change to ,n ,c change to ,g ,d change to ,r ,d change to ,v ,d change to ,o ,d change to ,t ,e change to ,n ,e change to ,p ,e change to ,v ,e change to ,l ,f change to ,s ,f change to ,c ,f change to ,a ,f change to ,f ,g change to ,g change to ,q ,g change to ,c ,g change to ,h change to ,j ,h change to ,d ,h change to ,r ,h change to ,k ,i change to ,t ,i change to ,r ,i change to ,d ,i change to ,s ,j change to ,b ,j change to ,e ,j change to ,j change to ,n ,k change to ,u ,k change to ,s ,k change to ,e ,k change to ,z ,l change to ,k ,l change to ,f ,l change to ,z ,l change to ,j ,m change to ,z ,m change to ,t ,m change to ,f ,m change to ,p ,n change to ,c ,n change to ,g ,n change to ,x ,n change to ,e ,o change to ,y ,o change to ,u ,o change to ,g ,o change to ,u ,p change to ,l ,p change to ,h ,p change to ,w ,p change to ,i ,q change to ,d ,q change to ,b ,q change to ,h ,q change to ,v ,r change to ,w ,r change to ,i ,r change to ,b ,r change to ,b ,s change to ,m ,s change to ,s change to ,i ,s change to ,y ,t change to ,e ,t change to ,j ,t change to ,u ,t change to ,o ,u change to ,x ,u change to ,z ,u change to ,j ,u change to ,h ,v change to ,a ,v change to ,k ,v change to ,y ,v change to ,q ,w change to ,f ,w change to ,y ,w change to ,k ,w change to ,d ,x change to ,o ,x change to ,l ,x change to ,s ,x change to ,w ,y change to ,v ,y change to ,x ,y change to ,l ,y change to ,a ,z change to ,g ,z change to ,m ,z change to ,t ,z change to ,r change to ,p change to ,w change to ,m change to ,c #a change to #e #a change to #f #a change to #j #a change to #g #b change to #g #b change to #a #b change to #i #b change to #h #c change to #a #c change to #g #c change to #d #c change to #f #d change to #h #d change to #b #d change to #e #d change to #i #e change to #b #e change to #h #e change to #c #e change to #d #f change to #i #f change to #c #f change to #h #f change to #a #g change to #c #g change to #i #g change to #f #g change to #j #h change to #j #h change to #d #h change to #b #h change to #e #i change to #d #i change to #j #i change to #g #i change to #b #j change to #f #j change to #e #j change to #a #j change to #c ,the transposed secret alphabet is not perfectly secure for private messages1 when the message contains more than eight or ten words4 ,it is1 therefore1 necessary to adopt some of the following modes of making it perfectly incomprehensible1 and beyond the power of any person to decypher it4 ,any one or two1 or more1 of these modes may be selected and combined for this purpose4 ,let the following key or transposed alphabet1 be used in illustrating the following rules3 ,a to ,r ,f to ,x ,k to ,u ,p to ,e ,u to ,k ,z to ,m ,b ,y ,g ,b ,l ,v ,q ,p ,v ,g ,i ,c ,z ,h ,t ,m ,d ,r ,l ,w ,n ,d ,a ,i ,w ,n ,s ,f ,x ,j ,e ,s ,j ,c ,o ,q ,t ,o ,y ,h #ast4 ,let the last letter of a word remain unchanged1 viz4 ,rome1 transposed1 lqde4 #b;d4 ,let the first letter of a word remain unchanged1 viz4 ,rome1 transposed1 rqds4 #c;d4 ,let the first and last letter remain unchanged1 viz4 ,rome1 transposed1 rqde4 #dth4 ,let the middle letter of a word of #e1 #g1 #i or #aa letters remain unchanged1 viz4 ,first1 transposed1 xwrfo1 and in words of #d1 #f1 #h1 #aj or #ab letters1 let the two middle letters remain unchanged1 viz4 ,rome1 transposed1 loms4 #eth4 ,let the first1 middle1 and last letters of a word remain unchanged1 viz4 first1 transposed1 fwrft4 #fth4 ,let the middle letter of words of #e1 #g1 #i1 #aa or #ac letters commence the word1 viz4 first1 transposed1 lxwfo4 #gth4 ,let the two middle letters of a word of #d1 #f1 #h1 #aj or #ab letters commence the word1 viz4 ,rome transposed1 qdls4 #hth4 ,in a word of #d1 #f1 #h1 #aj1 #ab or #ad letters1 let the first half of the word be substituted for the last half1 viz4 ,rome1 transposed1 dslq4 #ith4 ,let every other entire word be reversed1 viz4 ,what is the news1 transposed1 ntro fw ots fns 4 #ajth4 ,let every third word be reversed4 #aath4 ,let every fourth word be reversed4 #abth4 ,let every fifth word be reversed4 #acth4 ,let the three middle letters of every word of #e1 #g1 #i1 #aa or #ac letters be reversed1 viz4 first1 transposed1 xflwo4 #adth4 ,let every word of two or three letters be prefixed to the beginning of the following word1 or affixed to the end of the preceding word1 viz1 ,state of ,maine1 transposed1 forosqx drws4 #aeth4 ,let one1 where double letters occur in a word1 be excluded1 viz4 will transposed1 nwv4 #afth4 ,where two or more words1 of two or three letters1 follow each other1 let them be joined together1 viz4 ,cotton is on the rise1 transposed1 zqoq wfqots lwfs4 #agth4 ,make no separation between words of less than eight letters1 viz4 ,cotton is on the rise1 transposed1 zqoqwfqotslwfs4 #ahth4 ,make no separation between words4 #aith4 ,reverse the order of the letters of the whole message1 viz4 ,cotton is on the rise1 transposed and reversed1 sfwl sto q fw qoqz4 #bjth4 ,change the key1 alternately1 every ten or fifteen words1 using two keys4 #bast4 ,let the two first letters of all words of four letters be affixed to the end of the preceding word1 and the remaining two letters be prefixed to the word following1 viz4 stocks have fallen1 transposed1 foqzuftr gsxrvs4 #bb;d4 ,change the key irregularly1 thus1 for example1 the first three words transpose from one key2 the next three words from another key2 the next three from another key1 and so on4 #bc;d4 ,reverse the termination of those words ending with tion1 sion1 ness1 less1 tive1 ty1 ly1 ed1 c4 #bdth4 ,make a division of long words into two4 #beth4 ,let those words which occur frequently and have only two or three letters remain unchanged1 viz4 to1 a1 the1 of1 and1 for1 with1 c4 #bfth4 ,let every two words1 or every three1 or every four1 be reversed4 #bgth4 ,omit one vowel in every word4 #bhth4 ,omit the letter e at the beginning and end of a word4 #bith4 ,omit the letter i or y at the beginning and end of a word4 #cjth4 ,omit the letter o at the beginning and end of a word4 #cast4 ,in words of #d1 #f1 #h1 #aj or #ab letters1 let the first of the two middle letters commence the word1 and the last of the two middle letters end the word4 #cb;d4 ,let t signify the2 e for of the2 f for of2 u for you2 wi for with2 i for by2 tt for that2 ts for this2 fr for from2 n for no or not2 w for will2 td for to-day2 tm for to-morrow2 s for was2 sh for shall2 wd for would2 sd for should2 cd for could2 te for to the4 ,we have here given a few of the various modes1 by which a message can be made so complicated1 that no clue will be given that shall enable the inquisitive to decypher it4 ,others may be easily devised1 and as it is better that those using the secret alphabet should devise their own modes of transposition and reversion1 none others need be given4 ,the following is written from the secret alphabet1 and afterwards rendered more obscure by one of the methods laid down above4 ,the key does not accompany it4 ,who can decypher it8 zbpvp yslup nbguxpyu zbyi1 lovmy--yux gxp1 zlegvt lovappai lubyizlvji hozovpsg zplup cbynb zbvloxbgm the jpgvizl nlep ibgm izgua zlnvlvlcu the inypvnp lhlov xmlvyloi mgua1 the pnpuzvyn wmgrhzb gzhmgibpili'pv the itjcbpu the gypagvlpui and the izlveyi byxbwj wlma yu puzyla and iovsguyux ilymulc wlci1 giowkpnzl the bvegu cymicyhzpv zbgu zbloxbz zb' yuzpurp and iowzmp4 ,zlal egu'i wyayux hmypi gmlux the cyop4 ,lmazyep yinlufopvpa1 ayizgunpyi l' pvbvlcu1 and ulg rpewmy klyui the zlvyarlup4 ,hgep ibgmwp byicblip ipgvnbyux eyua byixypu4 ,zlegu the slcpvzl oip the hyvp of bpgpu1 and the lmahgwmpi1 cbynbyu mpxpuai voulh bgvpiyux the blvipi of the iou1 sppeulc ulhgwmpi1 iyunp1 elvp cluavloihgv1 bpjltpi the myxbzuyux zlbyi vgsya ngv2 pgepibgmwp byi2 and cbpuyu hozovp agji sbymlilsbj bpveluvepuz ibymgyzp zlzbip cblwlmapiz mgci1 luth eigep zgwmpz cyzblov hvgulmyu'i ugep zbyup1 elvip1 yuwmgryux nbgvgnzpvi ibgmhmgep4 ,the following is from another key4 grvlvhmz agcxv hrvy all the zacyavzwe rexzgvlcekz1 gvmarcyohc gradevn neelz2 rmqcyogrvcl cycgcmgvn1 grvclredt dmyokmova ndgrvcl blvxmzeylt1 srlcaz1 ovexvglt1 xvncacyv1 olmxml1 rczgelt1 all were gmkorgi ndmgcy1 they zmcdvn in the adcknz1 bmlmueqv the qkdoml2 and they dvgbmd mgth ekgxezg4 ,lex grvcl zkudexv umbwa bohnvgmarvn dvmqvz hrcar xvy were to gmwvks hcgrolvmg lvzsvag1 ukghrcar they were not sulxcgvnt opknov1 yehvqvlt greyoi sarmyovn1 ovycqz odelcozi nxmwcyo cyzvdb kynvlzgen by the xmyt2 and mbgvl rmqcyo zemlvn to the vgrvlvmd lvocyzo fzacvyav in elnvl grvlv to zuciv the glqt gr in rvlrcorvzg lvglvmgz1 it vxsdetz1 cgsehvl in mzalgmcycyo the hmtumaw1 to vrnlgr and in mslemarcyo odezvdt to us grmgi txmt zreh us the lekgv it has glmqvdvn1 and the zvalvgz it has glmqvdvn1 and the zvalvgz it has ncx aeqvlvn1 ukg1 cbzkar isye hthemdxezg kycqvlzmd gvynvyat of the rkxmy zaev yavz it was vgvl the nczgcyagcqv armlmayvlczgca of glkv zacvyavz amynczsvyzv with the svesdv as the svesdv as the svesdv nczsvyzv with them2 glkvgrvedeotey the aeyglmlt1 rmzyvn of the svezdvmz the svesdv rmqvv frvl zrvokmlnz grvcl lvdcocey2 and grvcl lvdocey1 in cgzgklx1 okmlnz rvl he to grvx hrvy grvedeot dmyokczrvz1 and nevzyeg zsvmwtogrvx2 he to rvlhrvg the lvdcocey of the arklarvz yvodvag rvl and avmzvz to vzgvoxrvl2 hvxkzg grvyzv to it4 uegrey rvlmaekyg and eygrvclz1 grmgzrv zsvmwz to them rvmlz them zgkncvz in lvbvlvyav to them and wvsz grvcl zarcedz esvymz eklgvxsdvz mlv4 ,another example of the manner of writing secret correspondence is here given1 and for those to decypher who can4 ibeg pycydc peocyenxez yndexc tcacbp bepkpaetzo pcpcgkocevd pqzpeuw bpwuaqy iatdd pctpcawu uyyc elgcvkwl tytp wlwlxgy ppe kepcuwnc ptkeb badokecy in vkqunwac wuatza qodazw prvsaue tpeoebztqg ckphvkwv epgyecp wzqv adyge zcgtey eppd wubk prozlwy pwzopwzieydt4 tytp wzqv tytp qznokw ptpcawu yclep tcbbcg epdptp tytzenncyp ywzpw lccypetglydcn ezwgo eppd igwdc czgt tbzwp lhzuczpowxck1 acktepzgh tvkextpc aeptveg jezpcktncw epcgh gwvcncxc cgbtpy iatdd pvgcvcw itgzcxch qkcczn zwkkepcpwgc pzuczpowxck tzckptutzo pwcytmp1 eppd ypepcb zoypdt in lceppd pypvw watbc1 in tpykpeptwzpkezyvw beyawkcyzwvnczac jiyzc1 in geozwp dkqwy lqphyne txnled ppkeztuyytwz cucye zoypdt wodpdk ezdpwck tquucn2 jeppd etquucn lcqozwtzo pwvkextpe tzntntxqegy jawzwkpgcn pvkextpc xictyj kypytzpc4 ,another plan for sending secret intelligence1 is1 that of using select sentences1 previously agreed upon by correspondents4 ,in this plan1 the first letter of each word in the sentence1 combined1 is made the representative of that sentence1 as in the following examples3 iwrom ,i will return on ,monday4 mhii ,my health is improving4 shf ,stocks have fallen4 smtbop ,send me ten barrels of pork4 ymir ,your message is received4 dygml ,did you get my letter8 gmlt ,give my love to4 witsotmf ,what is the state of the market for8 cha ,cotton has advanced4 cwycit ,call when you come in town4 sosn ,sails on ,saturday next4 hjaip ,has just arrived in port4 hyfmo ,have you filled my order8 wmietg ,when may ,i expect the goods8 wyegfef ,will you exchange gold for eastern funds8 ,another arrangement1 equally adapted to the same purpose as the last1 is that of taking the first letter of the sentences1 then arranging them in alphabetical order1 and numbering them1 thus3 a4 #a4 ,at five o'clock ,i leave for home4 a4 #b4 ,a thunder storm is rising in the west4 c4 #a4 ,can you send me8 c4 #b4 ,cotton has advanced a little to-day4 h4 #a4 ,how much have stocks fallen8 h4 #b4 ,have you received my last package8 h4 #c4 ,has the rain done much damage8 t4 #a4 ,the weather is excessively hot4 t4 #b4 ,there is no demand for tobacco4 t4 #c4 ,take all they have at that price4 t4 #d4 ,the ,eliza sails to-morrow with full cargo4 t4 #e4 ,the steamer ,caledonia has just arrived4 w4 #a4 ,what news does she bring8 w4 #b4 ,what is the state of the market for sugar8 ,these two systems have been found to answer in practice1 and were much used in telegraphic business during the last session of ,congress4 ,from ,silliman's ,journal4 ,,art4 ,,xvi4 ,experiments made with one hundred pairs of ,grove's battery1 passing through one hundred and sixty miles of insulated wire2 in a letter from ,prof4 ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 to the ,editors1 dated ,new ,york1 ,sept4 #dth1 #ahdc4 ,dear ,sirs--,on the #hth of ,august1 having completed my preparations of #afj miles of copper wire for the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 which ,i am constructing for the government1 ,i invited several scientific friends to witness some experiments in verification of the law of ,lenz1 of the action of galvanic electricity through wires of great lengths4 ,i put in action a cup battery of one hundred pairs1 which ,i had constructed1 based on the excellent plan of ,prof4 ,grove1 but with some modifications of my own1 economising the platinum4 ,the wire was reeled upon eighty reels1 containing two miles upon each reel1 so that any length1 from two to one hundred and sixty miles1 could be made at pleasure to constitute the circuit4 ,my first trial of the battery was through the entire length of #afj miles1 making of course a circuit of #hj miles1 and the magnetism induced in my electro magnet1#aj which formed a part of the circuit1 was sufficient to move with great strength1 my telegraphic lever4 ,even forty-eight cups produced action in the lever1 but not so promptly or surely4 ,we then commenced a series of experiments upon decomposition1 at various distances4 ,the battery alone 7#ajj pairs7 gave1 in the measuring gauge in one minute1 #e4bj inches of gas4 ,when four miles of wire were interposed1 the result was #a4bj inches2 ten miles of wire1 4#eg2 #bj miles1 4#cj inches2 #ej miles1 4#jid4 ,the results obtained from a battery of #ajj pairs are projected in the following curve3 #aj ,in ,prof4 ,daniel's1 ,introduction to the ,study of ,chemical ,philosophy1 #b;d edition1 #ahdc1 there are these facts to be noticed4 ,in the preface1 there are these words3 8,it only remains for me now1 to acknowledge my obligations to my friends and colleagues1 ,professor ,wheatstone and ,dr4 ,todd1 for their great kindness in undergoing the disagreeable labour of revising and correcting the proof sheets4 ,they have thereby prevented many errors which would have otherwise deformed the work40 ,no statement then of ,prof4 ,daniel's1 particularly in that part of his work which related especially to ,wheatstone's ,telegraph1 would be allowed to pass unnoticed by ,mr4 ,wheatstone and we are authorized in considering any such statement as having his sanction4 ,we then find1 page #egf1 the following statement3 8,ingenious as ,prof4 ,wheatstone's1 contrivances are1 they would have been of no avail for telegraphic purposes1 without the investigation which he was the first to make of the laws of electro magnets1 when acted on through great lengths of wire4 ,electro magnets of the greatest power1 even when the most energetic batteries are employed1 utterly cease to act when they are connected by considerable lengths of wire with the battery40 ,if any thing were needed to show that ,prof4 ,wheatstone was not the inventor of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 it is this assertion 7under the supervision of ,prof4 ,wheatstone7 made by ,prof4 ,daniel4 ,in #ahdc1 ,prof4 ,wheatstone had not made the discovery upon which ,prof4 ,morse bases his invention1 viz4 that ,electro ,magnets can be made to act1 with an inconsiderable battery too1 when the latter is connected with the former by considerable lengths of wire3 #hj miles may certainly be considered as of considerable length4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #be4 ,table constructed from the ,curve4 ,battery alone #e4bj inches4 #a mile #c4he 8 #b 8 #b4fb 8 #c 8 #a4hd 8 #d 8 #a4bj 8 #e 8 #a4je 8 #f 8 4#ib 8 #g 8 4#hj 8 #h 8 4#ga 8 #i 8 4#fd 8 #aj 8 4#eg 8 #bj 8 4#cj 8 #cj 8 4#bj 8 #dj 8 4#ad 8 #ej 8 4#jid 8 ,during the previous summer1 ,i made the following experiments1 upon a line of #cc miles1 of number #ag copper wire1 with a battery of #ej pairs4 ,in this case1 ,i used a small steelyard1 with weights1 with which ,i was enabled to weigh1 with a good degree of accuracy1 the greater magnetic forces1 but not the lesser1 yet sufficiently approximating the recent results to confirm the law in question4 ,table of ,results4 #ej pairs through #b miles attracted and raised #i ozs4 8 #d 8 8 8 #d 8 8 #f 8 8 8 #c 8 8 #h 8 8 8 #b 8 8 #aj 8 8 8 #b 8 8 #ab 8 8 8 8 8 #ad 8 8 8 8 and each successive addition of two miles1 up to #cc1 still gave an attractive and lifting power of one-eighth of an ounce4 ,curve from these ,results4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bf4 ,a great irregularity is seen between the #ajth and #abth miles1 which is due1 undoubtedly1 to a deficiency of accuracy in the weighing apparatus4 ,i take pleasure in sending you the following calculation of the law of the conducting power of wires1 for which ,i am indebted to my friend ,prof4 ,draper1 of the ,new ,york ,city ,university4 ,on the ,law of the ,conducting ,power of ,wires4 ,by ,john ,w4 ,draper1 ,m4 ,d4 c4 c4 ,it has been objected1 that if the conducting power of wires1 for electricity was inversely as their length1 and directly as their section1 the transmission of telegraphic signals1 through long wires1 could not be carried into effect1 and even the galvanic multiplier1 which consists1 essentially1 of a wire making several convolutions round a needle1 could have no existence4 ,this last objection was first brought forward by ,prof4 ,ritchie1 of the ,university of ,london1 as an absolute proof1 that the law referred to is incorrect4 ,there is1 however1 an exceedingly simple method of proving that signals may be despatched through very long wires1 and that the galvanic multiplier1 so far from controverting the law in question1 depends for its very existence upon it4 ,assuming the truth of the law of ,lenz1 the quantities of electricity which can be urged by a constant electromotoric source through a series of wires1 the lengths of which constitute an arithmetical ratio1 will always be in a geometrical ratio4 ,now the curve whose ordinates and abscissas bear this relation to each other1 is the logarithmic curve whose equation is a x4 #ast4 ,if we suppose the base of the system1 which the curve under discussion represents1 be greater than unity1 the values of y taken between x #j1 and x #a1 must be all negative4 #b;d4 ,by taking y #j1 we find that the curve will intersect the axis of the x's1 at a distance from the origin1 equal to unity4 #c;d4 ,by making x #j1 we find y to be infinite and negative4 ,now1 these are the properties of the logarithmic curve1 which furnish an explanation of the case in hand4 ,assuming that the x's represent the quantities of electricity1 and the y's the lengths of the wires1 we perceive at once1 that those parts of the curve which we have to consider1 lie wholly in the fourth quadrant1 where the abscissas are positive and the ordinates negative4 ,when1 therefore1 the battery current passes without the intervention of any obstructing wire1 its value is equal to unity4 ,but1 as successive lengths of wire are continually added1 the quantities of electricity passing1 undergo a diminution1 at first rapid1 and then more and more slow4 ,and it is not until the wire becomes infinitely long that it ceases to conduct at all2 for the ordinate y1 when x #j1 is an asymptote to the curve4 ,in point of practice1 therefore1 when a certain limit is reached1 the diminution of the intensity of the forces becomes very small1 whilst the increase in the lengths of the wire is vastly great4 ,it is1 therefore1 possible to conceive a wire to be a million times as long as another1 and yet1 the two shall transmit quantities of electricity not perceptibly different1 when measured by a delicate galvanometer4 ,but1 under these circumstances1 if the long wire be coiled1 so as to act as a multiplier1 its influence on the needle will be inexpressibly greater than the one so much shorter than it4 ,further1 from this we gather that for telegraphic despatches1 with a battery of given electromotoric power1 when a certain distance is reached1 the diminution of effect for an increased distance becomes inappreciable4 ,,the ,,galvanometer ,,or ,,galvanoscope4 ,this useful instrument1 the invention of which is based upon ,oersted's discovery of the deflection of the magnetic needle1 by the action of conducting wires conveying galvanic currents1 seems to have furnished to most of the inventors of telegraphs1 the main spring of communication4 ,it was a very natural suggestion1 as being the most convenient and ready mode of obtaining the required motion1 by making and breaking the galvanic circuit4 ,thus ,steinheil1 ,wheatstone and ,bain have availed themselves of this one idea to effect that part of the telegraphic operation which may be called the galvanic1 in contradistinction to the mechanical parts1 which last have varied considerably with different operators4 ,the construction and operation of the galvanometer may be understood by reference to the figures #bg1 #bh1 #bi4 ,a ,a1 fig4 #bh1 are two long coils of covered copper wire1 a side view of which is shown in fig4 #bg4 ,these coils are connected with the binding screws1 ,l ,l1 attached to the frame1 or box1 holding the coils4 ,two coils are used for the convenience of allowing the pivot sustaining the magnetic needle to pass between them2 one coil might be used1 by leaving room enough between the wires for a socket for the pivot1 but the arrangement1 represented1 is the most readily constructed4 ,a side view of the instrument1 figure #bg1 shows the arrangement of the needles1 two of them being generally used to increase the operation of deflection1 and to neutralize the influence of the earth's magnetism4 ,the pair of needles is usually denominated1 an astatic needle1 or a needle without directive power2 as the current traversing a conducting wire gives different directions to needles placed above and below the wire1 the action upon the two needles thus placed is combined1 by arranging their poles in opposite directions4 ,when the current is in the direction indicated by the arrows in figure #bg1 the north pole of the needle1 within the coil1 is carried in a direction from you1 as you face the drawing1 and the north pole1 without the coil1 in a contrary direction4 ,the operation upon the south pole is the reverse4 ,changing the direction of the galvanic current1 reverses the motions4 ,it is usual to apply the force of torsion1 or of a hair spring1 or of the superior weight of one extremity of the needle1 to act against the deflective force of the current1 and to attach a graduated scale to the instrument1 fixing it between the uppermost needle and the coils as in figure #bi4 ,instead of deflecting the needle1 the coils themselves may be deflected1 as in the galvanoscope of ,prof4 ,page1 invented in ,january1 #ahcg1 and described by him in the #cc;d vol4 of ,silliman's ,journal1 page #cgf4 ,the object of this contrivance was to enable him to use powerful magnets and lighter coils4 ,this modification of the galvanoscope1 ,mr4 ,bain has preferred as the means of operating his telegraph4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bg4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bh4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #bi4 ,an ,interesting ,experiment of ,supporting a ,large ,bar of ,iron within the ,helix4 ,discovered by ,mr4 ,vail1 ,january1 #ahdd4 ,it has been shown1 many years since1 that a magnetic needle would be drawn into and suspended within a helix1 conveying a galvanic current1 and that in the case of using large bar magnets1 the coils or helices might be made to move over them1 as in ,de ,la ,rives's rings2 but in no instance1 ,i believe1 has it been recorded1 or observed1 that a bar of iron weighing a pound or more1 could be drawn up into the helix and there sustained in the air1 as it were1 without support4 ,if the helix1 as shown in figure #cj1 be connected with from #f to #ab pairs of ,grove's battery1 the bar may be drawn up into its centre and there sustained in a vertical position by the action of the helix1 forming an exceedingly interesting and paradoxical experiment4 ,illustration3 ,,fig #cj4 ,from the ,national ,intelligencer4 ,,application ,,of ,,the ,,electro ,,magnetic ,,telegraph ,,to ,,the ,,determination ,,of ,,longitude4 ,among the wonderful developements of the new telegraph1 one has just came to light which will be regarded in the world of science as deeply interesting4 ,prof4 ,morse suggested to the distinguished ,arago1 in #ahci1 that the electro magnetic telegraph would be the means of determining the difference of longitude between places with an accuracy hitherto unattainable4 ,by the following letter from ,capt4 ,charles ,wilkes to ,prof4 ,morse1 it will be believed that the first experiment of the kind of which we have any knowledge1 has resulted in the fulfilment of the ,professor's prediction4 ,,washington1 ,june #ac1 #ahdd4 ,,my ,,dear ,,sir--,the interesting experiments for obtaining the difference of longitude through your magnetic telegraph were finished yesterday and have proved very satisfactory4 ,they resulted in placing the ,battle ,monument square1 ,baltimore1 #a m1 4#cd sec4 4#hfh east1 of the capitol4 ,the time of the two places was carefully obtained by transit observations4 ,the comparisons were made through chronometers and without any difficulty4 ,they were had in three days1 and their accuracy proved in the intervals marked and recorded at both places4 ,i have adopted the results of the last day's observations and comparisons1 from the elapsed time having been less4 ,the difference of the former results1 found in the ,american ,almanac1 is 4#gcb of a second4 ,after these experiments1 ,i am well satisfied that your telegraph offers the means for determining meridian distances more accurately than was before within the power of instruments and observers4 ,accept my thanks1 and those of ,lieutenant ,eld1 for yourself and ,mr4 ,vail1 for your kindness and attention in affording us the facilities to obtain these results4 ,with great respect and esteem1 your friend1 ,,charles ,,wilkes4 ,professor ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse1 ,capitol1 ,washington4 ,,mode ,,of ,,crossing ,,broad ,,rivers1 ,,or ,,other ,,bodies ,,of ,,water1 ,,without ,,wires4 ,the following extract from ,professor ,morse's letter to the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 and by him submitted to the ,house of ,representatives1 ,dec4 #bc1 #ahdd1 in relation to this interesting subject1 will sufficiently illustrate it3 8,in the autumn of #ahdb1 at the request of the ,american ,institute1 ,i undertook to give to the public in ,new ,york a demonstration of the practicability of my telegraph1 by connecting ,governor's ,island with ,castle ,garden1 a distance of a mile2 and for this purpose ,i laid my wires properly insulated beneath the water4 ,i had scarcely begun to operate1 and had received but two or three characters1 when my intentions were frustrated by the accidental destruction of a part of my conductors by a vessel1 which drew them up on her anchor1 and cut them off4 ,in the moments of mortification1 ,i immediately devised1 a plan for avoiding such an accident in future1 by so arranging my wires along the banks of the river as to cause the water itself to conduct the electricity across4 ,the experiment1 however1 was deferred till ,i arrived in ,washington2 and on ,december #af1 #ahdb1 ,i tested my arrangement across the canal1 and with success4 ,the simple fact was then ascertained1 that electricity could be made to cross a river without other conductors than the water itself2 but it was not until the last autumn that ,i had the leisure to make a series of experiments to ascertain the law of its passage4 ,the following diagram will serve to explain the experiment4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ca4 ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 ,d1 are the banks of the river2 ,n1 ,p1 are the battery2 ,e is the electro magnet2 w w1 are the wires along the banks1 connecting with copper plates1 f1 g1 h1 i1 which are placed in the water4 ,when this arrangement is complete1 the electricity1 generated by the battery1 passes from the positive pole1 ,p1 to the plate h1 across the river through the water to plate i1 and thence around the coil of the magnet1 ,e1 to plate f1 across the river again to plate g1 and thence to the other pole of the battery1 ,n4 ,the numbers #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 indicate the distance along the bank measured by the number of times of the distance across the river4 ,the distance across the canal is #hj feet2 on ,august #bdth1 the following were the results of the experiment4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------ ,no4 of the #ast4 #b;d4 #c;d4 #dth4 #eth4 #fth4 experiment1 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------ ,no4 of cups in battery1 #ad #ad #ad #g #g #g ,length of conductors1 w1 w1 #djj #djj #djj #djj #cjj #bjj ,degrees of motion of galvanometer1 #cb #bdac #d #a #abd #acbi #baba #ae ,size of the copper plates f1 g1 h1 i1 #e by #baf by #ahf by #ee by #be by #b #e by #b ft4 in4 in4 ft4 ft4 ft4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------ ,showing that electricity crosses the river1 and in quantity in proportion to the size of the plates in the water4 ,the distance of the plates on the same side of the river from each other also affects the result4 ,having ascertained the general fact1 ,i was desirous of discovering the best practical distance at which to place my copper plates1 and not having the leisure myself1 ,i requested my friend ,professor ,gale to make the experiments for me4 ,i subjoin his letter and the results4 ,,new ,,york1 ,november #eth1 #ahdd4 ,,my ,,dear ,,sir--,i send you1 herewith1 a copy of a series of results1 obtained with four different sized plates1 as conductors to be used in crossing rivers4 ,the batteries used were six cups of your smallest size1 and one liquid used for the same throughout4 ,i made several other series of experiments1 but these ,i most rely on for uniformity and accuracy4 ,you will see1 from inspecting the table1 that the distance along the shores should be three times greater than that from shore to shore across the stream2 at least1 that four times the distance does not give any increase of power4 ,i intend to repeat all these experiments under more favorable circumstances1 and will communicate to you the results4 ,very respectfully1 ,l4 ,d4 ,,gale4 ,professor ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse1 ,superintendent of ,telegraphs4 ,series of ,experiments on four different sizes of plates1 to wit3 #ast1 #ef square inches2 #b;d1 #bh square inches2 #c;d1 #ad square inches2 and #dth1 #g square inches4 ,experiment #ast4--,surface of one face of the copper plate1 #ef square inches2 battery1 ,morse's smallest1 #f cups4 ,,note4--,in all the experiments1 f and g are stationary4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ,distance from ,distance bank along #ast #b;d #c;d #dth #eth #fth to bank4 shore ,trial4 ,trial4 ,trial4,trial4,trial4,trial4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------ #a #a #bb #bc #bc #bb #bb #bb ---------------------------------------- ------------------- #a #b #ca #cb #ca #ca #ca #ca ---------------------------------------- ------------------- #a #c #cf #cf #ce #ce #ce #ce ---------------------------------------- ------------------- #a #d #cf scant #cf scant #cd #cd #cd #cd ---------------------------------------- ------------------- ,experiment #b;d4--,plates #bh square inches1 conducted as above4 ---------------------------------------- --------------------- ,distance from ,distance bank along #ast #b;d #c;d #dth #eth #fth to bank4 shore ,trial4 ,trial4 ,trial4 ,trial4 ,trial4 ,trial4 ---------------------------------------- --------------------- #a #a #ah #ag #ag #ag #ag #ag ---------------------------------------- --------------------- #a #b #bg #bf #bg #bg #bg #bg ---------------------------------------- --------------------- #a #c #ca #ca #ca #ca #ca #ca ---------------------------------------- --------------------- #a #d #ca #ca #ca #ca #ca scant4 #ca ---------------------------------------- --------------------- ,experiment #c;d4--,plates #ad square inches1 conducted as ,no4 #a4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------- ,distance from ,distance #ast #b;d #c;d #dth #eth #fth bank to bank4along shore,trial4,trial4,trial4,trial4,trial4 ,trial4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------- #a #a #h #h #h #h #h #h #a #b #ai #bj #ai #ai #ai #ai #a #c #bc #bc #bc #bc #bc #bc #a #d #bd #bd #bc #bc #bc #bc ---------------------------------------- -------------------- ,experiment #dth4--,plates #g square inches1 conducted as ,no4 #a4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------- ,distance from ,distance #ast #b;d #c;d #dth #eth #fth bank to bank4along shore,trial4,trial4,trial4,trial4,trial4 ,trial4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------- #a #a #e #e #e #e #c #c #a #b #ae #ad #ad #ae #ae #ab #a #c #ag #ah #ag #ag #ah #ag #a #d #ah #ah #ah #ag #ag #ag ---------------------------------------- -------------------- ,the distance from bank to bank1 #cj inches4 ,depth of water1 #ab inches4 ,in experiment #d1 the liquor of the batteries was very weak1 exhausted towards the last2 and in trials #e and #f1 the irregularities are to be attributed in part to the weak liquor1 and in part to the twilight hour at which the experiments were made4 ,as the result of these experiments1 it would seem that there may be situations in which the arrangements ,i have made for passing electricity across the rivers may be useful1 although experience alone can determine whether lofty spars1 on which the wires may be suspended1 erected in the rivers1 may not be deemed the most practical4 ,the experiments made were but for a short distance2 in which1 however1 the principle was fully proved to be correct4 ,it has been applied under the direction of my able assistants1 ,messrs4 ,vail and ,rogers1 across the ,susquehanna river1 at ,havre-de-,grace1 with complete success2 a distance of nearly a mile4 ,,telegraphic ,,chess ,,playing ,in order to give some idea of the accuracy with which the telegraph transmits intelligence1 we here give two games of chess1 as played by distinguished gentlemen in ,baltimore and in ,washington4 ,the two games are selected from the seven played4 ,the number of moves made in playing the seven games1 were #fhf1 and were transmitted without a single mistake or interruption4 ,the ,baltimoreans played with the white pieces1 placed on numbers #eg1 #eh1 #ei1 #fj1 #fa1 #fb1 #fc1 and #fd1 figure #cb4 ,they were commenced ,november #afth1 #ahdd4 ,b1 ,baltimore2 ,w1 ,washington4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #cb4 ,first ,game of ,chess4 ,w #ab to #bh ,b #ec 8 #cg ,w #f 8 #cj ,b #ea 8 #df ,w #g 8 #bb ,b #eb 8 #cf ,w #bh 8 #cf ,b #df 8 #cf ,w #cj 8 #ah ,b #fc 8 #df ,w #ac 8 #bj ,b #ef 8 #da ,w #i 8 #bd ,b #eh 8 #dc ,w castles ,b #ei to #de ,w #ad 8 #ai ,b #de 8 #ea ,w #c 8 #ba ,b #fa 8 #de ,w #bb 8 #e ,b #ee 8 #ci ,w #b 8 #ag ,b #di 8 #dh ,w #ai 8 #cj ,b #cf 8 #bi ,w #ba 8 #ac ,b #ci 8 #bf ,w #aa to #bi ,b #bf 8 #bd ,w #aj 8 #bc ,b #fb 8 #bf ,w #d 8 #c ,b #dc 8 #dj ,w #cj 8 #ce ,b #de 8 #db ,w #g 8 #i ,b #dj 8 #bc ,w #e 8 #ad ,b #bc 8 #f ,w #c 8 #f ,b castles #fj to #fb #fd 8 #fa ,w #ag to #cj ,b #bf 8 #ch ,w #ad 8 #e ,b #eg 8 #eh ,w #cj 8 #de;c ,b #ea 8 #de ,w #ce 8 #de ,b #db 8 #bc;c ,w #i 8 #h ,b #fa 8 #eb ,w #bg 8 #cg ,b #bd 8 #i ,b #ah 8 #cf ,b #bc 8 #g ,w gives up4 ,second ,game4 ,b #eb to #cf ,w #aa 8 #bg ,b #fb 8 #ch ,w #ac 8 #bj ,b #ec 8 #dd ,w #g 8 #bb ,b #ea 8 #ce ,w #ab 8 #ba ,b #ei 8 #de ,w #ad to #ai ,b #di 8 #dh ,w #i 8 #bd ,b #ef 8 #dj ,w #aj 8 #bc ,b #eh 8 #dc ,w #b 8 #ac ,b #fc 8 #df ,w #d 8 #ad ,b #ej to #cd ,w #ba 8 #bh ,b #cf 8 #bh ,w #bj 8 #bh ,b #ch 8 #db ,w #bb 8 #be ,b #db 8 #ef ,w #f 8 #bj ,b #dc 8 #eb ,w #ad to #d ,b #de 8 #bg ,w castles ,b #bg 8 #ba;c ,w #g 8 #h ,b #fa 8 #ci ,w #ac 8 #bb ,b #ci 8 #da ,w #c 8 #ba ,b #da to #ba ,w #f 8 #e ,b #ba 8 #aa ,w #d 8 #de ,b #fd 8 #fb ,w #a 8 #d ,b #eb 8 #cg ,w #bb 8 #cg ,b #df 8 #cg ,w #de 8 #cg ,b castles ,w #d to #b ,b #fb 8 #fa ,w #cg 8 #bg ,b #aa 8 #ad ,w #e 8 #c ,b #ad 8 #ab ,w #bg 8 #f ,b #ab 8 #ba ,w #f 8 #e ,b #cl 8 #ci ,w #be 8 #bb ,b #ci to #ec ,w #c 8 #d ,b #ce 8 #cj ,w #d 8 #fa ,b #ei 8 #fa ,w #bd 8 #be ,b #dd 8 #cg ,w #bb 8 #ci ,b #ef 8 #db ,w #b 8 #d ,b #fa 8 #fj ,w #e 8 #ac ,b #ec 8 #ce ,w #ci 8 #bd ,b #eh 8 #eg ,w #ac 8 #eb ,b #ed 8 #dc ,w #h 8 #i ,b #ce 8 #ba ,w #eb 8 #ac ,b #ba 8 #dg ,w #ac 8 #ab ,b #db to #ed ,w #d 8 #eb ,b #eg 8 #eh ,w #ab 8 #ac ,b #dh 8 #cc ,w #eb 8 #de ,b #dg 8 #ea ,w #bd 8 #aa ,b #fj 8 #fc ,w #af 8 #ag ,b #fc 8 #fb ,w #aj 8 #bd ,b #fb 8 #fj ,w #aa 8 #d ,b #ed 8 #db ,w #de 8 #eb ,b #ea 8 #df ,w #eb 8 #de ,b #df 8 #fd ,w #ac 8 #cf;c ,b #fd 8 #cf ,w #bh 8 #cf ,b #db to #ed ,w #d 8 #ba ,b #ee 8 #db ,w #de 8 #dg ,b #dc 8 #ch ,w #dg 8 #cd ,b #ch 8 #bg ,w #bc 8 #bg ,b #cg 8 #bg ,w #ba 8 #cj ,b #db 8 #ci ,w #be 8 #ci ,b #ed 8 #db ,w #bd 8 #dd;c ,b #eh 8 #eg ,w #cj 8 #cg ,b #db 8 #bh ,w #cg 8 #ed;c ,b #eg 8 #ee ,w #ed 8 #de ,b gives up4 ,improvement in the ,magneto ,electric ,machine1 and ,application of this ,instrument to operate the ,magnetic ,telegraph4 ,the magneto electric machine was originally contrived by ,mr4 ,saxton1 soon after the announcement of the interesting discovery of ,faraday1 that magnetism was capable of exciting electricity4 ,the conditions necessary for obtaining electricity in this way were1 chiefly1 the disturbance of magnetic forces in a bar of soft iron surrounded by coils of wire4 ,a number of mechanical contrivances were resorted to1 in order to effect this disturbance1 by causing the bar of iron1 thus surrounded1 to approach to and recede from the poles of powerful magnets2 but the ingenuity of ,mr4 ,saxton far exceeded them all1 by giving to the coils and enclosed bar a rotary movement about the poles of a ,u-form magnet4 ,this instrument afforded bright sparks and strong shocks2 but the currents of electricity thus obtained could not be converted to any useful purpose1 as1 in each half revolution of the coils1 the currents were in opposite directions4 ,in #ahch1 ,professor ,page published in ,silliman's ,journal an account of an improved form of the machine1 doing away with many existing objections1 and furthermore rendering it at once a useful instrument1 by a contrivance for conducting these opposing currents into one channel or direction1 which part of the contrivance was called the unitrep4 ,the current produced in this way was capable of performing the work to a certain extent1 of the power developed by the galvanic battery2 and the machine was found adequate to the furnishing of shocks for medical purposes1 for exhibiting the decomposition of water1 furnishing the elements oxygen and hydrogen at their respective poles1 and producing definite electro-chemical results4 ,these two last results could not be obtained without the aid of the unitrep4 ,but1 with this improvement1 the instrument was still wanting in one property of the galvanic battery1 viz4 that property which chemists call quantity1 or that power upon which depends its ability to magnetize1 and also to heat platinum wires4 ,this last property has been given to the machine by the recent contrivance of ,professor ,page4 ,the machine1 in its novel construction1 under his improvement1 developed what is called1 by way of distinction1 the current of intensity1 but had a very feeble magnetizing power4 ,by a peculiar contrivance of the coils1 7not to be made public until his rights are in some way secured17 the current of quantity is obtained in its maximum1 while1 at the same time1 the intensity is so much diminished that it gives scarcely any shock1 and decomposes feebly4 ,it has been successfully tried with the magnetic telegraph of ,professor ,morse1 and operates equally well with the battery4 ,it affords1 by simply turning a crank attached to the machine1 a constant current of galvanic electricity2 and as there is no consumption of material necessary to obtain this power1 it will doubtless supersede the use of the galvanic battery1 which1 in the event of constant employment1 would be very expensive1 from the waste of zinc1 platinum1 acids1 mercury1 and other materials used in its construction4 ,it particularly recommends itself for magnetizing purposes1 as it requires no knowledge of chemistry to insure the result1 being merely mechanical in its action1 and is always ready for action without previous preparation2 the turning of a crank being the only requisite when the machine is in order4 ,it is not liable to get out of order2 does not diminish perceptibly in power when in constant use1 and actually gains power when standing at rest4 ,it will be particularly gratifying to the man of science1 as it enables him to have always at hand a constant power for the investigation of its properties1 without any labor of preparation4 ,we notice among the beautiful results of this machine1 that it charges an electro magnet so as to sustain a weight of #a1jjj pounds1 and it ignites to a white heat large platinum wires1 and may be used successfully for blasting at a distance2 and should ,government ever adopt any such system of defence as to need the galvanic power1 it must supersede the battery in that case4 ,professor ,page demonstrates1 by mathematical reasoning1 that the new contrivance of the coils affords the very maximum of quantity to be obtained by magnetic excitation4 ,report of ,commissioner of ,patents1 for #ahdd4 ,,reports ,,to ,,congress ,,on ,,the ,,subject ,,of ,,electro ,,magnetic ,,telegraphs4 ,letter from the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 transmitting a ,report upon the subject of a ,system of ,telegraphs for the ,united ,states4 ,december #aa1 #ahcg4 ,,treasury ,,department1 ,december #f1 #ahcg4 ,,sir3 ,i have the honor to present this report1 in compliance with the following resolution1 which passed the ,house of ,representatives on the #c;d of ,february last1 viz4 8,resolved1 ,that the ,secretary of the ,treasury be requested to report to the ,house of ,representatives1 at its next session1 upon the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs for the ,united ,states40 ,immediately after its passage ,i prepared a circular1 with the view of procuring1 from the most intelligent sources1 such information as would enable ,congress1 as well as the ,department1 to decide upon the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs4 ,it seemed also important to unite with the inquiry the procurement of such facts as might show the expense attending different systems2 the celerity of communication by each2 and the useful objects to be accomplished by their adoption4 ,a copy of the circular is annexed1 7#a7 ,the replies have been numerous1 and many of them are very full and interesting4 ,those deemed material are annexed1 numbered #b to #ah1 inclusive4 ,from those communications1 and such other investigations as the pressure of business has enabled me to make1 ,i am satisfied that the establishment of a system of telegraphs for the ,united ,states would be useful to commerce as well as the ,government4 ,it might most properly be made appurtenant to the ,post ,office ,department1 and1 during war1 would prove a most essential aid to the military operations of the country4 ,the expense1 attending it is estimated carefully in some of the documents annexed2 but it will depend much upon the kind of system adopted3 upon the extent and location of the lines first established2 and the charges made to individuals for communicating information through it which may not be of a public character4 ,on these points1 as the ,department has not been requested to make a report1 no opinion is expressed2 but information concerning them was deemed useful as a guide in deciding on the propriety of establishing telegraphs1 and was1 therefore1 requested in the circular before mentioned4 ,many useful suggestions in relation to the subject will be found in the correspondence annexed1 and in the books there referred to4 ,the ,department would take this occasion to express1 in respect to the numerous gentlemen whose views are now submitted to ,congress1 its high appreciation and sincere acknowledgments for the valuable contributions they have made on a subject of so much interest4 ,i remain1 very respectfully1 ,your obedient servant1 ,,levi ,,woodbury1 ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,the ,hon4 ,j4 ,k4 ,,polk1 ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives4 ,no4 #a4 ,circular to certain ,collectors of the ,customs1 ,commanders of ,revenue ,cutters1 and other persons4 ,,treasury ,,department1 ,march #aj1 #ahcg4 ,with the view of obtaining information in regard to 8the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs for the ,united ,states10 in compliance with the request contained in the annexed resolution of the ,house of ,representatives1 adopted at its last session1 ,i will thank you to furnish the ,department with your opinion upon the subject4 ,if leisure permits1 you would oblige me by pointing out the manner1 and the various particulars1 in which the system may be rendered most useful to the ,government of the ,united ,states and the public generally4 ,it would be desirable1 if in your power1 to present a detailed statement as to the proper points for the location1 and distance of the stations from each other1 with general rules for the regulation of the system1 together with your sentiments as to the propriety of connecting it with any existing department of the ,government1 and some definite idea of the rapidity with which intelligence could ordinarily1 and also in urgent cases1 be communicated between distant places4 ,i wish you to estimate the probable expense of establishing and supporting telegraphs1 upon the most approved system1 for any given distance1 during any specified period4 ,it would add to the interest of the subject if you would offer views as to the practicability of uniting with a system of telegraphs for communication in clear weather and in the day time1 another for communication in fogs1 by cannon1 or otherwise2 and in the night1 by the same mode1 or by rockets1 fires1 c4 ,i should be gratified by receiving your reply by the first of ,october next4 ,,levi ,,woodbury1 ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,no4 #b4 ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 to the ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,,new ,,york ,,city ,,university1 ,sept4 #bg1 #ahcg4 ,,dear ,,sir3 ,in reply to the inquiries which you have done me the honor to make1 in asking my opinion 8of the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs for the ,united ,states10 ,i would say1 in regard to the general question1 that ,i believe there can scarcely be two opinions1 in such a community as ours1 in regard to the advantage which would result1 both to the ,government and the public generally1 from the establishment of a system of communication by which the most speedy intercourse may be had between the most distant parts of the country4 ,the mail system1 it seems to me1 is founded on the universally admitted principle1 that the greater the speed with which intelligence can be transmitted from point to point1 the greater is the benefit derived to the whole community4 ,the only question that remains1 therefore1 is1 what system is best calculated1 from its completeness and cheapness1 to effect this desirable end8 ,with regard to telegraphs constructed on the ordinary principles1 however perfected within the limits in which they are necessarily confined1 the most perfect of them are liable to one insurmountable objection--they are useless the greater part of the time4 ,in foggy weather1 and ordinarily during the night no intelligence can be transmitted4 ,even when they can transmit1 much time is consumed in communicating but little1 and that little not always precise4 ,having invented an entirely new mode of telegraphic communication1 which1 so far as experiments have yet been made with it1 promises results of almost marvellous character1 ,i beg leave to present to the ,department a brief account of its chief characteristics4 ,about five years ago1 on my voyage home from ,europe1 the electrical experiment of ,franklin1 upon a wire some four miles in length was casually recalled to my mind in a conversation with one of the passengers1 in which experiment it was ascertained that the electricity travelled through the whole circuit in a time not appreciable1 but apparently instantaneous4 ,it immediately occurred to me1 that if the presence of electricity could be made ,,visible in any desired part of this circuit1 it would not be difficult to construct a ,,system ,,of ,,signs by which intelligence could be instantaneously transmitted4 ,the thought1 thus conceived1 took strong hold of my mind in the leisure which the voyage afforded1 and ,i planned a system of signs and an apparatus to carry it into effect4 ,i cast a species of type1 which ,i had devised for this purpose1 the first week after my arrival home2 and although the rest of the machinery was planned1 yet1 from the pressure of unavoidable duties1 ,i was compelled to postpone my experiments1 and was not able to test the whole plan until within a few weeks4 ,the result has realized my most sanguine expectations4 ,as ,i have contracted with ,mr4 ,alfred ,vail to have a complete apparatus made to demonstrate at ,washington by the #ast of ,january1 #ahch1 the practicability and superiority of my mode of telegraphic communication by means of electro magnetism1 7an apparatus which ,i hope to have the pleasure of exhibiting to you17 ,i will confine myself in this communication to a statement of its peculiar advantages4 ,first4 ,the fullest and most precise information can be almost instantaneously transmitted between any two or more points1 between which a wire conductor is laid3 that is to say1 no other time is consumed than is necessary to write the intelligence to be conveyed1 and to convert the words into the telegraphic numbers4 ,the numbers are then transmitted nearly instantaneously1 7or if ,i have been rightly informed in regard to some recent experiments in the velocity of electricity1 two hundred thousand miles in a second17 to any distance1 where the numbers are immediately recognised1 and reconverted into the words of the intelligence4 ,second4 ,the same full intelligence can be communicated at any moment irrespective of the time of day or night1 or state of the weather4 ,this single point establishes its superiority to all other modes of telegraphic communication now known4 ,third4 ,the whole apparatus will occupy but little space1 7scarcely six cubic feet1 probably not more than four27#aa and it may1 therefore1 be placed without inconvenience1 in any house4 ,fourth4 ,the record of intelligence is made in a permanent manner and in such a form that it can be at once bound up in volumes convenient for reference1 if desired4 ,fifth4 ,communications are secret to all but the persons for whom they are intended4 #aa ,it now occupies a space #aj inches long1 #h inches high1 and #e wide4 ,these are the chief advantages of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph over other kinds of telegraphs1 and which must give it the preference1 provided the expense and other circumstances are reasonably favorable4 ,the newness of the whole plan makes it not so easy to estimate the expense1 but an approach to a correct estimate can be made4 ,the principal expense will be the first cost of the wire or metallic conductors1 7consisting of four lengths17 and the securing them against injury4 ,the cost of a single copper wire _/ of an inch diameter1 7and it should not be of less dimensions17 for #djj miles1 was recently estimated in ,scotland to be about #a1jjj sterling1 including the solderings of the wire together2 that is1 about #f per mile for one wire1 or #bd per mile for the four wires4 ,i have recently contracted for twenty miles of copper wire1 ,no4 #ah1 at #dj cents per pound4 ,each pound1 it is estimated1 contains #ic feet1 which gives a result coinciding with the ,scotch estimate1 if #a4fj per mile be added for solderings4 ,the preparation of the wire for being laid1 7if in the ground17 comprehends the clothing of the wires with an insulating or non-conducting substance2 the encasing them in wood1 clay1 stone1 iron1 or other metal2 and the trenching of the earth to receive them4 ,in this part of the business ,i have no experience to guide me1 the whole being altogether new4 ,i can1 therefore1 only make at present a rough estimate4 ,iron tubes enclosing the wires1 and filled in with pitch and resin1 would probably be the most eligible mode of securing the conductors from injury1 while1 at the same time1 it would be the most costly4 ,iron tubes of #a inch diameter1 ,i learn1 can be obtained at ,baltimore1 at #bh cents per foot4 ,the trenching will not be more than three cents for #b feet1 or about #ge per mile4 ,this estimate is for a trench #c feet deep and #a wide4 ,there is no grading2 the trench may follow the track of any road1 over the highest hills or lowest valleys4 ,across rivers1 with bridges1 the circuit may easily be carried1 enclosed beneath the bridge4 ,where the stream1 is wide1 and no bridge1 the circuit1 enclosed in lead1 may be sunk to the bottom4 ,if the circuit is laid through the air1 the first cost would doubtless be much lessened4 ,this plan of making the circuit has some advantages1 but there are also some disadvantages2 the chief of which latter is1 that1 being always in sight1 the temptation to injure the circuit to mischievously disposed persons1 is greater than if it were buried out of sight beneath their feet4 ,as an offset1 however1 to this1 an injury to the circuit is more easily detected4 ,with regard to danger from wantonness1 it may be sufficient to say1 that the same objection was originally made in the several cases1 successively1 of water-pipes1 gas-pipes1 and railroads2 and yet we do not hear of wantonness injuring any of these4 ,stout spars of some thirty feet in height1 well planted in the ground1 and placed about #cej feet apart1 would1 in this case1 be required1 along the tops of which the circuit might be stretched4 ,fifteen such spars would be wanted to a mile4 ,this mode would be as cheap1 probably1 as any other1 unless the laying of the circuit in water should be found to be most eligible4 ,a series of experiments to ascertain the practicability of this mode1 ,i am about to commence with ,professor ,gale1 of our university1 a gentleman of great science1 and to whose assistance1 in many of my late experiments1 ,i am greatly indebted4 ,we are preparing a circuit of twenty miles4 ,the result of our experiments ,i will have the honor of reporting to you4 ,the other machinery1 consisting of the apparatus for transmitting and receiving the intelligence1 can be made at a very trifling cost4 ,the only parts of the apparatus that waste or consume materials1 are the batteries1 which consume acid and zinc1 and the register1 which consumes paper for recording1 and pencils or ink for marking4 ,the cost of printing1 in the first instance1 of a telegraphic dictionary1#ab should perhaps also be taken into the account1 as each officer of the ,government1 as well as many others1 would require a copy1 should this mode of telegraphic communication go into effect4 ,this dictionary would contain a vocabulary of all the words in common use in the ,english language1 with the numbers regularly affixed to each word4 #ab ,mr4 ,francis ,o4 ,j4 ,smith has recently published a ,secret ,corresponding ,vocabulary adapted to this purpose4 ,the stations in the case of this telegraph may be as numerous as are desired2 the only additional expense for that purpose being the adding of the transmitting and receiving apparatus to each station4 ,the cost of supporting a system of telegraphs on this plan1 7when a circuit is once established17 would1 in my opinion1 be much less than on the common plans2 yet1 for want of experience in this mode1 ,i would not affirm it positively4 ,as to 8the propriety of connecting the system of telegraphs with any existing department of ,government10 it would seem most natural to connect a telegraphic system with the ,post ,office ,department2 for1 although it does not carry a mail1 yet it is another mode of accomplishing the principal object for which the mail is established1 to wit3 the rapid and regular transmission of intelligence4 ,if my system of telegraphs should be established1 it is evident that the telegraph would have but little rest day or night4 ,the advantage of communicating intelligence instantaneously in hundreds of instances of daily occurrence1 would warrant such a rate of postage1 7if it may be so called17 as would amply defray all expenses of the first cost of establishing the system1 and of guarding it1 and keeping it in repair4 ,as every word is numbered1 an obvious mode of rating might be1 a charge of a certain amount on so many numbers4 ,i presume that five words can certainly be transmitted in a minute2 for1 with the imperfect machinery ,i now use1 ,i have recorded at that rate1 at the distance of half a mile4 ,in conclusion1 ,i would say1 that if the perfecting of this new system of telegraphs 7which may justly be called the ,american ,telegraph1 since ,i can establish my claims to priority in the invention7 shall be thought of public utility1 and worthy the attention of ,government1 ,i shall be ready to make any sacrifice of personal service and of time to aid in its accomplishment4 ,in the mean time ,i remain1 sir1 with sincere respect and high personal esteem1 ,your most obedient1 humble servant1 ,,saml4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse4 ,,hon4 ,,levi ,,woodbury1 ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,no4 #c4 ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,,university ,,of ,,the ,,city ,,of ,,new ,,york1 ,november #bh1 #ahcg4 ,,my ,,dear ,,sir3 ,in my letter to you in answer to the circular respecting telegraphs1 which you did me the honor to send me1 ,i promised to advise you of the result of some experiments about to be tried with my electro magnetic telegraph4 ,i informed you that ,i had succeeded in marking permanently and intelligibly at the distance of half a mile4 ,professor ,gale1 of our university1 and ,mr4 ,alfred ,vail1 of the ,speedwell iron-works1 near ,morristown1 ,new ,jersey1 are now associated with me in the scientific and mechanical parts of the invention4 ,we have procured several miles of wire1 and ,i am happy to announce to you that our success has thus far1 been complete4 ,at a distance of five miles1 with a common ,cruikshank's battery of #hg plates1 7#d by #c inches each plate17 the marking was as perfect on the register as in the first instance of half a mile4 ,we have recently added five miles more1 making in all ten miles1 with the same result2 and we have now no doubt of its effecting a similar result at any distance4 ,i also stated to you1 sir1 that machinery was in progress of making1 with which1 so soon as it should be completed1 ,i intended to proceed to ,washington1 to exhibit the powers of the invention before you and other members of the ,government4 ,i had hoped to be in ,washington before the session of ,congress1 but ,i find that the execution of new machinery is so uncertain in its time of completion1 that ,i shall be delayed1 probably1 until the beginning of the year4 ,what ,i wish to learn from you1 sir1 is1 8,how late in the session can ,i delay my visit1 and yet be in season to meet the subject of telegraphs1 when it shall be presented by your report to ,congress80 ,i am anxious1 of course1 to show as perfect an instrument as possible1 and would wish as much time for the purpose of perfecting it as can be allowed without detriment to my interests as an applicant for the attention of ,government to the best plan of a telegraph4 ,i am1 my dear sir1 with the greatest respect and personal esteem1 ,your most obedient servant1 ,,saml4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse4 ,,hon4 ,,levi ,,woodbury1 ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,no4 #d4 ,from the ,new ,york ,journal of ,commerce4 ,we have received the following note and diagram1 with the explanation of the latter1 from ,mr4 ,morse3 ,to the ,editors of the ,journal of ,commerce3 ,,gentlemen3 ,you had the kindness to assert1 a few days ago1 my claim to the invention of the electro magnetic telegraph1 for which ,i thank you4 ,as to the priority of my invention1 entirely planned and for the most part executed as it was nearly five years ago1 ,i can adduce the amplest proof4 ,you announced that ,i was preparing a short circuit1 to show to my friends the operation of the telegraph4 ,this circuit ,i have completed1 of the length of #a1gjj feet1 or about one-third of a mile2 and on ,saturday1 the #b;d instant1 in presence of ,professors ,gale and ,torrey of this city1 and ,professor ,daubeny of the ,oxford 7,english7 ,university1 and several other gentlemen1 ,i tried a preliminary experiment with the register4 ,it recorded the intelligence sufficiently perfect to establish the practicability of the plan1 and the superior simplicity of my mode of communication1 over any of those proposed by the professors in ,europe4 ,it will be observed that no account has reached us that any of the foreign proposed electric telegraphs have as yet succeeded in transmitting intelligible communications2 but it is merely asserted of the most advanced experiment1 7the one in ,london17 that 8by means of five wires10 c4 intelligence 8may be conveyed40 ,i have the gratification of sending you a specimen of the writing of my telegraph1 the actual transmission of a communication made this morning1 in a more complete manner than on ,saturday1 and through the distance of one-third of a mile4 ,thinking it may be gratifying to your readers to see the kind of writing which it performs1 ,i have had it engraved for you1 accompanied with an explanation4 ,your obedient servant1 ,,saml4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse4 ,n4 ,y4 ,city ,university1 ,september #d1 #ahcg4 ,no4 #e4 ,specimen of ,telegraphic ,writing made by means of electricity at the distance of one-third of a mile4 ,illustration ,the words in the diagram were the intelligence transmitted4 ,the numbers 7in this instance arbitrary7 are the numbers of the words in a telegraphic dictionary4 ,the points are the markings of the register1 each point being marked every time the electric fluid passes4 ,the register marks but one kind of mark1 to wit1 7,v47 ,this can be varied two ways4 ,by intervals1 thus1 7,v ,,vv ,,vvv17 signifying one1 two1 three1 c41 and by reversing1 thus1 77 ,examples of both these varieties are seen in the diagram4 ,the single numbers are separated by short1 and the whole numbers by long intervals4 ,to illustrate by the diagram3 the word 8successful0 is first found in the dictionary1 and its telegraphic number1 #bae1 is set up in a species of type prepared for the purpose1 and so of the other words4 ,the type then operate upon the machinery1 and serve to regulate the times and intervals of the passage of electricity4 ,each passage of the fluid causes a pencil at the extremity of the wire to mark the points as in the diagram4 ,to read the marks1 count the points at the bottom of each line4 ,it will be perceived that two points come first1 separated by a short interval from the next point4 ,set #b beneath it4 ,then comes one point1 likewise separated by a short interval4 ,set #a beneath it4 ,then come five points4 ,set #e beneath them4 ,but the interval in this case is a long interval3 consequently1 the three numbers comprise the whole number1 #bae4 ,so proceed with the rest1 until the numbers are all set down4 ,then1 by referring to the telegraphic dictionary1 the words corresponding to the numbers are found1 and the communication read4 ,thus it will be seen that1 by means of the changes upon ten characters1 all words can be transmitted4 ,but there are two points reversed in the lower line4 ,these are the eleventh character1 placed before a number1 to signify that it is to be read as a number1 and not as the representative of a word4 ,no4 #f4 ,mr4 ,,smith1 from the ,committee on ,commerce1 made the following ,report1 ,april #fth1 #ahch4 ,the ,committee on ,commerce to whom the subject was referred1 have had the same under consideration1 and report3 ,on the #c;d of ,february1 #ahcg1 the ,house of ,representatives passed a resolution requesting the ,secretary of the ,treasury to report to the ,house1 at its present session1 upon the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs for the ,united ,states4 ,in pursuance of this request1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 at an early day after the passage of said resolution1 addressed a circular of inquiry to numerous scientific and practical individuals in different parts of the ,union2 and1 on the #fth of ,december last1 reported the result of this proceeding to the ,house4 ,this report of the ,secretary imbodies many useful suggestions on the necessity and practicability of a system of telegraphic despatches1 both for public and individual purposes2 and the committee cannot doubt that the ,american public is fully prepared1 and even desirous1 that every requisite effort be made on the part of ,congress to consummate an object of so deep interest to the purposes of ,government in peace and in war1 and to the enterprise of the age4 ,amid the suggestions thus elicited from various sources1 and imbodied in the before-mentioned report of the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 a plan for an electro magnetic telegraph is communicated by ,professor ,morse1 of the ,university of the city of ,new ,york1 pre-eminently interesting1 and even wonderful4 ,see ,report1 ,no4 #b4 ,this invention consists in the application1 by mechanism1 of galvanic electricity to telegraphic purposes1 and is claimed by ,professor ,morse and his associates as original with them2 and being so1 in fact1 as the committee believe1 letters-patent have been secured1 under the authority of the ,united ,states1 for the invention4 ,it has1 moreover1 been subjected to the test of experiment1 upon a scale of ten miles distance1 by a select committee of the ,franklin ,institute of the city of ,philadelphia1 and reported upon by that eminently high tribunal in the most favorable and confident terms4 ,an abstract from the report thus made is hereunto annexed4 ,no4 #g4 ,in additional confirmation of the merits of his proposed system of telegraphs1 ,professor ,morse has exhibited it in operation 7by a coil of metallic wire measuring about ten miles in length1 rendering the action equal to a telegraph of half that distance7 to the ,committee on ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 to the ,president of the ,united ,states1 and the several heads of ,departments1 to members of ,congress generally1 who have taken interest in the examination1 and to a vast number of scientific and practical individuals from various parts of the ,union2 and all concur1 it is believed1 and without a dissenting doubt1 in admiration of the ingenious and scientific character of the invention1 and in the opinion that it is successfully adapted to the purposes of telegraphic despatches1 and in a conviction of its great and incalculable practical importance and usefulness to the country1 and ultimately to the whole world4 ,but it would be presumptuous in any one1 7and the inventor himself is most sensible of this17 to attempt1 at this stage of the invention1 to calculate in anticipation1 or to hold out promises of what its whole extent of capacity for usefulness may be1 in either a political1 commercial1 or social point of view1 if the electrical power upon which it depends for successful action shall prove to be efficient1 as is now supposed it will1 to carry intelligence through any of the distances of #ej1 #ajj1 #ejj1 or more miles now contemplated4 ,no such attempt1 therefore1 will be indulged in this report4 ,it is obvious1 however1 that the influence of this invention over the political1 commercial1 and social relations of the people of this widely-extended country1 looking to nothing beyond1 will1 in the event of success1 of itself amount to a revolution unsurpassed in moral grandeur by any discovery that has been made in the arts and sciences1 from the most distant period to which authentic history extends1 to the present day4 ,with the means of almost instantaneous communication of intelligence between the most distant points of the country1 and simultaneously between any given number of intermediate points which this invention contemplates1 space will be1 to all practical purposes of information1 completely annihilated between the ,states of the ,union1 as also between the individual citizens thereof4 ,the citizen will be invested with1 and reduce to daily and familiar use1 an approach to the ,,high ,,attribute ,,of ,,ubiquity1 in a degree that the human mind until recently1 has hardly dared to contemplate seriously as belonging to human agency1 from an instinctive feeling of religious reverence and reserve on a power of such awful grandeur4 ,referring to the annexed report of the ,franklin ,institute1 already adverted to1 and also to the letters of ,professor ,morse1 marked #b1 #h and #i1 for other details of the superiority of this system of telegraphs over all other methods heretofore reduced to practice by any individual or ,government1 the committee agree1 unanimously1 that it is worthy to engross the attention and means of the ,federal ,government1 to the full extent that may be necessary to put the invention to the most decisive test that can be desirable4 ,the power of the invention1 if successful1 is so extensive for good and for evil1 that the ,government alone should possess the right to control and regulate it4 ,the mode of proceeding to test it1 as suggested1 as also the relations which the inventor and his associates are willing to recognise with the ,government on the subject of the future ownership1 use1 and control of the invention1 are succinctly set forth in the annexed letters of ,professor ,morse1 marked #h and #i4 ,the probable outlay of an experiment upon a scale equal to fifty miles of telegraph1 and equal to a circuit of double that distance1 is estimated at #cj1jjj4 ,two-thirds of this expenditure will be for material1 which1 whether the experiment shall succeed or fail1 will remain uninjured1 and of very little diminished value below the price that will be paid for it4 ,the estimates of ,professor ,morse1 as will be seen by his letter1 marked #i1 amount to #bf1jjj2 but1 to meet any contingency not now anticipated1 and to guard against any want of requisite funds in an enterprise of such moment to the ,government1 to the people1 and to the scientific world1 the committee recommend an appropriation of #cj1jjj1 to be expended under the direction of the ,secretary of the ,treasury2 and to this end submit herewith a bill4 ,it is believed by the committee that the subject is one of such universal interest and importance1 that an early action upon it will be deemed desirable by ,congress1 to enable the inventor to complete his trial of the invention upon the extended scale contemplated1 in season to furnish ,congress with a full report of the result during its present session1 if that shall be practicable4 ,all which is respectfully submitted4 ,,francis ,o4 ,j4 ,,smith1 ,,jas4 ,m4 ,,mason1 ,s4 ,c4 ,,phillips1 ,,john ,t4 ,h4 ,,worthington1 ,,samuel ,,cushman1 ,,wm4 ,h4 ,,hunter1 ,,john ,i4 ,,de ,,graff1 ,,george ,w4 ,,toland1 ,,edward ,,curtis1 ,committee on ,commerce1 ,u4 ,s4 ,h4 ,r4 ,no4 #g4 ,,hall ,,of ,,the ,,franklin ,,institute1 ,feb4 #h1 #ahch4 ,report of the ,franklin ,institute ,philadelphia4 ,the sub-committee1 from the committee of science and arts1 appointed to examine the electro magnetic telegraph of ,professor ,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 report3 ,that this instrument was exhibited to them in the hall of the ,institute1 and every opportunity given by ,mr4 ,morse and his associate1 ,mr4 ,alfred ,vail1 to examine it carefully1 and to judge of its operation2 and they now present the following as the result of their observations3 99 99 99 99 ,the operation of the telegraph1 as exhibited to us1 was very satisfactory4 ,the power given to the magnet at the register1 through a length of wire of ten miles1 was abundantly sufficient for the movements required to mark the signals4 ,the communication of this was instantaneous4 ,the time required to make the signals was as short at least1 as that necessary in the ordinary telegraphs4 ,it appears to this committee1 therefore1 that the possibility of using telegraphs upon this plan1 in actual practice1 is not to be doubted2 though difficulties may be anticipated1 which could not be tested by the trials made with the model4 ,one of these relates to the insulation and protection of the wires1 which are to pass over many miles of distance1 to form the circuits between the stations4 ,mr4 ,morse has proposed several plans3 the last being to cover the wires with cotton thread1 then varnish them thickly with gum-elastic1 and enclose the whole in leaden tubes4 ,more practical and economical means will probably be devised2 but the fact is not to be concealed1 that any effectual plan must be very expensive4 ,doubts have been raised as to the distance to which the electricity of an ordinary battery can be made efficient2 but your committee think that no serious difficulty is anticipated as to this point4 ,the experiment with the wire wound in a coil1 may not1 indeed1 be deemed conclusive2 but one of the members of the committee assisted in an experiment in which a magnet was very sensibly affected by a battery of a single pair1 through an insulated wire of two and three-quarter miles in length1 of which the folds were four inches apart2 and when a battery of ten pairs was used1 water was freely decomposed4 ,an experiment is said to have been made1 with success1 on the ,birmingham and ,manchester rail road1 through a circuit of thirty miles in length4 ,it may be proper to state1 that the idea of using electricity for telegraphic purposes has presented itself to several individuals1 and that it may be difficult to settle among them the question of originality4 ,the celebrated ,gauss has a telegraph of this kind in actual operation1 for communicating signals between the ,university of ,gttingen and his magnetic observatory in its vicinity4 ,mr4 ,wheatstone1 of ,london1 has been for some time also engaged in experiments on an electrical telegraph4 ,but the plan of ,professor ,morse is1 so far as the committee are informed1 entirely different from any of those devised by other individuals1 all of which act by giving different directions to a magnetic needle2 and would1 therefore1 require several circuits of wire between all the stations4 ,in conclusion1 the committee beg leave to state their high gratification with the exhibition of ,professor ,morse's telegraph1 and their hope that means may be given to him to subject it to the test of an actual experiment1 made between stations at a considerable distance from each other4 ,the advantages which this telegraph would present1 if successful1 over every kind heretofore used1 make it worthy the patronage of the ,government4 ,these are1 that the stations may be at a distance asunder1 far exceeding that to which all other telegraphs are limited2 and that the signals may be given at night1 and in rains1 snows1 and fogs1 when other telegraphs fail4 ,r4 ,m4 ,,patterson1 ,chairman4 ,no4 #h4 ,from ,s4 ,f4 ,b1 ,morse1 to the ,hon4 ,f4 ,o4 ,j4 ,smith4 ,,washington1 ,february #ae1 #ahch4 ,,dear ,,sir3 ,in consequence of the conversation had with the committee on the subject of my telegraph1 ,i would state1 that ,i think it desirable that an experiment1 on a somewhat extended scale1 should first be made to test both the practicability and the facility of communicating intelligence for at least one hundred miles4 ,the experiment may proceed1 as to cost1 with perfect safety to the ,government4 ,first4 ,the wire for this distance1 consisting of four lengths1 making a total of four hundred miles of wire1 might be obtained1 and receive its covering of cotton and other insulation4 ,this length would amply suffice to ascertain the law of the propulsive power of voltaic electricity1 and previous to any measures being taken for burying it in the earth4 ,so that1 if any unforeseen difficulty should occur fatal to its practicability1 the wire is not consumed or lost4 ,if the expected success is realized1 then1 ,second4 ,the preparation of the wire might be commenced for burying in the earth1 and1 being found complete through the whole route1 the several portrules1 registers1 batteries1 c41 might be provided to put the telegraph into complete action4 ,this experiment of one hundred miles would furnish the data from which to make the estimates of a more general extension of the system4 ,if no insurmountable obstacles present themselves in a distance of one hundred miles1 none may be expected in one thousand or in ten thousand miles2 and then will be presented for the consideration of the ,government the propriety of completely organizing the new telegraphic system as a part of the ,government1 attaching it to some department already existing1 or creating a new one1 which may be called for by the accumulating duties of the present departments4 ,it is obvious1 at the slightest glance1 that this mode of instantaneous communication must inevitably become an instrument of immense power1 to be wielded for good or for evil1 as it shall be properly or improperly directed4 ,in the hands of a company of speculators1 who should monopolize it for themselves1 it might be the means of enriching the corporation at the expense of the bankruptcy of thousands2 and even in the hands of ,government alone1 it might become a means of working vast mischief to the republic4 ,in considering these prospective evils1 ,i would respectfully suggest a remedy which offers itself to my mind4 ,let the sole right of using the telegraph belong1 in the first place1 to the ,government1 who should grant1 for a specified sum or bonus1 to any individual or company of individuals who may apply for it1 and under such restrictions and regulations as the ,government may think proper1 the right to lay down a way communication between any two points1 for the purpose of transmitting intelligence2 and thus would be promoted a general competition4 ,the ,government would have a telegraph of its own1 and have its modes of communicating with its own officers and agents1 independent of private permission1 or interference with and interruption to the ordinary transmissions on the private telegraphs4 ,thus there would be a system of checks and preventives of abuse1 operating to restrain the action of this otherwise dangerous power1 within those bounds which will permit only the good and neutralize the evil4 ,should the ,government thus take the telegraph solely under its own control1 the revenue derived from the bonuses alone1 it must be plain1 will be of vast amount4 ,from the enterprising character of our countrymen1 shown in the manner in which they carry forward any new project which promises private or public advantage1 it is not visionary to suppose that it would not be long ere the whole surface of this country would be channelled for those nerves which are to diffuse1 with the speed of thought1 a knowledge of all that is occurring throughout the land2 making1 in fact1 one neighborhood of the whole country4 ,if the ,government is disposed to test this mode of telegraphic communication by enabling me to give it a fair trial for one hundred miles1 ,i will engage to enter into no arrangements to dispose of my rights as the inventor and patentee for the ,united ,states1 to any individual or company of individuals1 previous to offering it to the ,government for such a just and reasonable compensation as shall be mutually agreed upon4#ac ,i remain1 sir1 respectfully1 your most obedient servant1 ,,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse4 ,to the ,hon4 ,f4 ,o4 ,j4 ,,smith1 ,chairman of the ,committee on ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives4 #ac ,it is proper that ,i should here state1 that the patent-right is now jointly owned1 in unequal shares1 by myself1 ,prof4 ,gale of ,new ,york ,city ,university1 and ,messrs4 ,alfred and ,george ,vail4 ,no4 #i4 ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to ,hon4 ,f4 ,o4 ,j4 ,smith4 ,,washington1 ,february #bb1 #ahch4 ,,dear ,,sir3 ,i have endeavoured to approach a proper estimate of the expense attendant on preparing a complete telegraphic communication for some distance2 and taking into consideration the possibility that the experiment may be conclusively tried before the close of the present session of ,congress1 ,i have thought that an appropriation for fifty miles of distance would test the practicability of the telegraph quite as satisfactorily as one hundred1 because the obstacles necessary to be overcome would not be more proportionally in fifty than in one hundred2 while1 at the same time1 the double circuit necessary in the fifty miles would give a single circuit of one hundred for the purpose of testing the effect of distance upon the passage of electricity4 ,fifty miles would require a less amount of appropriation1 and the experiment could also be sooner brought to a result4 ,two hundred miles of wire1 or wire for two circuits for fifty miles of distance1 including the covering of the wire with cotton1 at #ajj per mile1 #bj1jjj ,other expenses of preparation of the wire1 such as caoutchouc1 wax1 resin1 tar1 with reels for winding1 soldering1 c41 say #f per mile1 #a1bjj ,batteries and registers1 with type1 c41 for two stations1 and materials for experimenting on the best modes of magnets at long distances1 #hjj ,services of ,professor ,gale in the chemical department2 services of ,mr4 ,alfred ,vail in the mechanical department2 services of assistants in different departments2 my own services in superintending and directing the whole--total #d1jjj ------------ ,total1 #adbf1jjj ,this estimate is exclusive of expense necessary to lay down the wire beneath the ground4 ,this is unnecessary until the previous preparations are found satisfactory4 ,i cannot say what time will be required for the completion of the circuits for fifty miles4 ,if the order could be immediately given for the wire1 ,i think all the other matter connected with it might be completed so that every thing would be in readiness in three months4 ,much will depend on the punctuality with which contractors fulfil their engagements in furnishing the wire and other apparatus4 ,i remain1 sir1 very respectfully1 your obedient servant1 ,,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse4 ,to the ,hon4 ,f4 ,o4 ,j4 ,,smith1 ,chairman of the ,committee on ,commerce4 #ad ,this line could now be constructed for less than half the sum4 ,no4 #aj4 ,mr4 ,ferris1 from the ,committee on ,commerce1 made the following ,report1 ,december #cj1 #ahdb4 ,that they regard the question1 as to the general utility of the telegraphic system1 settled by its adoption by the most civilized nations2 and experience has fully demonstrated the great advantages which may be derived from its use4 ,its capability of speedily transmitting intelligence to great distances1 for national defence1 and for other purposes1 where celerity is desirable1 is decidedly superior to any of the ordinary modes of communication in use4 ,by it1 the first warning of approaching danger1 and the appearance of hostile fleets and armies on our coasts and borders1 may be announced simultaneously at the most distant points of our widely-extended empire1 thus affording time and opportunity for concentrating the military force of the country1 for facilitating military and naval movements1 and for transmitting orders suitable to the emergency4 ,in the commercial and social affairs of the community1 occasions frequently arise in which the speedy transmission of intelligence may be of the highest importance for the regulation of business transactions1 and in relieving the anxious solicitude of friends1 as to the health and condition of those in whose fortunes they feel an interest4 ,the practicability of establishing telegraphs on the electric principle is no longer a question4 ,wheatstone1 of ,london1 and his associates1 have been more fortunate than our ,american inventor1 in procuring the means to put his ingenious system into practical use for two or three hundred miles1 in ,great ,britain2 and the movements of the cars on the ,blackwall rail road are at this time directed with great economy1 and perfect safety to life and property1 by means of his magnetic needle telegraph4 ,if a system more complicated and less efficient than the ,american telegraph is operated for great distances in ,england1 with such eminent success and advantage1 there can be no reasonable doubt that1 if the means be furnished for putting in operation the system of ,professor ,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 of ,new ,york1 the original inventor of the electro-magnetic telegraph1 the same1 if not greater success1 will be the result4 ,your committee are of opinion that it is but justice to ,professor ,morse1 who is alike distinguished for his attainments in science and excellence in the arts of design1 and who has patiently devoted many years of unremitting study1 and freely spent his private fortune1 in inventing and bringing to perfection a system of telegraphs which is calculated to advance the scientific reputation of the country1 and to be eminently useful1 both to the ,government and the people1 that he should be furnished with the means of competing with his ,european rivals4 ,professor ,morse bases his system upon the two following facts in science3 ,first4 ,that a current of electricity will pass to any distance along a conductor connecting the two poles of a voltaic battery or generator of electricity1 and produce visible effects at any desired points on that conductor4 ,second4 ,that magnetism is produced in a piece of soft iron 7around which the conductor1 in its progress1 is made to pass7 when the electric current is permitted to flow1 and that the magnetism ceases when the current of electricity is prevented from flowing4 ,this current of electricity is produced and destroyed by breaking and closing the galvanic circuit at the pleasure of the operator of the telegraph1 who in this manner directs and controls the operation of a simple and compact piece of mechanism1 styled the register1 which1 at the will of the operator at the point of communication1 is made to record1 at the point of reception1 legible characters1 on a roll of paper put in motion at the same time with the writing instrument4 ,these characters the inventor has arranged into a conventional alphabet1 and which is capable of being learned and used with very little practice4 ,professor ,morse has submitted his telegraphic plan to the severe scrutiny of ,european criticism2 and the ,academy of ,sciences1 of ,paris1 the highest scientific tribunal in the world1 hailed it with enthusiasm and approbation1 when its operation was exhibited1 and its principles explained by their distinguished perpetual secretary1 ,m4 ,arago4 ,it appears1 from documents produced by ,professor ,morse1 that the thanks of several learned bodies in ,france were voted to him for his invention1 and the large medal of honor was awarded to him by the ,academy of ,industry4 ,it further appears1 that several other systems of telegraphs on the electric plan 7among which were ,wheatstone's1 of ,london1 ,steinheil's1 of ,munich1 and ,masson's1 of ,caen7 had been submitted at various times for the consideration of the ,french ,government1 who appointed a commission to examine and report on them all1 at the head of which commission was placed the administrator-in-chief of the telegraphs of ,france1 7,m4 ,foy17 who1 to a note to ,professor ,morse1 thus writes3 8,i take a true pleasure in confirming to you in writing that which ,i have already had the honor to say to you viva voce--that ,i have prominently presented to ,monsieur the ,minister of the ,interior your electro magnetic telegraph1 as being the system which presents the best chance of a practical application2 and ,i have declared to him that1 if some trials are to be made with electric telegraphs1 ,i do not hesitate to recommend that they should be made with your apparatus40 ,your committee1 in producing further evidence of the approbation by the scientific world of the system of ,professor ,morse1 would cite the letter of ,professor ,henry1 of ,princeton ,college1 well known for his eminent attainments in electrical science1 7marked #aa17 in the appendix of this report4 ,more recently1 a committee1 consisting of some of our most distinguished scientific citizens1 was appointed by the ,american ,institute of ,new ,york1 to examine and report upon this telegraph1 who made the report 7#ab7 in the appendix4 ,in compliance with the recommendation of this report1 the ,institute awarded to ,professor ,morse the gold medal4 ,besides the evidence these testimonials furnish of the excellence of ,professor ,morse's system1 your committee1 as well as the greater part of the members of both ,houses of ,congress1 have had a practical demonstration of the operation of the electro magnetic telegraph1 and have witnessed the perfect facility and extraordinary rapidity with which a message can be sent by means of it from one extremity of the capitol to the other4 ,this rapidity is not confined in its effects to a few hundred feet1 but science makes it certain that the same effects can be produced1 at any distance on the globe1 between any two given points connected by the conductors4 ,your committee have alluded to other electric telegraphs2 for1 as is not uncommon in the birth of great inventions1 scientific minds have1 at nearly the same period of time1 in various parts of ,europe1 conceived and planned electric telegraphs2 but it is a matter of national pride1 that the invention of the first electro magnetic telegraph1 by ,professor ,morse1 as well as the first conception of using electricity as the means of transmitting intelligence1 by ,doctor ,franklin1 is the offspring of ,american genius4 ,your committee beg leave to refer to the letter of ,professor ,morse1 7marked #ac17 in the appendix1 to ,c4 ,g4 ,ferris1 one of the committee1 giving1 at his request a brief history of the telegraph since it was before ,congress1 in #ahch1 for some interesting information concerning it1 and for ,professor ,morse's estimate of the probable expense of establishing his system of telegraphs for thirty or forty miles4 ,they would also refer to the ,house document1 ,no4 #ae1 7,december #f1 #ahcg17 and to ,house report1 ,no4 #gec1 7,april #f1 #ahch17 for valuable information on the subject of telegraphs4 ,your committee invite special attention to that part of ,professor ,morse's letter which details the plan of a revenue which may be derived from his telegraphic system1 when established to an extent sufficient for the purposes of commercial and general intelligence4 ,from these calculations1 made upon safe data1 it is probable that an income would be derived from its use by merchants and citizens more than sufficient to defray the interest of the capital expended in its establishment4 ,so inviting1 indeed1 are the prospects of profit to individual enterprise1 that it is a matter of serious consideration1 whether the ,government should not1 on this account alone1 seize the present opportunity of securing to itself the regulation of a system which1 if monopolized by a private company1 might be used to the serious injury of the ,post ,office ,department1 and which could not be prevented without such an interference with the rights of the inventor and of the stockholders as could not be sustained by justice or public opinion4 ,after the ordeal to which the electro magnetic telegraph system has been subjected1 both in ,europe and in ,america1 and the voice of the scientific world in its favor1 it is scarcely necessary for your committee to say that they have the fullest confidence in ,professor ,morse's plan1 and they earnestly recommend the adoption of it by the ,government of the ,united ,states4 ,they deem it most fortunate that no definite system of telegraphs should hitherto have been adopted by the ,government1 since it enables them to establish this improved system1 which1 in the opinion of your committee1 is decidedly superior to any other now in use1 possessing an advantage over telegraphs depending on vision1 inasmuch as it may be used both by night and day1 in all weathers1 and in all seasons of the year1 with equal convenience2 and1 also1 possessing an advantage over electric telegraphs heretofore in use1 inasmuch as it records1 in permanent legible characters on paper1 any communication which may be made by it1 without the aid of any agent at the place of recording1 except the apparatus which is put in motion at the point of communication4 ,thus1 the recording apparatus1 called the register1 may be left in a closed chamber1 where it will give notice of its commencing to write1 by a bell1 and the communication may be found1 on opening the apartment4 ,possessing these great advantages1 and the means of communication not being liable to interruption by the ordinary contingencies which may impede or prevent the successful action of other telegraphs1 the advantages to be derived from it will soon be apparent to the community1 and it will become the successful rival of the ,post ,office1 when celerity of communication is desired1 and create a revenue from which this system of telegraphs may be extended and ramified through all parts of the country1 without imposing any burden upon the people or draughts on the treasury1 beyond the outlay for its first establishment4 ,as a first step towards the adoption of this system of telegraphs by the ,government1 your committee recommend the appropriation of thirty thousand dollars to be expended under the direction of the ,postmaster ,general1 in constructing a line of electro magnetic telegraphs1 under the superintendence of ,professor ,sam'l ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 of such length and between such points as shall fully test its practicability and utility2 and for this purpose they respectfully submit the following bill3 ,a bill to test the ,practicability of ,establishing a ,system of ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraphs by the ,united ,states4 ,be it enacted by the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives of the ,united ,states in ,congress assembled1 ,that the sum of thirty thousand dollars be1 and is hereby1 appropriated1 out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated1 for testing the capacity and usefulness of the system of electro magnetic telegraphs invented by ,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 of ,new ,york1 for the use of the ,government of the ,united ,states1 by constructing a line of said electro magnetic telegraphs1 under the superintendence of ,professor ,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 of such length and between such points as shall fully test its practicability and utility2 and that the same shall be expended under the direction of the ,postmaster ,general1 upon the application of said ,morse4 ,,sec4 #b4 ,and be it further enacted1 ,that the ,postmaster ,general be1 and he is hereby1 authorized to pay1 out of the aforesaid thirty thousand dollars1 to the said ,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 and the persons employed under him1 such sums of money as he may deem to be a fair compensation for the services of the said ,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,morse and the persons employed under him1 in constructing and in superintending the construction of the said line of telegraphs authorized by this bill4 ,no4 #aa4 ,letter from ,professor ,henry to ,professor ,morse4 ,,princeton ,,college1 ,february #bd1 #ahdb4 ,,my ,,dear ,,sir3 ,i am pleased to learn that you have again petitioned ,congress in reference to your telegraph1 and ,i most sincerely hope that you will succeed in convincing our representatives of the importance of the invention4 ,in this you may1 perhaps1 find some difficulty1 since1 in the minds of many1 the electro magnetic telegraph is associated with the various chimerical projects constantly presented to the public1 and particularly with the schemes1 so popular a year or two ago1 for the application of electricity as moving power in the arts4 ,i have asserted1 from the first1 that all attempts of this kind are premature1 and made without a proper knowledge of scientific principles4 ,the case is1 however1 entirely different in regard to the electro magnetic telegraph4 ,science is now fully ripe for this application1 and ,i have not the least doubt1 if proper means be afforded1 of the perfect success of the invention4 ,the idea of transmitting intelligence to a distance by means of electrical action1 has been suggested by various persons1 from the time of ,franklin to the present2 but until within the last few years1 or since the principal discoveries in electro magnetism1 all attempts to reduce it to practice were necessarily unsuccessful4 ,the mere suggestion1 however1 of a scheme of this kind is a matter for which little credit can be claimed1 since it is one which would naturally arise in the mind of almost any person familiar with the phenomena of electricity2 but the bringing it forward at the proper moment when the developments of science are able to furnish the means of certain success1 and the devising a plan for carrying it into practical operation1 are the grounds of a just claim to scientific reputation as well as to public patronage4 ,about the same time with yourself1 ,professor ,wheatstone1 of ,london1 and ,dr4 ,steinheil1 of ,germany1 proposed plans of the electro magnetic telegraph1 but these differ as much from yours as the nature of the common principle would well permit2 and unless some essential improvements have lately been made in these ,european plans1 ,i should prefer the one invented by yourself4 ,with my best wishes for your success1 ,i remain1 with much esteem yours1 truly1 ,,joseph ,,henry4 ,,professor ,,morse4 ,no4 #ab4 ,report of the ,american ,institute on the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph4 ,,new ,,york1 ,september #ab1 #ahdb4 ,the undersigned1 the committee of arts and sciences of the ,american ,institute1 respectfully report3 ,that1 by virtue of the power of adding to their numbers1 they called to their aid the gentlemen whose names are hereunto annexed1 with those of the original members of the committee1 and proceeded to examine ,professor ,morse's electro magnetic telegraph4 ,having investigated the scientific principles on which it is founded1 inspected the mechanism by which these principles are brought into practical operation1 and seen the instruments in use in the transmission and return of various messages1 they have come to the conclusion that it is admirably adapted to the purposes for which it is intended1 being capable of forming words1 numbers1 and sentences1 nearly as fast as they can be written in ordinary characters1 and of transmitting them to great distances with a velocity equal to that of light4 ,they1 therefore1 beg leave to recommend the telegraph of ,professor ,morse for such testimonials of the approbation of the ,american ,institute as may in its judgment be due to a most important practical application of high science1 brought into successful operation by the exercise of much mechanical skill and ingenuity4 ,all which is respectfully submitted4 ,,james ,,renwick1 ,,ll4 ,d41 ,prof4 ,chem4 and ,nat4 ,phil41 ,columbia ,col41 ,n4 ,y4 ,,john ,w4 ,,draper1 ,m4 ,d41 ,prof4 ,chem4 and ,min41 ,university1 city of ,new ,york4 ,,william ,h4 ,,ellet1 ,m4 ,d4 ,prof4 ,chem41 c4 ,col4 of ,columbia1 ,s4 ,c4 ,,james ,r4 ,,chilton1 ,m4 ,d41 ,chem41 c41 ,new ,york4 ,g4 ,c4 ,,schaeffer1 ,associate ,prof4 ,chem41 ,columbia ,col41 ,n4 ,y4 ,,edward ,,clark4 ,,charles ,a4 ,,lee1 ,m4 ,d4 ,extract from the minutes of the ,institute3 ,resolved1 ,that the report be accepted1 adopted1 and referred to the premium committee1 and that the recording secretary be directed to publish the same1 at the expense of the ,institute4 ,no4 #ac4 ,letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,hon4 ,c4 ,g4 ,ferris4 ,,new ,,york1 ,december #f1 #ahdb4 ,,dear ,,sir3 ,in compliance with your request1 ,i give you a slight history of my electro magnetic telegraph1 since it was presented for the consideration of ,congress1 in the year #ahch4 ,during the session of the #beth ,congress1 a report was made by the ,committee on ,commerce of the house1 which concluded by unanimously submitting a bill appropriating #cj1jjj for the purpose of testing my system of electro magnetic telegraphs4 ,the pressure of business at the close of that session prevented any action being taken upon it4 ,before the session closed1 ,i visited ,england and ,france1 for the double purpose of submitting my invention to the test of ,european criticism1 and to secure to myself some remuneration for my large expenditures of time and money in elaborating my invention4 ,in ,france1 after a patent had been secured in that country1 my telegraph first attracted the attention of the ,academy of ,sciences1 and its operation was shown1 and its principles were explained1 by the celebrated philosopher1 ,arago1 in the session of that distinguished body of learned men1 on ,september #aj1 #ahch4 ,its reception was of the most enthusiastic character4 ,several other societies1 among which were the ,academy of ,industry and the ,philotechnic ,society1 appointed committees to examine and report upon the invention1 from all which ,i received votes of thanks1 and from the former the large medal of honour4 ,the ,french ,government at this time had its attention drawn to the subject of electric telegraphs1 several systems having been presented for its consideration1 from ,england1 ,germany and ,france4 ,through the kind offices of our minister at the ,french ,court1 ,general ,cass1 my telegraph was also submitted2 and the ,minister of the ,interior 7,m4 ,montalivet7 appointed a commission1 at the head of which was placed ,m4 ,alphonse ,foy1 the administrator-in-chief of the telegraphs of ,france1 with directions to examine and report upon all the various systems which had been presented4 ,the result of this examination 7in which the ingenious systems of ,professor ,wheatstone1 of ,london1 of ,professor ,steinheil1 of ,munich1 and ,professor ,masson1 of ,caen1 passed in review7 was a report to the ,minister in favor of mine4 ,in a note addressed to me by ,m4 ,foy1 who had expressed his warmest admiration of my telegraph in my presence1 he thus writes3 8,i take a true pleasure in confirming to you in writing that which ,i have already had the honor to say to you viva voce1 that ,i have prominently presented 7signal7 to ,monsieur the ,minister of the ,interior your electro magnetic telegraph1 as being the system which presents the best chance of a practical application2 and ,i have stated to him that if some trials are to be made with electric telegraphs1 ,i hesitate not to recommend that they should be made with your apparatus40 ,in ,england1 my application for a patent for my invention was opposed before the ,attorney ,general by ,professor ,wheatstone and ,mr4 ,davy1 each of whom had systems already patented1 essentially like each other1 but very different from mine4 ,a patent was denied me by the ,attorney ,general1 ,sir ,john ,campbell1 on a plea which ,i am confident will not bear a legal examination4 ,but there being no appeal from the ,attorney ,general's decision1 nor remedy1 except at enormous expense1 ,i am deprived of all benefit from my invention in ,england4 ,other causes than impartial justice evidently operated against me4 ,an interest for my invention1 however1 sprung up voluntarily1 and quite unexpectedly1 among the ,english nobility and gentry in ,paris1 and1 had ,i possessed the requisite funds to prosecute my rights before the ,british ,parliament1 ,i could scarcely have failed to secure them1 so powerfully was ,i supported by this interest in my favour2 and ,i should be ungrateful did ,i not take every opportunity to acknowledge the kindness of the several noblemen and gentlemen who volunteered to aid me in obtaining my rights in ,england1 among the foremost of whom were the ,earl of ,lincoln1 the late celebrated ,earl of ,elgin1 and the ,hon4 ,henry ,drummond4 ,i returned to the ,united ,states in the spring of #ahci1 under an engagement entered into in ,paris with the ,russian ,counsellor of ,state1 the ,baron ,alexandre de ,meyendorff1 to visit ,st4 ,petersburg with a distinguished ,french savant1 ,m4 ,amyot1 for the purpose of establishing my telegraphic system in that country4 ,the contract1 formally entered into1 was transmitted to ,st4 ,petersburg1 for the signature of the ,emperor1 which ,i was led to believe would be given without a doubt2 and1 that no time should be lost in my preparations1 the contract1 duly signed1 was to be transmitted to me in in ,new ,york1 through the ,russian ambassador in the ,united ,states1 in four or five weeks1 at farthest1 after my arrival home4 ,after waiting1 in anxious suspense1 for as many months1 without any intelligence1 ,i learned indirectly that the ,emperor1 from causes not satisfactorily explained1 refused to sign the contract4 ,these disappointments1 7not at all affecting the scientific or practical character of my invention17 combined with the financial depression of the country1 compelled me to rest a while from further prosecuting my enterprise4 ,for the last two years1 however1 under many discouraging circumstances1 from want of the requisite funds for more thoroughly investigating some of the principles involved in the invention1 ,i have1 nevertheless1 been able to resolve all the doubts that lingered in my own mind1 in regard to the perfect practicability of establishing my telegraphic system to any extent on the globe4 ,i say1 8doubts that lingered in my own mind20 the principle1 and1 indeed1 the only one of a scientific character1 which at all troubled me1 ,i will state1 and the manner in which it has been resolved3 ,at an early stage of my experiments1 ,i found that the magnetic power produced in an electro magnet1 by a single galvanic pair1 diminished rapidly as the length of the conductors increased4 ,ordinary reasoning on this fact would lead to a conclusion fatal to the whole invention1 since at a great distance ,i could not operate at all1 or1 in order to operate1 ,i should be compelled to make use of a battery of such a size as would render the whole plan in effect impracticable4 ,i was1 indeed1 aware1 that by multiplying the pairs in the battery--that is1 increasing the intensity of its propulsive power1 certain effects could be produced at great distances1 such as the decomposition of water1 a visible spark1 and the deflection of the magnetic needle4 ,but as magnetic effects1 except in the latter case1 had not1 to my knowledge been made the subject of careful experiment1 and as these various effects of electrical action seemed1 in some respects1 to be obedient to different laws1 ,i did not feel entirely assured that magnetism could be produced by a multiplication of pairs sufficiently powerful at a great distance to effect my purpose4 ,from a series of experiments which ,i made1 in conjunction with ,professor ,fisher1 during the last summer1 upon #cc miles of wire1 the interesting fact so favorable to my telegraphic system1 was fully verified1 that while the distance increased in an arithmetical ratio1 an addition to the series of galvanic pairs of plates increased the magnetic power in a geometric ratio4 ,fifty pairs of plates were used as a constant power4 ,two miles of conductors at a time1 from two to thirty-three1 were successively added to the distance4 ,the weight upheld by the magnet from the magnetism produced by #ej pairs1 gradually diminished up to the distance of #aj miles2 after which1 the addition of miles of wire up to #cc miles 7the extent to which we were able to try it7 caused no further visible diminution of power4 ,the weight then sustained was a constant quantity4 ,the practical deduction from these experiments is the fact that with a very small battery all the effects ,i desire1 and at any distance1 can be produced4 ,in the experiments alluded to1 the fifty pairs did not occupy a space of more than #h cubic inches1 and they comprised but #ej square inches of active surface4 ,the practicability of establishing my telegraphic system is thus relieved from all scientific objections4 ,let me now turn your attention1 sir1 one moment to a consideration of the telegraph as a source of revenue4 ,the imperfections of the common systems1 particularly their uselessness1 on account of the weather1 three quarters of the time1 have concealed from view so natural a fruit of a perfected telegraphic system4 ,so uncertain are the common telegraphs as to time1 and so meager in the quantity of intelligence they can transmit under the most favorable circumstances1 that the idea of making them a source of revenue would not be likely to occur4 ,so far1 indeed1 from being a source of revenue1 the systems in common use in ,europe are sustained at great expense2 an expense which1 imperfect as they are1 is justified1 in the view of the ,government1 by the great political advantages which they produce4 ,telegraphs with them are a ,government monopoly1 and used only for ,government purposes4 ,they are in harmony with the genius of those ,governments4 ,the people have no advantage from them1 except indirectly as the ,government is benefitted4 ,were our mails used solely for the purpose of the ,government1 and private individuals forbidden to correspond by them1 they would furnish a good illustration of the operation of the common ,european telegraphic systems4 ,the electro magnetic telegraph1 ,i would fain think1 is more in consonance with the political institutions under which we live1 and is fitted1 like the mail system1 to diffuse its benefits alike to the ,government and to the people at large4 ,as a source of revenue1 then1 to the ,government1 few1 ,i believe1 have seriously computed the great profits to be derived from such a system of telegraphs as ,i propose2 and yet there are sure data already obtained by which they can be demonstrated4 ,the first fact is1 that every minute of the #bd hours is available to send intelligence4 ,the second fact is1 that #ab signs1 at least1 can be sent in a minute1 instantaneously1 as any one may have proof by actual demonstration of the fact on the instrument now operating in the capitol4#ae #ae #ih1 per minute1 can now be sent1 #ahde4 ,there can be no doubt that the cases1 where such speedy transmission of intelligence from one distant city to another is desirable1 are so numerous1 that when once the line is made for such transmission1 it will be in constant use1 and a demand made for a greater number of lines4 ,the paramount convenience1 to commercial agents and others1 of thus corresponding at a distance1 will authorize a rate of postage proportionate to the distance1 on the principle of rating postage by the mails4 ,to illustrate the operation of the telegraph in increasing the revenue1 let us suppose that but #ah hours of the #bd are efficiently used for the actual purposes of revenue2 that #f hours are allowed for repetitions and other purposes1 which is a large allowance4 ,this would give1 upon a single circuit1 #ab1ifj signs per day1 upon which a rate of postage is to be charged4 ,intelligence of great extent may be comprised in a few signs4 ,suppose the following commercial communication is to be transmitted from ,new ,york to ,new ,orleans3 ,yrs41 ,dec4 #ba1 rec4 ,buy #be bales c41 at #i1 and #cjj pork1 at #h4 ,here are #cf signs1 which take three minutes in the transmission from ,new ,york to ,new ,orleans1 and which informs the ,new ,york merchant's correspondent at ,new ,orleans of the receipt of a certain document1 and gives him orders to purchase #be bales of cotton at #i cents per pound1 and #cjj barrels of pork at #h cents per pound4 ,thus may be completed1 in three minutes1 a transaction in business which now would take at least four or five weeks to accomplish4 ,suppose that one cent per sign be charged for the first #ajj miles1 increasing the charge at the rate of half a cent each additional #ajj miles1 the postage of the above communication would be #b4hh for a distance of #a1ejj miles4 ,it would be sent #ajj miles for #cf cents4 ,would any merchant grudge so small a sum for sending such an amount of information in so short a time to such a distance8 ,if time is money1 and to save time is to save money1 surely such an immense saving of time is the saving of an immense sum of money4 ,a telegraphic line of a single circuit only1 from ,new ,york to ,new ,orleans1 would realize1 then1 to the ,government1 daily1 in the correspondence between those two cities alone1 over one thousand dollars gross receipts1 or over #cjj1jjj per annum4 ,but it is a well-established fact1 that1 as facilities of intercourse increase between different parts of the country1 the greater is that intercourse4 ,thousands travel1 in this day of rail roads and steamboats1 who never thought of leaving their homes before4 ,establish1 then1 the means of instantaneous communication between the most distant places1 and the telegraphic line of a single circuit will very soon be insufficient to supply the demands of the public--they will require more4 ,two circuits will of course double the facilities1 and double the revenue2 but it is an important fact1 that the expense of afterwards establishing a second1 or any number of circuits1 does not proceed on the doubling principle4 ,if a channel for conveying a single circuit be made1 in the first instance1 of sufficient capacity to contain many more circuits1 which can easily be done1 additional circuits can be laid as fast as they are called for1 at but little more than the cost of the prepared wire4 ,the recent discovery of ,professor ,fisher and myself1 shows that a single wire may be made the common conductor for at least six circuits4 ,how many more we have not yet ascertained4 ,so that1 to add another circuit is but to add another wire4 ,fifty dollars per mile under these circumstances1 would therefore add the means of doubling the facilities and the revenue4 ,between ,new ,york and ,philadelphia1 for example1 the whole cost of laying such an additional circuit would be but #e1jjj1 which would be more than defrayed by two months' receipts only from the telegraphs between those two cities4 ,there are two modes of establishing the line of conductors4 ,the first and cheapest is doubtless that of erecting spars about #cj feet in height and #cej feet apart1 extending the conductors along the tops of the spars4 ,this method has some obvious disadvantages4 ,the expense would be from #cej to #djj per mile4 ,the second method is that of enclosing the conductors in leaden tubes1 and laying them in the earth4 ,i have made the following estimate of the cost of this method3 ,wire1 prepared1 per mile1 #aej4jj ,lead pipe1 with solderings1 #bej4jj ,delivery of the pipe and wire1 #be4jj ,passing wire into the pipes1 #e4jj ,excavations and filling in about #a1jjj yards per mile1 or #c feet deep1 at #ae cents per square yard1 #aej4jj ,laying down the pipe1 #c4jj ------------ #ehc4jj ,one register1 with its machinery1 comprising a galvanic battery of four pairs of my double-cup battery1 #ajj4jj ,one battery of #bjj pairs1 #ajj4jj ,expense for thirty nine miles1 #bb1hcg4jj ,two registers1 #bjj4jj ,two batteries1 #bjj4jj ,services of chief superintendent of construction1 per annum1 #b1jjj4jj ,services of three assistants1 at #a1ejj each1 per annum1 #d1ejj4jj ---------------- #bi1fcg4jj ,as experience alone can determine the best mode of securing the conductors1 ,i should wish the means and opportunity of trying various modes1 to such an extent as will demonstrate the best4 ,before closing my letter1 sir1 ,i ought to give you the proofs ,i possess that the ,american telegraph has the priority in the time of its invention4 ,the two ,european telegraphs in practical operation are ,professor ,steinheil's of ,munich1 and ,professor ,wheatstone's of ,london4 ,the former is adopted by the ,bavarian ,government2 the latter is established about #bjj miles in ,england1 under the direction of a company in ,london4 ,in a highly interesting paper on the subject of telegraphs1 translated and inserted in the ,london ,annals of ,electricity1 ,march and ,april1 #ahci1 ,professor ,steinheil gives a brief sketch of all the various projects of electric telegraphs1 from the time of ,franklin's electrical experiments to the present day4 ,until the birth of the science of electro magnetism1 generated by the important discovery of ,oersted1 in #ahbj1 of the action of electric currents upon the magnetic needle1 the electric telegraph was but a philosophic toy1 complicated and practically useless4 ,let it be here noticed1 that1 after this discovery of ,oersted1 the deflection of the needle became the principle upon which the savants of ,europe based all their attempts to construct an electric telegraph4 ,the celebrated ,ampre1 in the same year of ,oersted's discovery1 suggested a plan of telegraphs1 to consist of a magnetic needle1 and a circuit for each letter of the alphabet and the numerals--making it necessary to have some #fj or #gj wires between the two termini of the telegraphic line4 ,this suggestion of ,ampre is doubtless the parent of all the attempts in ,europe1 both abortive and successful1 for constructing an electric telegraph4 ,under this head may be arranged the ,baron ,schilling's at ,st4 ,petersburg1 consisting of #cf magnetic needles1 and upwards of #fj metallic conductors1 and invented1 it seems1 at the same date with my electro magnetic telegraph1 in the autumn of #ahcb4 ,under the same head comes that of professors ,gauss and ,weber1 of ,gttingen1 in #ahcc1 who simplified the plan by using but a single needle and a single circuit4 ,professor ,wheatstone's of ,london1 invented in #ahcg1 comes under the same category2 he employs five needles and six conductors4 ,professor ,steinheil's1 also invented in #ahcg1 employs two needles and two conductors4 ,but there was another discovery1 in the infancy of the science of electro magnetism1 by ,ampre and ,arago1 immediately consequent on that of ,oersted1 namely3 the electro magnet1 which none of the savants of ,europe who have planned electric telegraphs ever thought of applying1 until within two years past1 for the purpose of signals4 ,my telegraph is essentially based on this latter discovery4 ,supposing my telegraph to be based on the same principle with the ,european electric telegraphs1 which it is not1 mine1 having been invented in #ahcb1 would still have the precedence1 by some months at least1 of ,gauss and ,weber's1 to whom ,steinheil gives the credit of being the first to simplify and make practicable the electric telegraph4 ,but when it is considered that all the ,european telegraphs make use of the deflection of the needle to accomplish their results1 and that none use the attractive power of the electro magnet to write in legible characters1 ,i think ,i can claim1 without injustice to others1 to be the first inventor of the electro magnet telegraph4 ,in #ahci1 ,i visited ,london1 on my return from ,france1 and through the polite solicitations of the ,earl of ,lincoln1 showed and explained its operation at his house1 on the #aith of ,march1 #ahci1 to a large company which he had expressly invited for the purpose1 composed of ,lords of the ,admiralty1 members of the ,royal ,society1 and members of both ,houses of ,parliament4 ,professor ,wheatstone has announced that he has recently 7in #ahdj7 also invented and patented an electro magnetic telegraph1 differing altogether from his invention of #ahcg1 which he calls his magnetic needle telegraph4 ,his is1 therefore1 the first ,european electro magnetic telegraph1 and was invented1 as is perceived1 eight years subsequent to mine1 and one year after my telegraph was exhibited in the public manner described at the ,earl of ,lincoln's residence in ,london4 ,i am the more minute in adducing this evidence of priority of invention to you1 sir1 since ,i have frequently been charged by ,europeans1 in my own country1 with merely imitating long known ,european inventions4 ,it is1 therefore due to my own country1 as well as to myself1 that in this matter the facts should be known4 ,professor ,steinheil's telegraph is the only ,european telegraph that professes to write the intelligence4 ,he records1 however1 by the delicate touch of the needle in its deflections1 with what practical effect ,i am unable to say2 but ,i should think that it was too delicate and uncertain1 especially as compared with the strong and efficient power which may be produced in any degree by the electro magnet4 ,i have devoted many years of my life to this invention1 sustained in many disappointments by the belief that it is destined eventually to confer immense benefits upon my country and the world4 ,i am persuaded that whatever facilitates intercourse between the different portions of the human family will have the effect1 under guidance of sound moral principles1 to promote the best interests of man4 ,i ask of ,congress the means of demonstrating its efficiency4 ,i remain1 sir1 with great respect1 your most obedient servant1 ,,sam4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse4 ,hon4 ,,charles ,g4 ,,ferris1 ,member of the ,house of ,representatives from the city of ,new ,york and one of the ,committee on ,commerce1 to whom was referred the subject of the expediency of adopting a system of electro magnetic telegraphs for the ,united ,states4 ,no4 #ad4 ,communication from the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 transmitting the ,report of ,professor ,morse1 announcing the completion of the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph between the cities of ,washington and ,baltimore4 ,june #f1 #ahdd4 ,referred to the ,committee on ,commerce4 ,,treasury ,,department1 ,june #d1 #ahdd4 ,,sir3 ,i have the honour respectfully to transmit herewith1 for information of the ,house of ,representatives1 a report1 dated the #c;d instant1 from ,professor ,sam4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse1 announcing the completion of the electro magnetic telegraph between ,washington and the city of ,baltimore1 as authorized by the 8,act to test the practicability of establishing a system of electro magnetic telegraphs by the ,united ,states10 approved the #c;d of ,march1 #ahdc4 ,i beg leave to state1 that the perfect practicability of the system has been fully and satisfactorily established by the work already completed4 ,the subject is respectfully submitted to the consideration of ,congress for such further directions in the matter as may be deemed expedient4 ,i have the honor to be1 very respectfully1 your obedient servant1 ,mc,c,l,i,n,t,o,c,k ,,young1 ,secretary of the ,treasury ad interim4 ,hon4 ,,john ,w4 ,,jones1 ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives4 ,no4 #ae4 ,letter from ,professor ,morse to ,hon4 ,mc,clintock ,young4 ,,washington1 ,june #c1 #ahdd4 ,,sir3 ,i have the honour to report that the experimental essay authorized by the act of ,congress on ,march #c;d1 #ahdc1 appropriating #cj1jjj for 8testing0 my 8system of electro magnetic telegraphs1 and of such length1 and between such points1 as shall test its practicability and utility10 has been made between ,washington and ,baltimore--a distance of forty miles--connecting the capitol in the former city1 with the rail road depot in ,pratt street1 in the latter city4 ,on the first point proposed to be settled by the experiment--to wit1 its practicability--it is scarcely necessary to say 7since the public demonstration which has been given of its efficacy1 for some days past1 during the session of the different conventions in the city of ,baltimore7 that it is fully proved4 ,items of intelligence of all kinds have been transmitted back and forth1 from the simple sending of names1 to the more lengthened details of the proceedings of ,congress and the conventions4 ,one fact will1 perhaps1 be sufficient to illustrate the efficiency and speed with which intelligence can be communicated by the telegraph4 ,in the proceedings of the democratic convention at ,baltimore for the nomination of a candidate for ,president of the ,united ,states at the next election1 the result of the votes in the nomination of the ,hon4 ,j4 ,k4 ,polk was conveyed from the convention to the telegraphic terminus in ,baltimore1 transmitted to ,washington1 announced to the hundreds assembled in front of the terminus at the ,capitol1 and to both ,houses of ,congress2 the reception of the news at ,washington was then transmitted to ,baltimore1 sent to the convention and circulated among its members--all before the nomination of the successful candidate was officially announced by the presiding officer of the convention4 ,in regard to the utility of the telegraph1 time alone can determine and develop the whole capacity for good of so perfect a system4 ,in the few days of its infancy1 it has already casually shown its usefulness in the relief1 in various ways1 of the anxieties of thousands2 and1 when such a sure means of relief is available to the public at large1 the amount of its usefulness becomes incalculable4 ,an instance or two will best illustrate this quality of the telegraph3 ,a family in ,washington was thrown into great distress by a rumor that one of its members had met with a violent death in ,baltimore the evening before4 ,several hours must have elapsed ere their state of suspense could be relieved by the ordinary means of conveyance4 ,a note was despatched to the telegraph rooms at the ,capitol1 requesting to have inquiry made at ,baltimore4 ,the messenger had occasion to wait but ten minutes1 when the proper inquiry was made at ,baltimore1 and the answer returned that the rumor was without foundation4 ,thus was a worthy family relieved immediately from a state of distressing suspense4 ,an inquiry from a person in ,baltimore holding the check of a gentleman in ,washington1 upon the ,bank of ,washington1 was sent by telegraph1 to ascertain if the gentleman in question had funds in that bank4 ,a messenger was instantly despatched from the ,capitol1 who returned in a few minutes with an affirmative answer1 which was returned to ,baltimore instantly2 thus establishing a confidence in a money arrangement1 which might have affected unfavorably 7for many hours at least7 the business transactions of a man in good credit4 ,other cases might be given2 but these are deemed sufficient to illustrate the point of utility1 and to suggest to those who will reflect upon them1 thousands of cases in the public business1 in commercial operations1 and in private and social transactions1 which establish beyond a doubt the immense advantages of such a speedy mode of conveying intelligence4 ,in the construction of this first line of conductors1 it was necessary that experiments should be made to ascertain the best mode of establishing them4 ,the plan ,i first suggested in my letter to the ,secretary of the ,treasury in #ahcg1 7see the ,house report1 ,no4 #f1 ,april #f1 #ahch17 of placing my conductors upon posts thirty feet high1 and some three hundred feet apart1 is1 after experiment1 proved to be the most eligible4 ,the objection1 so strongly urged in the outset1 that1 by being exposed above ground1 the conductors were in danger from evil disposed persons1 had such weight with me1 in the absence of experience on the subject1 as early to turn my whole attention to the practicability of placing my conductors in tubes beneath the earth1 as the best means of safety4 ,the adoption of this latter mode1 for some thirteen miles in ,england1 by the projectors of the ,english telegraph1 confirmed me in the belief that this would be best4 ,i was thus led to contract for lead pipe sufficient to contain my conductors through the whole route4 ,experience1 however1 has shown that this mode is attended with disadvantages far outweighing any advantages from its fancied security beneath the ground4 ,if apparently more secure1 an injury once sustained is much more difficult of access1 and of repair2 while upon posts1 if injury is sustained1 it is at once seen1 and can be repaired1 ordinarily almost without cost4 ,but the great advantage of the mode on posts over that beneath the ground1 is the cheapness of its construction4 ,this will be manifest from the following comparative estimate of the two modes in ,england and in ,america3 ,cost of ,english ,telegraph4 ,in pipe1 #bhg #fs41 or #a1bge per mile4 ,on posts1 #adi #es41 or #ffb per mile4 ,cost of ,american ,telegraph1 as estimated in ,house ,report1 ,no4 #ag1 #bgth ,congress1 #c;d session4 ,in pipe1 #ehc per mile4 ,on posts1 from #cej to #djj per mile4 ,these comparisons also show how much less is the cost of the ,american telegraph1 even at the highest estimate4 ,but these estimates of the cost of construction1 largely exceed the actual cost1 under the improved modes recently suggested by experiment1 and now adopted2 and the cost of the line between ,baltimore and ,washington1 already constructed1 involves numerous expenditures of an experimental character1 which will not be incident to an extension of the line onward to ,new ,york1 if that shall be deemed desirable4 ,of the appropriation made1 there will remain in the treasury1 after the settlement of outstanding accounts1 about #c1ejj1 which may be needed for contingent liabilities1 and for sustaining the line already constructed1 until provision by law shall be made for such an organization of a telegraphic department or bureau as shall enable the telegraph at least to support itself1 if not to become a profitable source of revenue to the ,government4 ,i will conclude by saying1 that ,i feel grateful for the generous confidence which ,congress has thus far extended toward me and my enterprise2 and ,i will cheerfully afford any further and more detailed information on the subject of the telegraph1 when desired1 and will be prepared to make and execute any desirable arrangements for the extension of it that ,congress shall require4 ,with great respect1 your obedient servant1 ,,sam4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse1 ,superintendent of ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph4 ,to the ,hon4 ,mc,c,l,i,n,t,o,c,k ,,young1 ,secretary of the ,treasury ad interim4 ,no4 #af4 ,letter from the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 transmitting a letter from ,professor ,morse1 relative to the ,magnetic ,telegraph1 ,dec'r #bc1 #ahdd4 ,,treasury ,,department1 ,december #ag1 #ahdd4 ,,sir3 ,in compliance with the request made in your letter of this date1 in behalf of the ,committee on ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 for information from this department upon the subject of 8,morse's telegraph10 ,i have the honour respectfully to transmit herewith a communication from ,professor ,morse1 dated the #abth instant1 containing specific information in regard to that work4 ,i have the honour to be1 very respectfully1 your obedient servant1 ,,geo4 ,m4 ,,bibb1 ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,hon4 ,,isaac ,e4 ,,holmes1 ,chairman of ,committee on ,commerce1 ,house of ,representatives4 ,no4 #ag4 ,letter from ,prof4 ,morse to the ,hon4 ,g4 ,m4 ,bibb4 ,,washington1 ,december #ab1 #ahdd4 ,,sir3 ,i have the honour respectfully to submit some facts in relation to the electro magnetic telegraph1 bearing upon the bill now before ,congress1 reported from the ,committee on ,commerce of the ,house1 for the extension of the telegraphic line from ,baltimore to ,new ,york4 ,by a reference to documents in the records of the government1 it will appear1 that the subject of establishing a system of telegraphs for the use of the ,united ,states has been1 occasionally1 for many years1 before ,congress2 but nothing effective was ever done in relation to the matter1 until the ,hon4 ,levi ,woodbury1 while ,secretary of the ,treasury1 by addressing circular letters to various individuals in the ,united ,states1 7among which was one to me17 drew forth from me a general description of the advantages of a system of electro magnetic telegraphs which ,i had invented in #ahcb1 on my passage from ,france to the ,united ,states4 ,for my answer to this circular letter1 see ,no4 #b1 taken from ,house report1 ,no4 #gec1 #beth ,congress1 second session2 and ,i refer to it now1 to show that the assertions respecting the practicability and utility of my system have been fully and satisfactorily sustained by the result of the experimental essay1 authorized by the government1 establishing the line between ,washington and ,baltimore4 ,that which seemed to many chimerical at the time1 is now completely realized4 ,the most sceptical are convinced2 and the daily and hourly operations of the telegraph in transmitting information of any kind are so publicly known1 and the public feeling in regard to it so universally expressed1 that ,i need here only give a few instances of its action1 further to illustrate its character4 ,the facts in relation to the transmission of the proceedings of the democratic convention of ,baltimore1 in ,may last are well known1 and are alluded to in my report to the department1 ,june #c;d1 #ahdd1 ,no4 #ae4 ,since the adjournment of ,congress in ,june last1 and during the summer and the autumn1 the telegraph has been in constant readiness for operation1 and there has been time to test many points in relation to it1 which needed experience to settle4 ,for more now than eight months1 the conductors for the telegraph1 carried on elevated posts for #dj miles1 have remained undisturbed from the wantonness or evil disposition of any one4 ,not a single instance of the kind has occurred4 ,in several instances1 indeed1 the communication has been interrupted by accidents1 but then only for a very brief period4 ,one of these was by the great fire in ,pratt street1 ,baltimore1 which destroyed one of the posts1 and consequently1 temporarily stopped the communication2 but in two or three hours the damage was repaired1 and the first notice of the accident and all the particulars were transmitted to ,washington by the telegraph itself4 ,another instance of interruption was occasioned by the falling of a tree1 which accidently fell across the wires1 and at the same time across the rail road track1 stopping the cars for a short time1 and the telegraphic communication for two hours4 ,excepting the time excluded by these1 and two or three other similar accidental interruptions1 and which1 during seven months of its effective existence between the two cities1 does not altogether amount to more than #bd hours1 the telegraph has been either in operation1 or prepared for operation1 at any hour of the day or night1 irrespective of the state of the weather4 ,it has transmitted intelligence of great importance4 ,during the troubles in ,philadelphia the last summer1 sealed despatches were sent by express from the ,mayor of ,philadelphia to the ,president of the ,united ,states4 ,on the arrival of the express at ,baltimore1 the purport of the despatches transpired2 and while the express train was in preparation for ,washington1 the intelligence was sent to ,washington by telegraph1 accompanied by an order from the president of the rail road company to prevent the ,washington burden train from leaving until the express should arrive4 ,the order was given and complied with4 ,the express had a clear track1 and the ,president and the ,cabinet 7being in council7 had notice both of the fact that an express was on its way with important despatches to them1 and also of the nature of those despatches1 so that1 when the express arrived1 the answer was in readiness for the messenger4 ,in ,october1 a deserter from the ,u4,s4 ship ,pennsylvania1 lying at ,norfolk1 who had defrauded also the purser of the ship of some #fjj or #gjj1 was supposed to have gone to ,baltimore4 ,the purser called at the telegraph office in ,washington1 stated his case1 and wished to give notice in ,baltimore1 at the same time offering a reward for the apprehension of the culprit4 ,the name and description of the offender's person1 with the offer of the reward1 were sent to ,baltimore1 and in ten minutes the warrant was in the hands of the officers of justice for his arrest2 and in half an hour from the time that the purser profferred his request at ,washington1 it was announced from ,baltimore by the telegraph1 8,the deserter is arrested2 he is in jail2 what shall be done with him80 ,to show the variety of the operations of the telegraph1 a game of draughts1 and several games of chess1 have been played between the cities of ,baltimore and ,washington1 with the same ease as if the players were seated at the same table4 ,to illustrate the independence of the telegraph of the weather1 and time of day1 ,i would state that1 during the severe storm of the #eth ,december1 when the night was intensely dark1 the rain descending in torrents1 and the wind blowing a gale1 it seemed more than ordinarily mysterious to see a company around a table1 in a warm retired chamber1 on such a night1 in ,washington1 playing a game of chess with another company similarly situated in ,baltimore3 the darkness1 the rain1 and the wind1 being no impediment to instantaneous communication4 ,in regard to the quantity of intelligence which may be sent in a given time1 it is perfectly safe to say that thirty characters can be transmitted in a minute by a single instrument2 and as these characters are conventional signs1 they may mean either numbers1 letters1 words1 or sentences4 ,as an illustration of this point1 ,i will state that nearly a whole column 7more than seven-eighths7 in the ,baltimore ,patriot was transmitted in thirty minutes--faster than the reporter in ,baltimore could transcribe4 ,this fact bears upon the ability of producing a revenue from the telegraph2 and ,i would suggest the propriety of permission being granted by ,congress to the department1 to adjust a tariff of charges on intelligence sent by telegraph1 at such a rate of postage as shall at least return to the treasury the interest of the capital expended in the first construction1 and after maintenance of the telegraph4 ,in aid of this view of the subject1 ,i beg to refer to my letter to the chairman of the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,december #f1 #ahdb1 ,no4 #ac4 ,since that was written1 experience has shown that that calculation is far below the real results4 ,instead of twelve signs in a minute1 upon which that computation was based1 we must substitute thirty--a column of a newspaper having been transmitted to ,baltimore even at the rate of thirty-five signs in a minute4 ,it is1 therefore1 safe to set down the rate at #cj signs per minute2 and it is safe to double the annual receipts1 making the gross amount #fjj1jjj per annum4 ,in the absence of experience1 the expense necessary to construct and to maintain a system of electro magnetic telegraphs1 was thought to be so great as to present a formidable1 if not an insurmountable obstacle to its adoption4 ,but the experiment already made for #dj miles1 has shown that the electro magnetic telegraph is far from being expensive1 either in its first construction1 or after maintenance1 especially when its vast superiority over the old system is taken into consideration4 ,to make this more clear1 ,i give an abstract both of the expenses and capacities of the ordinary visual telegraphs in some of the ,european countries4 ,in ,england1 the semaphore telegraph1 established between ,london and ,portsmouth1 a distance of #gb miles1 is maintained by the ,british government at an average expense of #c1dje1 or #ae1aah per annum4 ,from a return vol4 #cj1 #ahdc1 accounts and papers of ,house of ,commons of the number of days during which the telegraph was not available1 on account of the weather1 during a period of three years1 it appears that there were1 in that time1 #cbc days in which it was useless1 or nearly one year out of three6 ,but by a return made to the admiralty of the number of hours in the day appointed for working the telegraph1 it appears that the hours appointed for the year are--from #ast ,october to #bhth ,february1 from #aj o'clock1 a4 m41 to #c p4 m42 #e hours4 ,from #ast ,march to #cjth ,september1 from #aj a4 m41 to #e p4 m42 #g hours4 ,average number of hours per day1 in the most favourable weather1 #f hours6 ,deducting #a year from the #c1 for unavailable days1 the average time per day for the #c years would be but #d hours4 ,so that1 for the use of their telegraph for #gb miles1 and for only #d hours in the day1 the ,british government expend #ae1aah per annum4 ,the ,french system of telegraphs is more extensive and perfect than that of any other nation4 ,it consists1 at present1 of five great lines1 extending from the capital to the extreme cities of the kingdom1 to wit3 ,the ,calais line1 from ,paris to ,calais1 #aeb miles ,the ,strasbourg line1 from ,paris to ,strasbourg1 #bee 8 ,the ,brest line1 from ,paris to ,brest1 #cbe 8 ,the ,toulon line1 from ,paris to ,toulon1 #cag 8 ,the ,bayonne line1 from ,paris to ,bayonne1 #dbe 8 ------------------ #a1dgd miles4 ,making a total of #a1dgd miles of telegraphic intercourse4 ,these telegraphs are maintained by the ,french government at an annual expense of over #a1jjj1jjj of francs1 or #bjb1jjj4 ,the whole extent1 then1 of the ,french lines of telegraph is #a1dgd miles1 with #eai stations2 and 7if the estimate for six stations1 at an average cost of #d1djj francs1 is a criterion for the rest7 erected at a cost of at least #hhj each--making a total of #def1gbj4 ,the electro magnetic telegraph1 at the rate proposed in the bill1 to wit1 #dfa per mile1 7and which1 it should be remembered1 will construct not one line1 only1 but six17 could be constructed the same distance for #fai1ead--not one-third more than the cost of the ,french telegraphs4 ,even supposing each line to be only as efficient as the ,french telegraph1 still there would be six times the facilities1 for not one-third more cost4 ,but when it is considered that the ,french telegraph1 like the ,english1 is unavailable the greater part of the time1 the advantages in favour of the magnetic telegraph become more obvious4 ,an important difference between the two systems is1 that the foreign telegraphs are all a burden upon the treasury of their respective countries2 while the magnetic telegraph proposes1 and is alone capable of sustaining itself and of producing a revenue4 ,another difference in the two systems is1 that the stations in the foreign telegraphs must be within sight of each other3 a fact which bears essentially on the cost of maintenance4 ,the ,french telegraph requires for the distance of #a1dgd miles1 no less than #eai stations--averaging one for about every three miles4 ,the number of stations of the magnetic telegraph1 on the contrary1 is optional4 ,the two stations 7one only at ,baltimore1 and one at ,washington7 show that they may be at least #dj miles apart2 and there is no reason to doubt1 from experiments ,i have made1 that #ajj miles1 or even #ejj miles1 would give the same results4 ,in the maintenance1 therefore1 of stations1 the magnetic telegraph would require but #ae stations1 7assuming that #ajj miles is the utmost limit of transmission between two stations which is not probable27 while the ,french requires #eai for the same distance4 ,when to this are added the facts that the magnetic telegraph is at all times available1 at every hour of the day or night1 irrespective of weather2 that1 in comparison with the visual telegraphs1 it communicates more than a hundred-fold the quantity of intelligence in the same time2 that it is originally constructed at a less cost1 7all things considered27 that it is maintained for less2 and that it is capable1 by a rate of charges for transmitting intelligence1 not only of defraying all its expenses1 but1 if desired1 of producing a revenue1 ,i may be permitted to hope that when these great advantages are fully understood1 my system will receive that attention from the government which its intrinsic public importance demands4 ,i have as yet said nothing on the telegraph as a mighty aid to national defence4 ,its importance in this respect is so obvious1 that ,i need not dilate4 ,the importance generally to the government and to the country1 of a perfect telegraphic system1 can scarcely be estimated by the short distance already established between ,baltimore and ,washington4 ,but when all that transpires of public interest at ,new ,orleans1 at ,st4 ,louis1 at ,pittsburgh1 at ,cincinnati1 at ,buffalo1 at ,utica1 at ,albany1 at ,portland1 at ,portsmouth1 at ,boston1 at ,new ,york1 at ,philadelphia1 at ,baltimore1 at ,washington1 at ,norfolk1 at ,richmond1 at ,charleston1 at ,savannah1 and at all desired intermediate points1 shall be simultaneously known in each and all these places together--when all the agents of the government1 in every part of the country1 are in instantaneous communication with head-quarters--when the several departments can at once learn the actual existing condition of their remotest agencies1 and transmit at the moment their necessary orders to meet any exigency--then will some estimates be formed both of the powers and advantages of the magnetic telegraph4 ,should the government be now disposed to possess the right of the proprietors1 by giving them a fair consideration1 ,i shall be ready to treat with them on the terms of transfer4 ,for myself1 ,i should prefer that the government should possess the invention1 although the pecuniary interests of the proprietors induce them to lean towards arrangements with private companies4 ,in closing this report1 ,i would take the opportunity of favorably mentioning to the department the efficient attention to the duties of their respective stations given by my assistants1 ,alfred ,vail and ,h4 ,j4 ,rogers1 esqrs4--the former directing the correspondence at the ,washington terminus1 and the latter at the ,baltimore terminus4 ,very respectfully1 sir1 your obedient servant1 ,,sam4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse1 ,superintendent of ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraphs for the ,united ,states4 ,to the ,hon4 ,,geo4 ,m4 ,,bibb1 ,secretary of the ,treasury4 ,magnetic ,telegraph from ,baltimore to ,new ,york1 ,march #c1 #ahde4 ,mr4 ,,chappell1 from the ,committee of ,ways and ,means1 made the following ,report4 ,the ,committee of ,ways and ,means1 to whom was referred a resolution instructing said committee to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to continue the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph from ,baltimore to ,new ,york1 by way of ,philadelphia1 beg leave to submit the following report3 ,the authority given by the constitution to ,congress to establish post offices and post roads1 so far as it operates to confer on the government any power which would not equally belong to it without that provision1 amounts simply to making the government1 a public or a common carrier of the written correspondence of individuals1 and of the lighter form of printed intelligence and news4 ,in other words1 by virtue of this clause1 the government is authorized and required to pursue1 on a scale commensurate with the wants and extent of the country1 the business of receiving1 transporting1 and delivering letters1 newspapers1 and pamphlets1 for all persons1 private1 as well as public1 and to and from any and all places in the ,union4 ,and for the service thus rendered1 the government exacts from the individuals served1 a specific fee or compensation1 under the name of postage1 for every letter or paper transported and delivered4 ,now1 it is quite obvious that both the pursuit of this business1 and the exaction of a remuneration for it1 would be altogether beyond the range of federal authority1 but for the specially granted power to establish post offices and post roads4 ,mere silence in the constitution on this subject would have effectually withheld the power from the general government1 and would have caused the business of carrying letters1 newspapers1 c41 to remain where all other branches of the carrying trade are actually left--namely1 in the hands of individual enterprise1 subject to ,state legislation1 and to such 7and no other7 federal control as is involved in the power of ,congress to regulate commerce among the ,states4 ,the functions thus devolved on the government1 of performing for the people the office of universal letter carrier and news carrier1 is a matter of the very highest consequence in every light in which it can be viewed4 ,the bare fact that our ancestors refused to leave it dependent on individual enterprise or ,state control1 and vested it expressly in ,congress1 abundantly attested their anxious sense of its importance1 and their conviction of the impracticability of realizing the requisite public advantages from it1 otherwise than by giving it a federal lodgment and administration4 ,had not these advantages been regarded as attainable in no other way1 while1 at the same time1 they were felt to be virtually necessary1 the framers and adopters of the constitution1 devoted as they are known to have been to the power and importance of the ,states1 and jealously apprehensive of the undue preponderance of the federal branch1 would never have consented to engraft on that branch a power so great1 so growing1 so penetrating and pervading1 as that of the post office system--a power involving the direct exercise of the carrying trade by the government on a vast scale1 and requiring1 in order to its exercise1 the organization and maintenance of a huge and distinct administrative department1 which1 in its operations1 touches daily and intimately the private affairs as well as public interests of the people2 receives and expends millions of money every year2 and continually employs1 pays1 and controls many thousands of persons1 scattered through all parts of the country--thus adding mightily to federal power1 and especially to the influence and patronage of the federal executive4 ,these are all consequences which result directly and necessarily from the bestowment of the post office power on the general government4 ,and inasmuch as the government thus derives from that power so great an addition to its own weight and influence1 it certainly ought to be considered as contracting therefrom a correspondently heavy obligation to make the power advantageous and useful to the people1 to the utmost extent of which it is capable4 ,the government has ever shown itself fully sensible of this obligation1 and alive to its fulfilment4 ,hence1 that immense and minute machinery of post offices and post roads1 of postmasters1 contractors1 and carriers1 which overspreads the country1 and meets us everywhere--all designed and kept up for the sole purpose of bringing the contents of the mail-bag1 with frequency1 regularity1 and celerity1 near to the doors of our whole population4 ,for many years1 no better or more expeditious means of conveyance could be found than horse-power in the various forms in which it might be applied on ordinary highways4 ,but in those times1 as well as now1 the government acted on the principle of not regarding even a heavy increase of expense as an objection sufficient to outweigh so important an object as the regular1 frequent1 and rapid transmission of the mail between all the great points1 and along all the chief arteries of the country4 ,on such routes1 accordingly1 the mail was kept running without interruption--by night as well as by day--and at the best speed that could be secured by a well organized and costly system of relays of men1 horses1 and vehicles4 ,but1 at length1 the ever advancing discoveries and improvements of science and art threw into the shade1 as slow and inadequate1 all the old and long used modes of travel and transportation4 ,steamboats and railroads burst upon the world1 introducing a new and wonderful era in its commerce and intercourse2 private capital and enterprise soon built them up1 and put them in operation1 whenever a sufficiently tempting prospect of gain appeared2 and all private persons1 as well as public departments1 saw presented to their option more perfect and expeditious modes of transportation than could have possibly entered into the anticipations of the framers of the constitution4 ,but1 though not anticipated or foreseen1 these new and improved modes were as clearly within the purview of the constitution1 as were the older and less perfect ones with which our ancestors were familiar4 ,and there being no doubt entertained either on this point1 or as to the obligation of the government to lay hold of the best and most rapid methods of transmission which the improvements of the age put in its reach1 steam-power commended itself at once to adoption1 and has long been extensively employed1 both on land and water1 for the carriage of the mail4 ,it is not without full reflection that the committee insist on the principle that it was the duty as well as the right of the government thus to avail itself1 even at heavy additional expense1 of the powerful agency of steam1 for the purpose of accelerating the mails4 ,it would have been a gross and manifest dereliction to have permitted that vitally important concern1 the transportation of the mail--a concern so anxiously intrusted by the constitution to the federal authority--it would have been1 in the opinion of the committee1 a gross and manifest dereliction to have permitted it to lag behind the improvements of the age1 and to be outstripped by the pace of ordinary travel and commercial communication4 ,such is the view which the ,post ,office ,department avowedly takes of its own obligations1 and upon which it habitually acts4 ,to be outstripped by private expresses1 or by the ordinary lines of travel1 is deemed discreditable to the department1 injurious to the general interests of the country1 and a thing1 therefore1 not to be permitted4 ,this great and fundamental principle upon which the departments acts1 7of not being outstripped in the transmission of correspondence and intelligence17 led necessarily to subsidizing the steam-engine into the service of the post office2 and it must and will lead1 with equal certainty1 to a like adoption of any other newly discovered agency or contrivance possessing decided advantage of celerity over previously used methods4 ,it is not probable1 however1 that the government will ever find itself called upon to make any transition wider or more striking than that already so familiar to us--a transition from the use of animal power to the tremendous enginery of the steam-engine2 from common roads to iron railways2 from land carriage to the conversion of rivers1 lakes1 and the ocean itself1 into post roads4 ,the same principle which justified and demanded the transference of the mail on many chief routes1 from the horse-drawn coach on common highways to steam-impelled vehicles on land and water1 is equally potent to warrant the calling of the electro magnetic telegraph--that last and most wondrous birth of this wonder-teeming age--in aid of the post office1 in discharge of its great function of rapidly transmitting correspondence and intelligence4 ,and the only question to be considered1 in determining whether it ought to be so called in aid1 is a question of fact--namely1 whether said telegraph possesses1 over the modes of transmission now in use by the department1 any advantages of sufficient value to justify the expense of engraftment on the system4 ,its first and most signal advantage consists in the truly electrical celerity with which it transmits intelligence and communications through the greatest distances4 ,it supplies1 with a perfection like magic1 the first and most important and difficult desideratum in a post office establishment--especially in one which has to serve a country so vast as ours4 ,that desideratum is despatch--rapidity of transmission4 ,it is to secure this1 that the government pays a hugely greater price for the carrying and delivery of the mails1 than any other equal quantum of transportation costs in the world4 ,nature seemed to have fixed certain limits to the speed of transmission1 which it seemed impossible to pass2 and those limits appeared to be reached by the steam-engine4 ,but they have been utterly transcended by the electro magnetic telegraph1 which has literally demolished time and space for all purposes of correspondence between places connected by its wonder-working wires4 ,another inestimably important advantage of ,professor ,morse's telegraph consists in the fulness1 precision1 and variety of matter which it is capable of communicating4 ,its alphabet contains representatives of all the letters of our language1 and of all the numerals of arithmetic2 and they are capable of infinite combination and repetition under the magnetic impulse4 ,hence it is obvious that the capacity of the instrument is competent to the communication of a long discourse of the greatest variety of thought and expression4 ,but1 as the telegraph letters must necessarily be despatched along the wire1 and marked down1 one by one1 at the station to which they are transmitted1 it is obvious that a long discourse must occupy considerable time1 although the letters follow each other in the most rapid succession4 ,this brings the attention of the committee to a very material point1 namely3 the quantum of matter1 or amount of intelligence1 which the instrument would be capable of transmitting in a given time4 ,the ordinary average of transmission is about thirty letters per minute along each wire4 ,six wires can be erected at an expense of somewhat less than #ejj per mile1 which would make the telegraph competent to the transmission of one hundred and eighty letters per minute1 on an average4 ,the words of our language are estimated to average six letters to a word4 ,a telegraphic line composed of six wires1 would1 consequently1 be able to transmit per minute thirty words fully spelt4 ,but it is wholly unnecessary that the words should be fully spelt by the instrument4 ,by a well-contrived system of abbreviations1 the number of letters to be transmitted1 in order to communicate a given number of words1 is greatly diminished2 and1 of course1 the number of words transmissible in a given time is proportionably augmented4 ,to such great perfection has this system of conventional abbreviations been carried1 as to have enabled the telegraph1 on one occasion1 to transmit in thirty minutes1 from ,washington to ,baltimore1 congressional intelligence enough to fill a column of the ,baltimore ,patriot4 ,this was done1 too1 with only one wire4 ,increase the number of wires to six1 as proposed in the bill introduced by the ,committee on ,commerce1 and it follows that the capacity of the instrument will be adequate to the transmission of six long newspaper columns of matter in half an hour4 ,then it is to be further noted1 that the telegraph is capable of working throughout the whole twenty-four hours1 without intermission--in darkness as well as in daylight--in stormy weather as well as in serene--which would enable it to communicate in a single day two hundred and eighty-eight long newspaper columns of matter4 ,all these facts put together1 evince that the capacity of the instrument1 in reference not only to the celerity of its communications1 but in reference also to the kind and quantity of matter it can communicate in a given time1 is such as to recommend it as a most efficient medium both of private correspondence and public intelligence4 ,that it is capable of being1 and will actually be1 at no distant day1 extensively employed as such a medium1 it seems to the committee there can be but little room to doubt4 ,such a result seems1 indeed1 to be rendered altogether certain1 when1 in addition to the capacities of the instrument1 we take into consideration its cheapness4 ,for little more than #ajj1jjj1 ,baltimore can be connected with ,new ,york2 and for a like sum1 ,new ,york with ,boston4 ,there would then be an unbroken telegraphic line from ,boston to ,washington2 passing through ,new ,york1 ,philadelphia1 ,baltimore and the other considerable towns on the route4 ,what a vast number of short commercial letters would such a line be able to attract to itself1 and to despatch every day1 far in advance of the ordinary transportation by mail4 ,nor would any danger of a detrimental divulgence of their affairs exist to deter merchants and men of business from resorting to the telegraph2 because1 in the first place1 the simple expedient of a concerted cipher between distant correspondents would protect their communications with a shield of secrecy impenetrable even to the officers and managers of the telegraph4 ,and in the next place1 the very nature of their functions will require that these persons shall be men of great trustworthiness1 and that they shall moreover be placed under the most stringent official obligations of secrecy in regard to the contents of private communications4 ,under such circumstances1 men of business need no more apprehend danger of improper publicity from employing the telegraph1 than from the necessity of having clerks in their counting-houses to pen and copy their correspondence4 ,if all these advantages should have the effect of attracting to the telegraph the amount of custom which to the committee seems probable1 it is obvious that a very moderate tariff of charges would produce income enough to make it a gainful property--at least upon such a line as that from ,boston to ,washington4 ,it is upon this ground the committee base the belief that it is destined soon to be established along that whole line1 if not by government1 certainly by private capital and enterprise2 and then a state of things will immediately develop itself1 which the people will never endure nor tolerate the government in permitting to exist4 ,that state of things would be that the post office1 in its transportation of all correspondence and news1 would lag not hours1 but days1 behind the transmission of the same things through another medium2 and that1 a medium belonging to private individuals1 and controlled by private views and interests4 ,the importance of prompt action in the matter on the part of the government is further apparent from the fact that the invention is a private patented property4 ,it is a property to the production of which ,professor ,morse has devoted years of the highest order of labour--the labour of genius and science combined4 ,under the patronage and at the expense of the government1 he has been enabled to give to the world1 in the line between ,baltimore and ,washington1 a visible and perfectly triumphant demonstration of the success and utility of his invention4 ,but the pecuniary reward1 to which he is so justly entitled1 remains yet in abeyance4 ,it depends upon his being successful in making contracts with the government1 or others1 for the use of his invention4 ,and1 of course1 if government shall not speedily embrace the project1 and enable him to realize a compensation for his discovery1 he will be necessitated to look elsewhere for his indemnification and reward4 ,and1 should the arrangements into which he may find it necessary to enter with private individuals or associations1 stipulate exclusive rights in their favour1 it is manifest how greatly government and people would lie at their mercy4 ,having in their hands the monopoly of such a medium of intelligence on the important lines1 they could make such use of their advantages over the government and the community as would at length enable them to exact their own terms as the price of the surrender of their exclusive right2 for the truth cannot be too often repeated1 or too deeply impressed in relation to the subject1 that the people will never submit long to the mischiefs and discredit of the public post office transmission of correspondence and intelligence being outstripped by any private monopoly or establishment whatever4 ,the loss of revenue will co-operate with the complaints and sufferings of the people to compel the government1 in the long run1 to do what were better done at once--namely1 to establish the telegraph in connection with1 and as a branch of1 the post office1 on such great lines of communication as the correspondence and commerce of the country may indicate4 ,an accident has occurred1 during the present winter1 in the administration of the post office1 to which the committee beg leave to call the attention of the ,house1 as illustrative of the principles and policy by which the ,department avowedly feels itself bound1 as the public organ for the transmission of correspondence and intelligence4 ,it is well known that1 from ,boston to ,covington1 in ,georgia1 the great southern and ,new ,orleans mail is transported wholly by steam-power1 either on water or on rail roads4 ,it is carried this whole distance in five days4 ,from ,covington to ,mobile1 it is carried in stages1 with the exception of a short interval of rail road in approaching ,montgomery1 ,alabama4 ,at ,mobile1 the mail is again committed to steam-carriage1 by sea1 to ,new ,orleans4 ,now1 of so much importance was a single day's anticipation of the mail deemed in all the great cities on the route1 that a private express was established with that view1 to be carried on horseback between ,covington and ,montgomery4 ,all matter destined for the private express was addressed to the agents of the company at ,covington and ,montgomery1 according as such matter should happen to come from the north or south4 ,the express carrier at ,covington1 receiving his despatches from the northern mail on the arrival of the steam-cars1 delivered them at ,montgomery to the post office again in such time that they were sent from ,montgomery to ,mobile and ,new ,orleans by mail one day in advance of the other letters1 which reached ,covington at the same time4 ,the effect was1 the anticipation of the northern mail by one day at ,mobile and ,new ,orleans2 and the same operation1 from ,montgomery to ,covington1 resulted in one day's anticipation of the ,mobile and ,new ,orleans mails at ,new ,york4 ,what did the ,post ,office ,department do1 under this state of facts8 ,the answer to this question is to be found on the records of the ,department4 ,the ,postmaster ,general1 after watching these anticipations for a short time1 issued an order for their prevention by the establishment of a post office express between ,covington and ,montgomery1 to run alongside the private express4 ,in the same manner1 if the government shall not soon establish the telegraph on public account on the great routes1 it will find the mails anticipated in the hundred-fold greater degree by the establishment of private telegraphs1 which it will have to meet1 either by purchasing them out on exorbitant terms1 or by erecting a rival public telegraph line by their side4 ,the facts and reasonings which have now been submitted1 satisfy the committee that it is important that the government should lose no time in occupying1 with a telegraph of its own1 the ground between ,baltimore and ,new ,york4 ,the committee look to the probability that the line will afterwards he progressively extended northwardly1 southwardly1 and westwardly1 on routes the business and correspondence on which shall justify and require telegraphic facilities of communication4 ,apart from the post office power1 the government undoubtedly possesses the authority to establish the telegraph for its own use in the transmission of official orders and communications4 ,on this ground1 as well as on that growing out of the post office power1 the committee deem the constitutionality of the measure incontrovertible4 ,the committee might easily add to the views and arguments which they have now presented1 others of a highly commanding character--especially those which relate to the extreme value of which the magnetic telegraph would be in the emergencies of war1 and its singular adaptedness to render our system of government easily and certainly maintainable over the immense space from the ,atlantic to the ,pacific1 which our territory covers4 ,doubt has been entertained by many patriotic minds how far the rapid1 full1 and thorough intercommunication of thought and intelligence1 so necessary to a people living under a common representative republic1 could be expected to take place throughout such immense bounds4 ,that doubt can no longer exist4 ,it has been resolved and put an end to forever by the triumphant success of the electro magnetic telegraph of ,professor ,morse1 as already tested by the government4 ,the fact that a bill has been long pending in the ,house1 introduced by the ,committee on ,commerce1 for the extension of the telegraph from ,baltimore to ,new ,york1 renders it unnecessary for this committee to report a bill4 ,without pronouncing positively on the sufficiency of the provisions of that bill1 the committee consider the whole subject worthy the prompt attention of ,congress4 ,having thus presented their views on the subject referred to them1 the committee beg to be discharged from its further consideration4 ,,history ,,of ,,telegraphs1 ,employing ,electricity in ,various ,ways for the ,transmission of ,intelligence4 ,we presume it will not be uninteresting to the reader1 to be presented with an account of the various discoveries1 in their chronological order1 by which the science of ,electricity became known to the world during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries1 and prepared the way for those more magnificent results1 which have been made in this the nineteenth century4 ,we will endeavour to make it as brief as is consistent with the importance of the subject1 to enable us to mark the succession of discoveries and improvements through two hundred years4 ,more than any other branch of experimental philosophy1 that of electricity had been most neglected1 until the seventeenth century4 ,the attractive power of amber is mentioned by ,theophrastus and ,pliny1 and also later by others4 #af;,in the year #afjj1 ,william ,gilbert1 a native of ,colchester1 and a ,london physician1 published a ,latin ,treatise1 ,de ,magnete1 in which he relates a variety of electrical experiments4 ,he increased the list of electric bodies and also of substances upon which electrics could act1 and noted some of the circumstances relating to their action4 ,his theory of electricity was1 however1 very imperfect4 #af ,many of the facts here given1 are taken from ,priestley's ,work upon ,electricity4 ,in #afcj1 ,nicolaus ,cabus at ,terrara1 repeated ,gilbert's experiments and made some progress1 increasing the list of electrics2 as also did ,mr4 ,boyle in the year #afgj4 ,he made some discoveries which had escaped the observation of those who preceded him4 ,cotemporary with ,mr4 ,boyle1 ,otto ,guericke1 burgomaster of ,magdeburg1 7the inventor of the air pump17 made some advances4 ,he constructed a sulphur globe1 which he mounted upon an axis1 in a wooden frame1 and causing it to revolve1 at the same time rubbing the globe with his hand1 performed a variety of electrical experiments4 ,he was the first to discover1 that a body once attracted by an excited electric1 was repelled by it1 and not again attracted until it had touched some other body4 ,he observed the light and sound produced by the electric fluid1 while turning his electrical machine4 ,dr4 ,wall about the same time observed the light and sound produced by rubbing pieces of amber with wool1 and also experienced a slight shock4 ,he compared the sound and light of the electric fluid so produced1 to thunder and lightning4 ,sir ,isaac ,newton also engaged in similar electrical experiments1 and gave an account of them to the ,royal ,society in #afge4 ,mr4 ,hauksbee1 whose writings are dated #agji1 distinguished himself by experiments and discoveries in electrical attraction1 and repulsion1 and electric light4 ,he constructed an electrical machine1 adopting the glass1 instead of the sulphur globe4 ,he experimented upon the subtilty and copiousness of the electric light1 and likewise upon the sound and shocks produced by the fluid4 ,after the death of ,mr4 ,hauksbee1 the science of electricity made but slow progress1 and few experiments were made for twenty years4 ,in the year #agbh1 ,mr4 ,stephen ,grey1 a pensioner at the ,charter ,house1 commenced his experiments with an excited glass tube4 ,he and his friend1 ,mr4 ,wheeler1 made a great variety of experiments in which they demonstrated1 that electricity may be communicated from one body to another1 even without being in contact1 and in this way1 may be conducted to a great distance4 ,mr4 ,grey afterwards found1 that1 by suspending rods of iron by silk or hair lines1 and bringing an excited tube under them1 sparks might be drawn1 and a light perceived at the extremities in the dark4 ,he electrified a boy suspended by hair lines2 and communicated electricity to a soap bubble blown from a tobacco pipe4 ,he electrified water1 contained in a dish1 placed upon a cake of rosin1 and also a tube of water4 ,he made some curious experiments upon a small cup of water1 over which1 at the distance of an inch1 he held the excited tube4 ,he observed the water to rise in a conical shape1 from which proceeded a light2 small particles of water were thrown off from the cone1 and the tube moistened4 ,mr4 ,du ,fay1 intendant of the ,french king's gardens1 repeated the experiments of ,mr4 ,grey in #agcc4 ,he found that by wetting the pack-thread he succeeded better with the experiment of communicating the electric virtue through a line #abef feet in length4 ,he made the discovery of two kinds of electricity1 which he called vitreous and resinous2 the former produced by rubbing glass1 and the latter from excited sulphur1 sealing wax1 c4 ,but this he afterwards gave up as erroneous4 ,mr4 ,grey1 in #agcd1 experimented upon iron rods and gave rise to the term metallic conductors4 ,he gave the name pencil of electric light to the stream of electricity1 such as is seen to issue from an electric point4 ,he suggested the idea that the electric virtue of the excited tube was similar to that of thunder and lightning1 and that it could be accumulated4 ,dr4 ,desaguliers commenced his experiments in #agci4 ,he introduced the term conductor to that body to which the excited tube conveys its electricity4 ,he called bodies in which electricity may be excited by rubbing or heating1 electric per se2 and non-electric when they receive electricity1 and lose it at once upon the approach of another non-electric4 ,in the year #agdb1 several ,germans engaged in this subject4 ,mr4 ,boze1 a professor at ,wittemburg1 revives the use of ,hauksbee's globe1 instead of using ,grey's glass tube1 and added to it a prime conductor4 ,mr4 ,winckler substituted a cushion instead of the hand1 which had before been employed to excite the globe4 ,mr4 ,p4 ,gordon1 a ,benedictine monk and professor of philosophy at ,erford1 was the first who used a cylinder instead of a globe4 ,with his electrical machine he conveyed the fluid through wires #bjj ells in length and killed small birds4 ,dr4 ,ludolf of ,berlin1 in the year #agdd1 kindled by electricity the ethereal spirit of ,frobenius1 by the excited glass tube2 the spark proceeding from an iron conductor4 ,mr4 ,boze fired gunpowder by electricity4 ,mr4 ,gordon contrived the electrical star4 ,mr4 ,winckler contrived a wheel to move by the agency of the same fluid4 ,mr4 ,boze conveyed electricity from one man to another by a jet of water1 when both were placed upon cakes of rosin1 six paces apart4 ,mr4 ,gordon fired spirits1 by a jet of water2 and the ,germans invented the electrical bells4 ,mr4 ,collinson in #agde sent to the ,library ,company of ,philadelphia1 an account of these experiments1 together with a tube1 and directions how to use it4 ,franklin1 with some of his friends1 immediately engaged in a course of experiments1 the results of which are well known4 ,he was enabled to make a number of important discoveries1 and to propose theories to account for various phenomena1 which have been universally adopted1 and which bid fair to endure for ages4 ,in the year #agde1 such was the attention given to the subject of electricity1 that experiments upon it were publicly advertised and exhibited for money in ,germany and ,holland4 ,dr4 ,miles1 of ,england1 in the same year fired phosphorus by the application of the excited tube itself without the intervention of a conductor4 ,it was at this period that ,dr4 ,watson's attention was given to this subject4 ,he fired air1 made inflammable by a chemical process1 and discharged a musket by the electric fluid4 ,he made many experiments1 some of which will be described as we proceed4 ,the year #agde was made famous by the discovery of the ,leyden ,phial by ,mr4 ,cuneus a native of ,leyden4 ,it appears also to have been discovered by ,mr4 ,von ,kleist1 dean of the ,cathedral in ,camin about the same time4 ,by this discovery1 electricity could be accumulated and severe shocks given4 ,mr4 ,gralath1 in #agdf1 gave a shock to twenty persons at once1 and at a considerable distance from the machine4 ,he constructed the electrical battery by charging several phials at once4 ,mr4 ,winckler1 and also ,m4 ,monnier1 in ,france1 transmitted the electric fluid through several feet of water as a part of the circuit4 ,m4 ,nollet1 in ,france1 killed birds and fishes by the discharge of the ,leyden jars4 ,improvements were made by ,dr4 ,watson1 and others1 in the ,leyden phial1 by coating the inside and outside of it with tin foil4 ,abb ,nollet gave a shock to #ahj of the guards in the king's presence2 and at the grand convent of the ,carthusians in ,paris1 the whole community formed a line of #cfjj feet in length1 by means of wires between them4 ,the whole company upon the discharge of the phial1 gave a sudden spring at the same instant4 ,the ,french philosophers tried the same experiment through a circuit of persons1 holding wires between them1 two and a half miles in length4 ,in another experiment the water of the basin in the ,tuilleries was made a part of the circuit4 ,m4 ,monnier1 the younger1 to discover the velocity of electricity1 discharged the ,leyden phial through an iron wire #djjj feet in length1 and another #acai feet1 but could not discover the time required for its passage4 ,dr4 ,franklin communicated his observations1 in a series of letters1 to his friend ,collinson1 the first of which is dated ,march #bh1 #agdg4 ,in these he shows the power of points in drawing and throwing off the electrical matter4 ,he also made the grand discovery of a plus and minus1 or of a positive and negative state of electricity4 ,shortly after ,franklin1 from his principles of plus and minus state1 explained1 in a satisfactory manner1 the phenomena of the ,leyden phial4 ,dr4 ,watson and others in ,july #ah1 #agdg1 conveyed the electric fluid across the ,thames at ,westminster bridge2 the width of the river making a part of the circuit4 ,on the #bdth of ,july1 he tried the experiment of forcing the electric fluid to make a circuit with the bend of the river1 at the ,new ,river at ,stoke1 ,newington4 ,he supposed that the electric fluid would follow the river alone1 through its circuitous windings1 and return by the wire4 ,he suspected from the result of this experiment1 that the ground also conducted the fluid4 ,on the #bhth1 he proved the fact by supporting a wire #aej feet in length upon baked sticks1 using the ground as half of the circuit4 ,on the #eth1 of ,august1 he tried another experiment of making the dry ground a part of the circuit for a mile in extent1 and found it to conduct equally as well as water4 ,the last experiment was tried at ,shooter's ,hill1 on the #adth of ,august of the same year4 ,but one shower of rain had fallen for the five preceding weeks4 ,the wires1 two miles in length1 were supported upon baked sticks1 and the dry ground was used for the return two miles of the circuit4 ,they found the transmission of the electric fluid to be instantaneous4 ,dr4 ,watson made many other experiments which we must pass over4 ,mr4 ,ellicott constructed an electrometer for measuring the quantity of electricity4 ,mr4 ,maimbury1 at ,edinburgh1 electrified two myrtle trees1 during the month of ,october1 #agdf1 when they put forth small branches and blossoms sooner than other shrubs of the same kind1 which had not been electrified4 ,the same experiment was tried upon seeds1 sowed in garden pots with the same success4 ,mr4 ,jallabert1 ,mr4 ,boze and the ,abb ,menon principal of the ,college of ,bueil1 at ,angers1 tried the same experiments upon plants1 by electrifying bottles in which they were growing4 ,he proved that electrified plants always grew faster1 and had finer stems1 leaves and flowers than those which were not electrified4 ,in the year #agdh1 ,dr4 ,franklin1 and his friends1 held an electrical feast#ag on the banks of the ,schuylkill near ,philadelphia1 and as the account is amusing1 as well as scientific1 we will give an account of it as related by ,franklin1 in a letter to his friend ,collinson1 dated ,philadelphia1 #agdh4 7#a vol4 of ,franklin's ,works1 p4 #bjb47 8,chagrined a little that we have been hitherto able to produce nothing in this way of use to mankind2 and the hot weather coming on1 when electrical experiments are not so agreeable1 it is proposed to put an end to them for this season1 somewhat humorously1 in a party of pleasure1 on the banks of the ,skuykil40 8,spirits1 at the same time1 are to be fired by a spark sent from side to side through the river1 without any other conductor than the water1 an experiment which we some time since performed1 to the amazement of many4 ,a turkey is to be killed for our dinner by the electrical shock1 and roasted by the electrical jack1 before a fire kindled by the electrified bottle3 when the healths of all the famous electricians of ,england1 ,holland1 ,france1 and ,germany are to be drank in electrified bumpers1#ah under a discharge of guns from the electrical battery40 #ag 8,as the possibility of this experiment has not been easily conceived1 ,i shall here describe it4 ,two iron rods1 about three feet long1 were planted just within the margin of the river1 on the opposite sides4 ,a thick piece of wire1 with a small round knob at its end1 was fixed on the top of one of the rods1 bending downwards1 so as to deliver commodiously the spark upon the surface of the spirit4 ,a small wire1 fastened by one end to the handle of the spoon containing the spirit1 was carried across the river1 and supported in the air by the rope commonly used to hold by1 in drawing ferry boats over4 ,the other end of this wire was tied round the coating of the bottle2 which being charged1 the spark was delivered from the hook to the top of the rod standing in the water on that side4 ,at the same instant the rod on the other side delivered a spark into the spoon and fired the spirit2 the electric fire returning to the coating of the bottle1 through the handle of the spoon and the supported wire connected with them40 #ah 8,an electrified bumper is a small thin glass tumbler1 nearly filled with wine1 and electrified as the bottle4 ,this1 when brought to the lips1 gives a shock1 if the party be close shaved1 and does not breathe on the liquor40 8,in the year #agdi1 ,franklin first suggested his idea of explaining the phenomena of thunder gusts1 and of the aurora borealis1 upon electrical principles4 ,he points out many particulars in which lightning and electricity agree2 in the same year he conceived the bold idea of ascertaining the truth of his doctrine1 by actually drawing down the lightning1 by means of sharp pointed iron rods1 raised into the region of the clouds4 ,admitting the identity of electricity and lightning1 and knowing the power of points in repelling bodies charged with electricity1 and in conducting the fluid silently and imperceptibly1 he suggested the idea of securing houses1 ships1 c4 from being damaged by lightning1 by raising pointed rods several feet above the most elevated part of the building to be protected1 and the other end descending some feet into the ground4 ,it was not until the summer of #ageb1 that he was enabled to complete his grand discovery by experiments40 8,while he was waiting for the erection of a spire1 it occurred to him that he might have more ready access to the region of clouds1 by means of a common kite4 ,he prepared one by fastening two cross sticks to a silk handkerchief1 which would not suffer so much from the rain as paper4 ,to the upright stick was affixed an iron point4 ,the string was1 as usual1 of hemp1 except the lower end1 which was silk4 ,where the hempen string terminated1 a key was fastened4 ,with this apparatus1 on the appearance of a thunder gust approaching1 he went out into the commons1 accompanied by his son1 to whom alone he communicated his intentions1 well knowing the ridicule which1 too generally for the interests of science1 awaits unsuccessful experiments in philosophy4 ,he placed himself under a shade1 to avoid the rain2 his kite was raised--a thunder cloud passed over it--no sign of electricity appeared4 ,he almost despaired of success1 when1 suddenly1 he observed the loose fibres of his string to move towards an erect position4 ,he now presented his knuckle to the key1 and received a strong spark2 repeated sparks were drawn from the key2 a phial was charged1 a shock given1 and all the experiments made which are usually performed with electricity40 8,franklin constructed rods so as to bring the lightning into his house1 for the purpose of ascertaining if it was of the positive or negative kind4 ,he succeeded in the experiment for the first time in ,april1 #agec1 when it appeared that the electricity was negative4 ,on the #fth of ,june he met with a cloud electrified positively4 ,the discoveries of ,franklin roused the attention of all ,europe1 and many distinguished electricians repeated them with success4 ,professor ,richman1 of ,st4 ,petersburg1 while making some experiments upon the electrical state of the atmosphere1 was killed by the electric fluid1 ,august1 #agec4 ,towards the end of the eighteenth century1 electricity was assiduously cultivated by a great number of eminent individuals1 who extended the boundaries of the science by numerous experiments1 and by the invention of ingenious and useful instruments4 ,experiments were made upon air1 water and ice2 and in relation to the surfaces of electric bodies2 in relation to the two electrical states2 upon the deflagration of the metals2 decomposition of solids and liquids10 c4 c4 ,lomond's ,electrical ,telegraph4 ,it is stated in ,young's ,travels in ,france1 7#aghg1 #dth ed4 vol4 #a1 p4 #gi17 that a ,mr4 ,lomond had invented a mode by which1 from his own room1 he held communication with a person in a neighbouring chamber1 by means of electricity4 ,he employed the common electrical machine placed at one station1 and at the other an electrometer constructed with pith balls4 ,these instruments were connected by means of two wires stretched from one apartment to the other2 so that1 at each discharge of the ,leyden phial1 the pith balls would recede from each other1 until they came in contact with the return wire4 ,his system of telegraphic correspondence is not related4 ,we must suppose from the character of his invention1 having but one movement1 that of the divergence of the balls1 and using an apparatus extremely delicate1 that his means of communication could not have been otherwise than limited1 and required a great amount of time4 ,the only mode in which it appears possible for him to have transmitted intelligence1 seems to be this3 a single divergence of the pith balls1 succeeded by an interval of two or three seconds1 may have represented ,a4 ,two divergencies in quick succession1 with an interval following1 may have represented ,b2 three divergencies1 in like manner1 indicated the letter ,c2 and so on for the remainder of the alphabet4 ,instead of these movements of the pith balls representing letters1 they may have indicated the numerals #a1 #b1 #c1 c4 so that with a vocabulary of words1 numbered1 conducted his correspondence4 ,this appears to be the first electrical telegraph of which we have any account2 but does not appear to have been used upon extended lines4 ,reizen's ,electric ,spark ,telegraph4 ,in #agid1 according to ,voigt's ,magazine1 vol4 #i1 p4 #a1 ,reizen made use of the electric spark for telegraphic purposes4 ,his plan was based upon the phenomenon which is observed when the electric fluid of a common machine is interrupted in its circuit by breaks in the wire1 exhibiting at the interrupted portions of the circuit a bright spark4 ,the spark thus rendered visible in its passage he appears to have employed in this manner4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #cd4 ,figure #cd is a representation of the table upon which were arranged the letters of the alphabet1 twenty-six in number4 ,each letter is represented by strips of tin foil1 passing from left to right1 and right to left1 alternately1 over a space of an inch square upon a glass table4 ,such parts of the tin foil are cut out1 as will represent a particular letter4 ,thus1 it will be seen that the letter ,a is represented by those portions of the tin foil which have been taken out1 and the remaining portions answer as the conductor4 ,p and ,n represent the positive and negative ends of the strips1 as they pass through the table and reappear1 one on each side of the small dot at ,a4 ,those two lines which have a dot between1 are the ends of the negative and positive wire belonging to one of the letters4 ,now if a spark from a charged receiver is sent through the wires belonging to letter ,a1 that letter will present a bright and luminous appearance of the form of the letter ,a4 8,as the passage of the electric fluid through a perfect conductor is unattended with light1 and as the light or spark appears only where imperfect conductors are thrown in its way1 hence the appearance of the light at those interrupted points of the tin foil2 the glass upon which the conductors are pasted1 being an imperfect conductor4 ,the instant the discharge is made through the wire1 the spark is seen simultaneously at each of the interruptions1 or breaks1 of the tin foil1 constituting the letter1 and the whole letter is rendered visible at once40 ,this table is placed at one station1 and the electrical machine at the other1 with #gb wires inclosed in a glass tube connecting the two stations4 ,he could have operated with equal efficiency by using #cg wires having one wire for a common communicating wire1 or with #cf wires by substituting the ground for his common wire4 ,it does not appear that it was ever tested to any extent4 ,dr4 ,salva's ,electric ,spark ,telegraph4 ,in #agih1 ,dr4 ,salva1 in ,madrid1 constructed a similar telegraph1 as that suggested by ,reizen1 7see ,voigt's ,magazine1 vol4 #aa1 p4 #d47 ,the ,prince of ,peace witnessed his experiments with much satisfaction1 and the ,infant ,don ,antonio engaged with ,dr4 ,salva in improving his instruments4 ,it is stated that his experiments were conducted through many miles4 ,no description of his plans appear to have been given to the public4 ,origin of ,galvanism4 ,galvanism takes its name from ,galvani1 ,professor of ,anatomy at ,bologna1 who discovered it in the year #agij4 ,as the account of the circumstances attending the discovery of this useful and wonderful agent1 may not be uninteresting to the reader1 we insert it here as related in the 8,library of ,useful ,knowledge40 8,it happened in the year #agij1 that his wife1 being consumptive1 was advised to take1 as a nutritive article of diet1 some soup made of the flesh of frogs4 ,several of these animals1 recently skinned for that purpose1 were lying on a table in the laboratory1 close to an electrical machine1 with which a pupil of the ,professor was amusing himself in trying experiments4 ,while the machine was in action1 he chanced to touch the bare nerve of the leg of one of the frogs with the blade of the knife that he held in his hand2 when suddenly the whole limb was thrown into violent convulsions4 ,galvani was not present when this occurred1 but received the account from his lady who had witnessed1 and had been struck with the singularity of the appearance4 ,he lost no time in repeating the experiment3 in examining minutely all the circumstances connected with it1 and in determining those on which its success depended4 ,he ascertained that the convulsions took place only at the moment when the spark was drawn from the prime conductor1 and the knife was at the same time in contact with the nerve of the frog4 ,he next found that other metallic bodies might be substituted for the knife1 and very justly inferred that they owed this property of exciting muscular contractions to their being good conductors of electricity4 ,far from being satisfied with having arrived at this conclusion1 it only served to stimulate him to the farther investigation of this curious subject2 and his perseverance was at length rewarded by the discovery1 that similar convulsions might be produced in a frog1 independently of the electrical machine1 by forming a chain of conducting substances between the outside of the muscles of the leg1 and the crural nerve4 ,galvani had previously entertained the idea1 that the contractions of the muscles of animals were in some way dependent on electricity2 and as these new experiments appeared strongly to favour this hypothesis1 he with great ingenuity applied it to explain them4 ,he compared the muscles of a living animal to a ,leyden phial1 charged by the accumulation of electricity on its surface1 while he conceived that the nerve belonging to it1 performed the function of the wire communicating with the interior of the phial1 which would1 of course1 be charged negatively4 ,in this state1 whenever a communication was made by means of a substance of high conducting power between the surface of the muscle and the nerve1 the equilibrium would be instantly restored1 and a sudden contraction of the fibres would be the consequence4 8,galvani was thus the first to discover the reason of that peculiar convulsive effect which we now obtain from the ,galvanic battery1 and he attributed it to a modification of electricity4 ,it was left to another to construct an instrument which would give a constant and increased effect1 and develop this extraordinary fluid4 ,whatever share accident may have had in the original discovery of ,galvani1 it is certain that the invention of the ,pile1 an instrument which has most materially contributed to the extension of our knowledge in this branch of physical science1 was purely the result of reasoning4 8,professor ,volta1 of ,pavia1 in #ahjj1 was led to the discovery of its properties by deep meditation on the developements of electricity at the surface of contact of different metals4 ,we may justly regard this discovery as forming an epoch in the history of galvanism2 and since that period1 the terms ,voltaism1 or ,voltaic electricity1 have been often1 in honour of this illustrious philosopher1 used to designate that particular form of electrical agency4 8,he had been led by theory to conceive that the effect of a single pair of metallic plates might be increased1 indefinitely1 by multiplying their number1 and disposing them in pairs1 with a less perfect conducting substance between each pair4 ,for this purpose he provided an equal number of silver coins1 and of pieces of zinc1 of the same form and dimensions1 and also circular discs of card1 soaked in salt water1 and of somewhat less diameter than the metallic plates4 ,of these he formed a pile or column as shown in figure #ce1 in which three substances1 silver1 zinc1 and wet card1 denoted by the letters ,s1 ,z1 ,i1 were made to succeed one another in the same regular order throughout the series4 ,the efficacy of this combination realized the most sanguine anticipations of the discoverer4 ,if the uppermost disc of metal in the column be touched with the finger of one hand1 previously wetted1 while a finger of the other hand is applied to the lowermost disc1 a distinct shock is felt in the arms1 similar to that from a ,leyden phial1 or still more nearly resembling that from an electrical battery1 weakly charged4 ,these discs are supported by two large discs1 a and i1 of wood1 one at the bottom and the other at the top of the pile1 with three glass rods1 ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 at equal distances around the pile1 but not touching it1 and are cemented into the wooden base and cover4 ,p represents the wire connecting the silver disc1 and ,n that connecting the zinc40 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ce4 ,the ,decomposition of ,water4 8,the chemical agency of galvanism1 exerted on fluid conductors1 placed in the circuit between the poles of the battery1 is very remarkable4 ,among the simplest of its effects is the resolution of water into its two gaseous elements1 oxygen and hydrogen4 ,the discovery of this fact is due to the united researches of ,mr4 ,nicholson and ,mr4 ,carlisle1 and was one of the immediate consequences of the invention of the pile by ,volta4 ,the most convenient mode of exhibiting the decomposition of water by the ,voltaic battery1 is to fill1 with water1 a glass tube2 to each end of which1 a cork has been fitted so as to confine the water1 and to introduce into the tube two metallic wires1 by passing one1 at each end1 through the cork which closes it1 allowing the extremities of the wires1 that are in the water1 to come so near each other as to be separated by an interval of only a quarter of an inch4 ,the wires being then respectively made to communicate with each of the two poles of a ,voltaic battery1 the following phenomena will ensue4 ,if the wire connected with the positive pole of the battery consists of an oxidable metal1 it is rapidly oxidated by the water surrounding it2 while1 at the same time1 a stream of minute bubbles of hydrogen gas arises from the surface of the other wire1 which is in connection with the negative pole4 ,but if we employ wires made of a metal which is not susceptible of oxidation by water1 such as gold or platina1 gas will be extricated from both the wires1 and1 by means of a proper apparatus may be collected separately40 ,we shall now see that these two discoveries1 viz4 the ,voltaic pile1 and the decomposition of water by the agency of the former are the bases of a plan for telegraphic purposes4 ,samuel ,thomas ,soemmering's ,description of his ,voltaic ,electric ,telegraph1 invented in #ahji4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #cf4 8,the fact that the decomposition of water may be produced with certainty and instantaneously1 not only at short1 but at great distances from the ,voltaic pile1 and that the decomposition may be sustained for a considerable time1 suggested to me the idea1 that it might be made subservient for the purposes of transmitting intelligence in a manner superior to the plan in common use1 and would supersede them4 ,my engagements were such that ,i have only been able to test the practicability of my plan upon a small scale1 and herewith submit1 for the ,academy's publication1 an account of the experiment4 8,my telegraph was constructed and used in the following manner3 ,in the bottom of a glass reservoir1 figure #cf1 of which ,a ,a is a sectional view1 are #ce golden points1 or pins1 passing up through the bottom of the glass reservoir1 marked ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 c4 #be of which are marked with the #be letters of the ,german alphabet and the ten numerals4 ,the #ce points are each connected with an extended copper wire1 soldered to them1 and extending through the tube1 ,e1 to the distant station2 are there soldered to the #ce brass plates1 upon the wooden bar1 ,k ,k4 ,through the front end of each of the plates1 there is a small hole1 ,i1 for the reception of two brass pins1 ,b and ,c2 one of which is on the end of the wire connecting the positive pole1 and the other the negative pole of the ,voltaic column1 ,o4 ,each of the #ce plates are arranged upon a support of wood1 ,k ,k1 to correspond with the arrangement of the #ce points at the reservoir1 and are lettered accordingly4 ,when thus arranged1 the two pins from the column are held1 one in each hand1 and the two plates being selected1 the pins are then put into their holes and the communication is established4 ,gas is evolved at the two distant corresponding points in an instant4 ,for example1 ,k and ,t4 ,the peg on the hydrogen pole1 evolves hydrogen gas1 and that on the oxygen pole1 oxygen gas4 8,in this way every letter and numeral may be indicated at the pleasure of the operator4 ,should the following rules be observed1 it will enable the operator to communicate as much if not more1 than can be done by the common telegraph4 8,first ,rule4 ,as the hydrogen gas evolved is greater in quantity than the oxygen1 therefore1 those letters which the former gas represents1 are more easily distinguished than those of the latter1 and must be so noted4 ,for example1 in the words ak1 ad1 em1 ie1 we indicate the letters ,a1 a1 e1 i1 by the hydrogen2 k1 d1 m1 e1 on the other hand1 by the oxygen poles4 8,second ,rule4 ,to telegraph two letters of the same name1 we must use a unit1 unless they are separated by the syllable4 ,for example1 the name anna1 may be telegraphed without the unit1 as the syllable an1 is first indicated and then na4 ,the name nanni1 on the contrary1 cannot be telegraphed without the use of the unit1 because na is first telegraphed1 and then comes nn1 which cannot be indicated in the same vessel4 ,it would1 however1 be possible to telegraph even three or more letters at the same time by increasing the number of wires from #be to #ej1 which would very much augment the cost of construction and the care of attendance4 8,third ,rule4 ,to indicate the conclusion of a word1 the unit #a must be used4 ,therefore1 it is used with the last single letter of a word1 being made to follow the ending letter4 ,it must also be prefixed to the letter commencing a word1 when that letter follows a word of two letters only4 ,for example3 ,sie lebt must be represented ,si1 e#a1 le1 bt1 that is the unit #a must be placed after the first e4 ,er lebt1 on the contrary1 must be represented4 ,er1 #al1 eb1 t#a2 that is1 the unit #a is placed before the l4 ,instead of using the unit1 another signal may be introduced1 the cross to indicate the separation of syllables4 8,suppose now the decomposing table is situated in one city1 and the pin arrangement in another1 connected with each other by #ce continuous wires1 extended from city to city4 ,then the operator1 with his ,voltaic column and pin arrangement at one station1 may communicate intelligence to the observer of the gas at the decomposing table of the other station4 8,the metallic plates with which the extended wires are connected have conical shaped holes in their ends2 and the pins attached to the two wires of the ,voltaic column are likewise of a conical shape1 so that when they are put in the holes1 there may be a close fit1 prevent oxidation and produce a certain connection4 ,it is well known that slight oxidation of the parts in contact will interrupt the communication4 ,the pin arrangement might be so contrived as to use permanent keys1 which for the #ce plates or rods would require #gj pins4 ,the first key might be for hydrogen ,a2 the third key for hydrogen ,b2 the fourth key for oxygen ,b1 and so on4 8,the preparation and management of the ,voltaic column is so well known1 that little need be said except that it should be of that durability as to last more than a month4 ,it should not be of very broad surfaces1 as ,i have proved1 that six of my usual plates 7each one consisting of a ,brabant dollar1 felt1 and a disc of zinc1 weighing #eb grains7 would evolve more gas1 than five plates of the great battery of our ,academy4#ai ,as to the cost of construction1 this model which ,i have had the honour to exhibit to the ,royal ,academy1 cost #cj florins4 ,one line consisting of #ce wires1 laid in glass or earthen pipes1 each wire insulated with silk1 making each wire #bb1hbg ,parisian feet1 or a ,german mile1 or a single wire of #ghh1hhe feet in length1 might be made for less than #bjjj florins1 as appears from the cost of my short one40 #ai ,academy of ,sciences at ,munich4 ,extract from the ,journal of the ,franklin ,institute1 vol4 #bj1 page #cbe4 8,to the foregoing notice1 we append an article published in ,thompson's ,annals of ,philosophy1 vol4 #g1 page #afb1 #ast series1 ,february1 #ahaf4 ,this article is from the pen of ,dr4 ,john ,redman ,coxe1 of ,philadelphia1 and it is believed that the idea of the employment of galvanism1 for a telegraph which it suggests1 was then original4 ,those who are acquainted with the history of the progress of electricity1 as evolved by the ordinary machine1 are aware that experiments had been made with a view to its employment for a similar purpose2 but from the inherent difficulties of the subject1 the project had been abandoned4 8,it is not pretended1 that the state of our knowledge on the subject of galvanism1 was such at the time the foregoing suggestion was made1 as would have enabled any person to apply it practically2 this1 if done1 will be due to the recent discoveries on the subject of electro magnetism2 a subject which has been very successfully pursued by the philosophers of our own country1 and particularly by ,professor ,henry1 of ,princeton4 ,as some of the philosophers of ,europe are disputing upon the question of the authorship of proposition for the employment of ,galvanic electricity1 telegraphically1 we have thought that it would not be altogether inopportune1 or uninteresting1 to publish the article above referred to4 8,use of ,galvanism as a ,telegraph3 in an extract of a ,letter from ,dr4 ,j4 ,redman ,coxe1 ,professor of ,chemistry1 ,philadelphia4 8,i observe in one of the volumes of your ,annals of ,philosophy1 a proposition to employ galvanism1 as a solvent1 for the urinary calculus1 but which has been very properly1 ,i think1 opposed by ,mr4 ,armiger4 ,i merely notice this1 as it gives me the opportunity of saying1 that a similar idea was maintained in a thesis1 three years ago1 by a graduate of the ,university of ,pennsylvania4 ,i have1 however1 contemplated this important agent1 as a probable means of establishing telegraphic communications1 with as much rapidity1 and perhaps less expense1 than any hitherto employed4 ,i do not know how far experiment has determined galvanic action1 to be communicated by means of wires2 but there is no reason to suppose it confined1 as to limits1 certainly not as to time4 ,now1 by means of apparatus1 fixed at certain distances1 as telegraphic stations1 by tubes1 for the decomposition of water1 and of metallic salts1 c4 regularly ranged1 such a key might be adopted as would be requisite to communicate words1 sentences1 or figures1 from one station to another1 and so on to the end of the line1 ,i will take another opportunity to enlarge upon this1 as ,i think it might serve many useful purposes2 but like all others1 it requires time to mature4 ,as it takes up little room1 and may be fixed in private1 it might1 in many cases1 of besieged towns1 c4 convey useful intelligence1 with scarcely a chance of detection by the enemy4 ,however fanciful in speculation1 ,i have no doubt that sooner or later1 it will be rendered useful in practice40 8,i have thus1 my dear sir1 ventured to encroach upon your time1 with some crude ideas1 that may serve to elicit some useful experiments in the hands of others4 ,when we consider what wonderful results have arisen from the first trifling experiments of the junction of a small piece of silver and zinc in so short a period1 what may not be expected from the further extension of galvanic electricity3 ,i have no doubt of its being the chiefest agent1 in the hands of nature1 of the mighty changes that occur around us4 ,if the metals are compound bodies1 which ,i doubt not1 will not this active principle combine those constituent in numerous places1 so as to explain their metallic formation8 and if such constituents are in themselves aeriform1 may not galvanism reasonably tend to explain the existence of metals in situations to which their specific gravities certainly do not entitle us to look for them80 ,ronald's ,electric ,telegraph1 invented in #ahaf4 ,from the ,encyclopedia ,britannica1 #gth edition1 page #ffb4 8,m4 ,cavllo suggested the idea of conveying intelligence by passing a given number of sparks through an insulated wire in given spaces of time2 and some ,german and ,american authors have proposed to construct galvanic telegraphs by the decomposition of water4 ,mr4 ,ronalds1 who has devoted much time to the consideration of this form of the telegraph1 proposes to employ common electricity to convey intelligence along insulated and buried wires1 and he proved the practicability of such a scheme1 by insulating eight miles of wire on his lawn at ,hammersmith4 ,in this case the wire was insulated in the air by silk strings4 ,but he also made the trial with #ebe feet of buried wire2 with this view he dug a trench four feet deep1 in which he laid a trough of wood two inches square1 well lined within and without with pitch2 and within this trough were placed thick glass tubes1 through which the wire ran4 ,the junction of the glass tubes was surrounded with shorter and wider tubes of glass1 the ends of which were sealed up with soft wax4 8,mr4 ,ronalds now fixed a circular brass plate1 figure #cg1 upon the second arbour of a clock which beat dead seconds4 ,this plate was divided into twenty equal parts1 each division being worked by a figure1 a letter1 and a preparatory sign4 ,the figures were divided into two series of the units1 and the letters were arranged alphabetically1 omitting ,j1 ,q1 ,u1 ,w1 ,x and ,z4 ,in front of this was fixed another brass plate as shown in figure #ch1 which could be occasionally turned round by the hand1 and which had an aperture like that shown in the figure at ,v1 which would just exhibit one of the figures1 letters and preparatory signs1 for example1 #i1 v1 and ready4 ,in front of this plate was suspended a pith ball electrometer1 ,b1 ,c1 figure #ch1 from a wire ,d1 which was insulated1 and which communicated on one side with a glass cylinder machine1 and on the other side with the buried wire4 ,at the further end of the buried wire1 was an apparatus exactly the same as the one now described1 and the clocks were adjusted to as perfect synchronism as possible4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #cg4 ,,fig4 #ch4 8,hence it is manifest1 that when the wire was charged by the machine at either end1 the electrometers at both ends diverged1 and when it was discharged1 they collapsed1 at the same instant4 ,consequently1 if it was discharged at the moment when a given letter1 figure1 and sign on the lower plate1 figure #cg1 appeared through the aperture1 figure #ch1 the same figure1 letter and sign would appear also at the other clock2 so that by means of such discharges at one station1 and by marking down the letters1 figures and signs1 seen at the other1 any required words could be spelt4 8,an electrical pistol was connected with the apparatus1 by which a spark might pass through it when the sign prepare was made1 in order that the explosion might excite the attention of the superintendent1 and obviate the necessity of close watching4 8,preparatory signs4 ,a1 prepare2 ,v1 ready2 ,s1 repeat sentence2 ,p1 repeat word2 ,n1 finish2 ,l1 annul sentence2 ,i1 annul word2 ,g1 note figures2 ,e1 note letters2 ,c1 dictionary40 ,electro ,magnetism4 ,we have now to notice a discovery1 which forms the basis of those modern telegraphs in which the principle of electro magnetism is adopted4 ,the following is an extract from the 8,library of ,useful ,knowledge10 in relation to the discovery3 8,the real discoverer of the magnetic properties of electric currents ,m4 ,oersted1 ,professor of ,natural ,philosophy1 and ,secretary of the ,royal ,society of ,copenhagen4 ,in a work which he published in the ,german1 about the year #ahac1 on the identity of chemical and electrical forces1 he had thrown out conjectures concerning the relations subsisting between the electric1 galvanic and magnetic fluids1 which he conceived might differ from one another only in their respective degrees of tension4 ,if galvanism1 he argued1 be merely a more latent form of electricity1 so magnetism may possibly be nothing more than electricity in a still more latent form2 and he1 therefore1 proposed it as a subject worthy of inquiry1 whether electricity employed in this1 its most latent form1 might not be found to have a sensible effect upon a magnet4 ,it is difficult clearly to understand what he meant by the expression of latent states1 as applied to electricity1 but it may be sufficient for us to know1 that in the various endeavours he subsequently made to verify his conjectures1 he was led to such forms of experiment as afforded decisive indications of the influence of ,voltaic currents on the magnetized needle4 ,yet1 even after he had succeeded thus far1 it was a matter of extreme difficulty to determine the real direction of this action1 and it was not till the close of the year #ahai1 that his perseverance was at length rewarded by complete success4 8,the first account of his discovery that appeared in ,england is contained in a paper1 which he himself communicated1 in ,thompson's ,annals of ,philosophy1 for ,october1 #ahbj1 vol4 #af1 page #bgc2 and in which the following experiments are described4 ,the two poles of a powerful ,voltaic battery were connected by a metallic wire1 so as to complete the galvanic circuit4 ,the wire which performs this office he called the uniting wire2 and the effect1 whatever it may be1 which takes place in this conductor1 and in the space surrounding it1 during the passage of the electricity1 he designates by the term electric conflict1 from an idea that there takes place some continued collision and neutralization of the two species of electric fluids1 while circulating in opposite currents in the apparatus4 ,then taking a magnetic needle1 properly balanced on its pivot1 as in the mariner's compass1 and allowing it to assume its natural position in the magnetic meridian1 he placed a straight portion of the uniting wire horizontally above the needle1 and in a direction parallel to it2 and then completed the circuit1 so that the electric current passed through the wire4 ,the moment this was done1 the needle changed its position1 its ends deviating from the north and south towards the east and west1 according to the direction in which the electric current flowed1 so that by reversing the direction of the current the motion of the needle was also reversed4 ,the general law he expressed as follows3 #8,that end of the needle which is situated next to the negative side of the battery1 or towards which the current of positive electricity is following1 immediately moves to the westward4' 8,the deviation of the needle is the same1 whether the uniting wire1 instead of being immediately above the needle1 be placed somewhat to the east or west of it1 provided it continue parallel to and also above it4 ,this shows that the effect is not the result of a simple attractive or repulsive influence1 for the same pole of the magnetic needle which approaches the uniting wire1 when placed on its east side1 recedes from it when placed on its west side40 #bj8,soon after this important discovery of ,oersted's was made1 ,m4 ,ampre established the second fundamental law of electro magnetism1 that the two conducting wires from the poles of the battery1 when conveniently suspended1 attracts each other when they transmit electrical currents moving in the same direction1 and repel each other when the currents which they transmit have opposite directions4 #bj ,encyclopedia ,britannica1 vol4 #ba1 p4 #fhf4 8,on the #beth ,sept4 #ahbj1 ,m4 ,arago communicated to the ,french ,institute the important discovery that the electrical current possesses1 in a very high degree the power of developing magnetism in iron or steel4 ,sir ,h4 ,davy communicated a similar fact to ,dr4 ,wollaston on the #abth of ,november1 #ahbj1 and ,dr4 ,seebeck laid before the ,royal ,academy of ,berlin a series of experiments on the same subject4 8,m4 ,arago found that the uniting wires of a powerful ,voltaic battery attracts iron filings often with such force as to form a coating around the wire ten or twelve times thicker than itself4 ,this attraction1 as he found1 did not originate in any magnetism previously possessed by the iron filing1 which he ascertained would not adhere to iron1 and that it was not a case of common electrical attraction1 was evident from the fact that copper and brass filings were not attracted by the uniting wire4 ,m4 ,arago likewise found1 that the iron filings began to rise before they came in contact with the uniting wire2 and hence he drew the conclusion1 that the electric currents converted each small piece of iron into a temporary magnet4 ,in following out this view1 the ,french philosopher converted large pieces of iron into temporary magnets and also small steel needles into permanent ones1 7by employing the helix47 ,sir ,h4 ,davy and ,dr4 ,seebeck obtained analogous results without knowing what had been previously done in ,france4 8,a galvanometer was first constructed by ,professor ,schweigger1 of ,halle1 very soon after the first discovery of electro magnetism1 and by him called an electro magnetic multiplier40 ,in the year #ahbj1 ,ampre predicted the possibility of making the deflection of the magnetic needle1 by the agency of the galvanic fluid1 serve the purposes of transmitting intelligence4 ,in page #ai of his memoir1 he thus resolves the problem3 8,as many magnetic needles as there are letters of the alphabet10 he says1 8which may be put in action by conductors2 which may be made to communicate successively with the battery by means of keys2 which may be pressed down at pleasure1 might give place to a telegraphic correspondence which would surmount all distance and would be as prompt as writing speech to transmit thought40 8,the next step in the progress of discovery1 was that of making magnets of extraordinary power by means of a galvanic battery4 ,this seems to have been first accomplished by ,prof4 ,moll1 of ,utrecht1 and ,professor ,henry1 of ,princeton1 who was able to lift thousands of pounds weight by his apparatus40 ,the following ,extract is taken from a ,work on ,electro ,magnetism published by ,jacob ,green1 ,m4 ,d4 ,professor of ,chemistry in ,jefferson ,medical ,college1 #ahbg4 8,in the very early stage of electro magnetic experiments1 it had been suggested1 that an instantaneous telegraph might be constructed by means of conjunctive wires1 and magnetic needles4 ,the details of this contrivance are so obvious1 and the principles on which it is founded so well understood1 that there was only one question which could render the result doubtful4 ,this was1 whether by lengthening the conjunctive wires1 there would be any diminution in the electrical effect upon the needle4 ,it is the general opinion1 that the electrical fluid1 from a common electrical battery1 may be transmitted1 without any sensible diminution1 instantaneously1 through a wire three or four miles in length4 ,at the philosophical dinner1 as it has been called1 got up a number of years ago by some gentlemen of ,philadelphia1 on the banks of the ,schuylkill1 it may be recollected that ,dr4 ,franklin killed a turkey with the electric shock1 transmitted across the river1 a distance of more than half a mile2 and ,dr4 ,watson1 who was also at the pains of making some experiments of this kind1 asserts that the electric shock was transmitted1 instantaneously1 through the length of #ab1bgf feet4 ,had it been found true that the galvanic fluid could be transmitted in a moment through a great extent of conducting wire1 without diminishing its magnetic effect then no question could have been entertained as to the practicability and importance of the suggestion adverted to above1 with regard to the telegraph4 ,mr4 ,barlow1 of the ,royal ,military ,academy1 who has made a number of successful experiments and investigations in electro magnetism1 fully ascertained that there was so sensible a diminution with only #bjj feet of wire1 as to convince him at once of the impracticability of the scheme4 ,triboaillet's ,proposition4 #ba8;,in #ahbh1 ,m4 ,victor ,triboaillet de ,saint ,amand proposed to establish a correspondence from ,paris to ,brussels1 by placing along the highway1 and at some feet deep1 a metallic wire1 about a line or a line and a half diameter4 ,he recommended to cover the wire with shellac1 upon which was to be wound silk1 very dry1 which should be covered in their turn with a coating of resin4 ,the whole was then to be put into glass tubes carefully luted up with a resinous substance and secured by a last envelope in the earth1 then varnished over and hermetically sealed4 ,then1 by means of a powerful battery1 he would communicate the electricity to the conducting wire1 which would transmit the current to the opposite point to an electroscope1 destined to render sensible the slightest influence1 and left to each one to adopt at pleasure the number of motions to express the words or letters which they might need40 #ba ,report of ,academy of ,industry1 ,paris4 ,fechner's ,suggestion4#bb 8,fechner1 in his manual of galvanism1 7,voss1 #ahbi1 page #bfi17 remarked1 that the electro magnetic effects of the galvanic current would be far more appropriate for the giving of signs than ,soemmering's plan by the decomposition of water40 ,he suggested that wires1 having twenty-four multiplicators should be extended between ,leipsic and ,dresden1 and there connected1 alternately1 with a galvanic column1 for telegraphic purposes4 ,indeed1 he ventured to prophecy1 that probably hereafter such a connection between the central point of a kingdom1 and different provinces might be arranged as there was existing in animal bodies1 between the central point of organic structure of particular members and nerves4 #bb ,polytechnic ,central ,journal1 #ahch4 ,magneto ,electricity4 ,we come now to give an account of a new branch in the science of electricity1 viz4 magneto electricity2 which ,dr4 ,faraday was the first to discover in the year #ahca4 ,as this species of electricity has been applied to several of the plans of electric telegraphs1 which we shall describe1 it is desirable that some account should be given of its discovery1 and of the instrument by which it is generated4 ,the following is an extract from 8,daniell's ,introduction to ,chemical ,philosophy0 #b;d edition1 ,london1 #ahdc4 8,the phenomena of electro magnetism are produced by electricity in motion2 accumulated electricity1 when not in motion1 exerts no magnetic effects4 ,dr4 ,faraday early felt convinced that 8as every electric current is accompanied by a corresponding intensity of magnetic action at right angles to the current1 good conductors of electricity1 when placed within the sphere of this action1 should have a current induced through them1 or some sensible effect produced1 equivalent in force to such a current40 ,these considerations1 with their consequence1 the hope of obtaining electricity from ordinary magnetism1 stimulated him to investigate the subject experimentally1 and he was rewarded by an affirmative answer to the question proposed4 ,he thus became1 like ,oersted1 the founder of an entirely new branch of natural philosophy4 8,if a wire connecting the two ends of a delicate galvanometer be placed parallel and close to the wire connecting the poles of a ,voltaic battery1 no effect will be produced upon the needle1 however powerful the current may be4 ,if the points opposed in the two wires be multiplied by coiling the one1 as a helix1 within the convolutions of the other1 coiled in the same way1 both being covered with silk to prevent metallic contact1 still no effect will be discernible so long as the current is uninterrupted4 ,when1 however1 the current of the battery is stopped by breaking the circuit1 the needle is momentarily deflected1 as by a wave of electricity passing in the same direction as that of the main current4 ,upon allowing the needle to come to a state of rest1 and then renewing the contact1 a similar impulse will be given to it in the contrary direction4 ,while the current continues1 the needle returns to its state of rest1 again to be deflected in the first direction by stopping the current4 ,motion may be accumulated to a considerable amount in the needle1 by making and breaking the contacts with the battery in correspondence with its swing4 ,the same effects are produced when1 the current being uninterrupted1 the conducting wire is made suddenly to approach or recede from the wire of the galvanometer4 ,as the wires approximate1 there will be a momentary current induced in the direction contrary to the inducing current2 and as the wires recede1 an induced current in the same direction as the inducing current4 8,as this ,volta electric induction is obviously produced by the transverse action of the ,voltaic current1 in one case1 by the mechanical motion of the wire1 and in the other at the moments of generation and annihilation of the current1 ,dr4 ,faraday thought that the sudden induction and cessation of the same magnetic force in soft iron1 either by the agency of a ,voltaic current1 or by that of a common magnet1 ought to produce the same results4 ,he constructed a combination of helices 7#h7 upon a hollow cylinder of pasteboard3 they consisted of lengths of copper wire1 containing1 altogether1 #bbj feet2 four of these were connected end to end1 and then with the galvanometer4 ,the other intervening four were also connected end to end1 and then with the ,voltaic battery4 ,in this form a slight effect was produced upon the needle by making and breaking contact4 ,but when a soft iron cylinder1 seven-eighths of an inch thick and twelve inches long1 was introduced into the pasteboard tube1 surrounded by the helices1 the induced current affected the galvanometer powerfully4 ,when the iron cylinder was replaced by an equal cylinder of copper1 no effect beyond that of the helices alone was produced4 8,similar effects were then produced by ordinary magnets4 ,the hollow helix had all its elementary helices connected with the galvanometer1 and the soft iron cylinder having been introduced into its axis1 a couple of bar magnets were arranged with their opposite poles in contact1 so as to resemble a horse-shoe magnet1 and contact was then made between the other poles and the ends of the iron cylinder1 by which it was converted1 for the time1 into a magnet2 by breaking the magnetic contacts1 or reversing them1 the magnetism of the iron cylinder could be destroyed or reversed at pleasure4 ,upon making magnetic contact1 the needle was deflected2 continuing the contact1 the needle became indifferent1 and resumed its first position2 on breaking contact1 it was again deflected1 but in the opposite direction to the first effect1 and then it again became indifferent4 ,when the magnetic contacts were reversed1 the deflections were reversed4 ,the actual contacts of the magnets with the soft iron is not essential to the success of these experiments1 for their near approximation induces sufficient magnetism in the cylinder to generate the electric current1 which affects the needle4 ,the first rise of the magnetic force induces the electric wave in one direction2 its sudden decline1 in the opposite4 ,mechanical motion of a permanent magnetic pole in one direction1 across the coils of the helix1 will produce the same effect as the sudden induction of the magnetism in the soft iron1 and its motion in the opposite direction will cause a corresponding effect with its annihilation1 when the soft iron cylinder is removed from the helix1 and one end of a cylindrical magnet thrust into it1 the needle is deflected in the same way as if the magnet had been formed1 by either of the two preceding processes4 ,being left in1 the needle will resume its first position1 and then being withdrawn1 the needle will be deflected in the opposite direction4 ,on substituting a small hollow helix1 formed round a glass tube1 for the galvanometer1 in these experiments1 and introducing a steel needle1 it will be converted into a magnet1 provided care be taken not to expose it to the opposite action of the reverse current2 and if the continuity of the conducting wire be broken1 at the moment when the secondary electric wave is passing through it1 a bright spark may be obtained4 8,the connection of electro magnetical and magneto electrical phenomena may be exhibited in a very striking way1 by employing any of the apparatus1 by which the rotary motions of the magnet or conducting wire1 are produced by a current of electricity1 to generate electric currents by the mechanical rotations of the magnet or wire4 ,for this purpose1 the galvanometer may be substituted for the battery1 and when the wire is made to turn round the pole of the magnet1 or the pole of the magnet round the wire1 in one direction1 the needle will be deflected to one side2 and to the other by the opposite rotation4 ,nothing can be better shown that magneto electric is the converse of electro magnetic action4 8,dr4 ,faraday by rotating a copper disc between the poles of a horse-shoe magnet1 produced a constant current of electricity in one direction1 and deflected the needle of the galvanometer2 one wire being connected with the disc1 and the other with the arbour4 ,by turning the disc in one direction1 the circuit will pass from the axis to the circumference2 by turning it in the opposite direction1 the current will flow from the circumference to the axis40 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ci4 ,figure #ci represents a side view of the instrument4 ,b shows the copper disc permanently secured upon its axis1 and which is turned by means of the crank1 ,e4 ,g represents one of the standards which support the axis4 ,h is the platform upon which the various parts are arranged4 ,the edge1 ,c1 of the copper disc1 is amalgamated so as to make a perfect connection with the amalgamated segment1 a1 to which is soldered a wire1 ,i1 leading to the galvanometer4 ,that portion of the disc1 ,b1 which is shaded1 is not amalgamated4 ,j is the other wire proceeding from the galvanometer1 and both it and the axis are amalgamated1 at the points of connection4 ,a is the permanent magnet1 with its poles on each side of the copper disc1 ,b1 opposite the amalgamated portion of the rim4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #dj4 ,figure #dj1 represents a top view of the instrument1 ,h is the platform2 ,c the disc2 a the segment2 ,a the permanent magnet2 ,j the wire attached to the axis1 ,p2 ,g and ,g are the two standards4 ,e the crank2 and ,i the wire attached to the segment a4 ,mr4 ,saxton1#bc in a letter to ,mr4 ,lukens1 dated1 ,london1 ,april #adth1 #ahcb1 after describing ,dr4 ,faraday's rotating disc1 figures #ci and #dj1 says1 8,i have made this experiment in a different way1 and succeeded satisfactorily4 ,the method was as follows3 ,a coil of wire wrapped with silk1 similar to that used in the galvanometer1 was attached1 by the ends1 to the wires of the galvanometer4 ,on passing this roll1 backward and forward1 upon one of the poles of a horse-shoe 7permanent7 magnet1 or placing it upon and removing it from either pole1 ,i have made the needle of the galvanometer to spin round rapidly40 ,figure #da1 represents ,mr4 ,saxton's plan4 #bc ,we here introduce to the reader our ingenious and scientific country man1 ,mr4 ,joseph ,saxton1 formerly of the ,united ,states mint1 ,philadelphia1 but now connected with the ,department of weights and measures1 at ,washington1 who invented the first ,rotary ,magneto ,electric ,machine1 and which has now been extensively adopted4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #da4 ,n and ,s represent the north and south poles of the horse-shoe permanent magnet4 ,c is the coil of wire1 wound round a spool of an oblong shape1 through the centre of which there is an opening sufficiently large to admit either of the prongs of the magnet through it4 ,a and ,b are the ends of the wire leaving the coil1 and are connected with the galvanometer4 ,mr4 ,saxton on the #b;d of ,may1 #ahcb1 obtained the spark by the following arrangement of the permanent magnet and the helix of wire round the armature4 ,in relation to this instrument1 he thus writes to ,mr4 ,lukens1 of ,philadelphia1 dated1 ,london1 ,may #aath1 #ahcb4 ,jour4 ,frank4 ,int4 vol4 #ac1 p4 #fg4 8,since my last ,i have heard of a method of producing a spark from a magnet1 discovered ,i think by an ,italian4#bd ,this experiment ,i made at once upon a large horse-shoe magnet1 which ,i am making for ,mr4 ,perkins and his partners4 ,one of your large magnets will answer the same purpose4 ,make a cylinder of soft iron of an inch1 or three-fourths of an inch1 in diameter1 and of the usual length of the keeper2 place two discs of brass or wood upon this cylinder1 and at such a distance apart that they will conveniently pass between the poles of the magnet2 between these wind1 say fifty feet of bobbin wire1 which may be of iron covered with cotton2 let the ends of this coil be bent over the ends of the cylinder and brought down until they touch the poles of the magnet4 ,the ends should be of such a length1 that on bringing the cylinder to the magnet1 one of the ends will touch1 when the cylinder is about half an inch from the magnet1 and the other at one-fourth of an inch4 ,the cylinder being thus arranged1 and in contact with the magnet1 on drawing it suddenly away a spark will pass between the end of the wire1 and the pole of the magnet40 #bd ,m4 ,m4 ,nobili and ,antinori4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #db4 ,figure #db represents the instrument as first constructed by ,mr4 ,saxton1 in ,london4#be ,a and ,b are the ends of the helix1 surrounding the cylindrical bar of soft iron between ,e and ,f1 filling the cavity which has been formed out of the solid iron4 ,the size of bar between the collars ,e and ,f1 thus formed1 is the same as the projections ,h and ,g4 ,the wire1 a1 proceeds from the outside of the coil and makes a suitable contact upon the prong1 ,a1 of the magnet3 b proceeds from the bottom of the coil1 where the winding commenced and makes a similar contact upon the prong1 ,b1 of the permanent magnet4 ,one wire extends a little further upon the magnet than the other1 so that the shorter one may break its connection sooner than the longer4 ,h and ,g are projections from the sides of the armature1 to which the handle1 ,d1 is secured4 ,let the armature1 with its helix1 be held up against the ends of the prongs of the permanent magnet2 and the wires a and b1 in perfect contact with their respective prongs1 as shown in the figure2 if1 while in this condition1 the keeper is suddenly withdrawn1 a spark will appear at the end of the short wire1 as it breaks its contact with the prong of the magnet4 #be ,mr4 ,saxton on the #c;d of ,may exhibited his apparatus1 and the mode of obtaining the spark to ,dr4 ,ritchie1 ,messrs4 ,thomas ,gill1 ,john ,isaac ,hawkens and ,steadman ,whitwell4 ,on the #hth of ,may he loaned it to ,dr4 ,ritchie1 who publicly exhibited it at a lecture1 at the ,london ,university1 and also at the ,london ,institution1 ,finsbury4 ,mr4 ,saxton1 however1 was still further successful1 the following year1 in carrying out an idea which occurred to him on the #fth of ,december1 #ahcb1 of producing the same phenomena1 with a more convenient and powerful rotating instrument4#bf ,this new arrangement he was able to test on the #bjth of ,june1 #ahcc1 and obtained the spark4 ,on the #bb;d1 he made an unsuccessful attempt1 in the presence of ,prof4 ,rogers1 of ,philadelphia1 at the decomposition of water4 ,on the #cjth of ,june he exhibited it at a meeting of the ,british ,association at ,cambridge1 before ,dr4 ,faraday1 ,dr4 ,brewster1 ,prof4 ,forbes1 ,dr4 ,dalton1 and many other distinguished and scientific gentlemen4 ,the experiments made by it were the exhibition of the spark1 giving shocks1 c4 ,on the third of ,july1 ,mr4 ,saxton succeeded in decomposing water1 by adding a little sulphuric acid1 and on the #beth of ,august1 he ignited and melted platinum wire4 #bf ,in relation to this instrument1 ,prof4 ,daniell makes the following remarks3 8,after ,dr4 ,faraday's discovery of ,volta electric and magneto electric induction1 many ingenious contrivances were made for exalting the effects and facilitating experiments4 ,the most complete arrangement now in use1 was the original combination of ,mr4 ,saxton40 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #dc4 ,figure #dc exhibits a side view of the instrument3 a1 a1 a1 is a compound permanent magnet1 consisting of three steel plates1 put together1 side by side4 ,b and ,c are two wooden supports1 upon the platform ,a ,a4 ,to these supports the magnet is permanently secured1 by a yoke1 ,s1 through which pass two screws into the wooden supports below4 ,m is a cross bar1 into which1 and at right angles with it1 are screwed two arms of round soft iron1 ,r1 about five-eighths of an inch in diameter1 the whole forming the armature or keeper of the magnet4 ,upon these two projecting arms1 are placed two coils1 ,d and ,d1 of copper wire1 insulated with silk4 ,the whole is very securely fastened upon the steel spindle1 ,n1 which has its journals in the supports1 ,b and ,b4 ,on the end of the spindle1 ,n1 near the curve of the magnet1 there is a small band pulley1 ,f1 which is driven by the band or cord of the large wheel1 ,e1 and the crank1 ,j4 ,the axis of the large wheel passes through a long socket1 ,l1 in the top of the column1 ,h2 on one end of the axis the band wheel is fastened and on the other the crank4 ,by this arrangement a very rapid and quiet rotary motion is given to the armature4 ,in the column1 ,h1 there is a socket1 into which the stem of the upper part of the column1 ,g1 is fitted1 which admits of the large wheel being raised or lowered1 so as to prevent the band from slipping1 and when properly adjusted it is secured by the screw1 ,i4 ,o is an ivory hub1 sliding over that part of the spindle immediately projecting beyond the cross bar1 ,m4 ,upon this ivory hub is a copper disc1 ,c1 with a socket1 n3 b1 is a needle made of platinum1 which1 with its socket1 m1 is nicely fitted upon the end of the steel spindle1 so as to be adjusted to any required angle with the armature1 and when adjusted to retain its position4 ,the two ends of the two coils1 which leave the centre of the helices1 are made to form a contact with the soft iron arms1 ,r ,r1 passing through the coils1 ,d and ,d1 thus making the circuit complete with the needle b1 upon the end of the spindle1 ,n1 by a continuous metallic connection of the arms1 with the cross bar1 ,m1 and through the cross bar to the spindle1 ,n1 in contact with the needle1 b4 ,the two ends of the two coils1 leaving the outside of the helices1 are joined in one1 and as they pass through the cross bar1 ,m1 are insulated from it1 by a piece of ivory1 inserted in the cross bar4 ,the united wire then passes into and through the ivory hub1 e1 forming a perfect contact with the copper disc1 c1 underneath its socket1 n3 d1 is a cup of mercury1 in which the copper disc1 c1 is always immersed1 and the needle1 b1 twice in every revolution of the armature4 ,the cup1 d1 is so constructed as to rise and fall1 by means of a stem1 i1 sliding vertically into a socket1 e1 of its support1 and is secured to its position by the screw1 h4 ,in this way1 its proper height for breaking and closing the circuit may be easily obtained1 when the armature is rotating4 ,the proper position for the needle1 b1 is that in which it is just leaving the mercury1 as the keeper arrives at the position1 in which its magnetism is neutralized4 ,this position is seen at ,x1 where ,d and ,d are the sides of the coils2 c the copper disc2 m the cross bar of the armature2 ,r the arm passing through the coil2 and b the needle1 at that angle which it requires1 when the armature is vertical or at its neutral position4 ,it will be observed that the needle is just leaving the mercury1 d4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #dd4 ,figure #dd represents a top view4 ,n and ,s represent the north and south poles of the permanent magnet4 ,n and ,n is the spindle1 parallel with the prongs of the magnet1 and equidistant from them2 ,l is the socket of the band wheel2 ,d and ,d the horizontal position of the coils2 ,m is the cross bar2 b the needle2 c the copper disc1 and m and n their respective sockets2 o the ivory hub2 d the cup of mercury2 ,a the platform2 and ,s and ,s the yoke through which pass two screws to secure the magnet to the wooden support below4 ,when the armature is made to rotate1 it becomes a temporary magnet1 by the laws of magnetic induction1 whenever the arms carrying the helices come opposite to the poles of the permanent magnet1 and when these soft iron arms have reached the point at right angles to the magnet1 or vertical1 their magnetism for an instant is destroyed1 and are as instantaneously reversed from what they were before reaching that point4 ,they are also magnetic1 just in that proportion as they recede from or approach to the poles of the permanent magnet4 ,hence1 first1 one arm is the south pole1 when opposed to the north pole of the magnet2 and the other arm a north pole1 when opposed to the south pole of the magnet4 ,but when they have made a half revolution on their axis1 from their first position1 their magnetism is reversed4 ,the arm which was a south pole1 has become a north pole2 and the arm that was a north pole has become a south pole4 ,thus1 by the rotation of the armature1 direction of the induced current in the arms1 become changed1 as often as they are alternately brought opposite the poles of the permanent magnet1 which is twice in every revolution of the armature4 ,it follows1 then1 by the laws of magneto induction1 that as often as the arms become magnetic1 they induce corresponding opposite electric currents in the wire surrounding those arms1 provided the circuit of the coils is complete4 ,the disc1 which is in metallic connection with two ends of the wire leaving the coils1 7one from each coil17 is always immersed in the mercury of the cup4 ,the needle1 however1 which is in connection with the other two wires from the two coils1 7one from each coil17 is not always immersed1 but only when the armature is at a certain position in relation to the permanent magnet4 ,the circuit then can only be closed when the needle is immersed1 as well as the disc4 ,upon inspecting the figure1 it will be found that the needle is immersed at the time the arms are passing the poles of the magnet1 and that when they arrive at the vertical or neutral position1 the needle has just broken its connection with the mercury1 and at that instant the spark is observed4 ,professor ,daniell observes1 that 8by means of this magneto electrical machine1 all the well known effects of ,voltaic currents may be very commodiously produced4 ,when the communication is made between the spindle and the revolving disc1 by means of a fine platinum wire1 instead of the dipping points1 the wire may be maintained at a red heat2 although the effect being produced by alternating currents in opposite directions1 a kind of pulsation1 or intermission of the light1 may be discerned4 ,upon making the communication between the two mercury cups1 by means of copper cylinders grasped in the hands1 a continued painful contraction of the muscles of the arm takes place1 which destroys voluntary motion1 and1 under certain circumstances1 is perfectly intolerable4 8,the general expression of these phenomena may be thus stated3 whenever a piece of metal is passed1 either before a single pole1 or between the opposite poles of a magnet1 or before electro magnetic poles1 whether ferruginous or not1 so as to cut the magnetic curves1 7or lines1 which would be marked out by a spontaneous arrangement of iron filings17 electrical currents are produced across the metal1 transverse to the direction of motion40 ,dr4 ,page's ,magneto ,electric ,machine4 ,this important instrument also depends1 for its action1 upon the principle discovered by ,dr4 ,faraday1 that electricity was developed in conducting bodies1 when they were moved in a certain direction1 in the neighbourhood of permanent magnets4 ,since the beautiful and ingenious invention which ,mr4 ,saxton was the first to make1 no valuable improvements have been made in this machine1 except those introduced by ,professor ,page4 ,the first important change in the machine1 was the adaptation of his pole changer to the machine1 in place of the break pieces1 which were used in all the modifications up to that time2 and another equally useful improvement1 consisted in the arrangement of the permanent magnets and armatures4 ,previous to this last improvement1 these machines were constructed with a single permanent magnet1 and one or more revolving armatures1 necessarily involving great disadvantages4 ,page's improvements were completed in ,february1 #ahch1 and shortly after published in ,silliman's ,journal4 ,he was also the first to suggest the combination of several machines under one mechanical movement1 as the best mode of augmenting power in this way4 ,the combined machine1 described in ,daniell's ,introduction to ,chemical ,philosophy1 as invented by ,wheatstone1 about two years since1 is the same as that described1 and represented by ,dr4 ,page in ,silliman's ,journal in #ahch4 ,in the same publication1 ,dr4 ,page described the arrangement of the permanent magnets and armatures1 as shown in the annexed figures4 ,the adaptation of the pole changer1 which1 in connection with this machine1 is called the ,unitrep1 ,dr4 ,page has given to the public4 ,but as he has never allowed the improvement1 which consists in the use of two or more permanent magnets and straight armatures1 to be sold with his knowledge and consent1 he intends to claim a patent for the same2 it having been decided by our courts1 that the publication of an invention by the inventor1 does not affect his right to a patent1 provided he does not allow the invention to be sold and used4 ,the figures #de1 #df and #dg1 exhibit one of ,page's machines with his early improvements4 ,figure #de1 is a side elevation of the machine4 ,figure #df1 is a top view4 ,figure #dg1 are views of the revolving armatures and coils4 ,in ,figure #de1 representing a side view of the machine1 ,b and ,b are the compound permanent steel magnets1 composed of six bars each of the ,u form1 mounted upon the brass pillars1 ,p1 ,p1 ,p1 ,p1 which are fastened into the common platform of the whole machine4 ,through the platform there pass stout rods1 ,r and ,r1 and upwards through two brass straps1 above the magnets1 ,b and ,b4 ,these straps or yokes secure the magnets from any motion by means of the screw nuts4 ,a is a circular case of pasteboard1 containing the armatures and coils4 ,h is a band wheel surrounding the case1 for mechanical connection with any source of power that may be used to keep the machine in motion4 ,i and ,i are two metallic studs1 with an aperture passing vertically from the top1 to the depth of an inch1 for the reception of connecting wires1 and then1 by means of a screw at its side1 to make a perfect contact4 ,there are two other studs directly behind them4 ,g and ,j are the two pulley wheels1 with their band and crank1 by which a rapid rotary motion is given to the armatures and coils4 ,these pulleys are supported by the standard4 ,from the bottom of the studs ,i and ,i1 as also from those directly behind them1 proceed wires which are carried along below the platform1 and pass up through it between the pilliar1 ,p1 and the revolving armatures1 to the shaft2 there being one on each side of the axis4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #de4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #df4 ,figure #df1 represents a top view of the instrument4 ,a is the case containing the armatures and coils1 and ,h the band wheel4 ,n1 ,s and ,n1 ,s1 are the north and south poles of the permanent magnets4 ,s and ,s are the yokes by which the magnets are secured to the platform1 and the screws near the poles of the magnets are for the purpose of setting the magnets to any required position1 laterally1 and securing them in it4 ,m and ,m are the tops of the two pilliars1 which support the shaft of the armatures and coils4 ,the bearings are so made as to allow the apparatus to revolve with as little friction as possible3 #c and #c represent the set screws against the ends of the shaft1 for adjusting the ends of the permanent magnets2 by which means1 the armatures may be allowed to pass very near the ends of the magnets without touching4 #f1 #g1 #h1 and #i are the receiving studs1 by which the wires from any other instrument may be connected with the machine4 ,the wire1 a1 in contact with the unitrep1 as before stated1 is continued and soldered to the receiving stud1 #f2 in the same manner1 c1 also in contact with the unitrep1 is connected with #g2 and also #c with #h2 and a with #i4 ,the manner in which these wires1 a1 c1 #c1 and a1 form their contact with the shaft1 is seen at ,n and ,p1 figure #de1 of which #e and #e represent a section of the shaft and unitrep4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #dg4 ,figure #dg represents the revolving armatures and coils1 with the case taken off4 ,c and ,c are the two coils of insulated copper wire1 surrounding two straight bars of soft iron1 represented in the end view by ,d and ,d4 ,e is the shaft4 ,the two armatures and coils are secured to the two brass straps ,f1 which are themselves fastened upon the shaft4 ,the armatures are allowed to project through the straps about the sixteenth of an inch4 ,on each end of the shaft is attached an unitrep1 consisting of two cylindrical segments of silver1 as seen at #e and #e1 figure #de2 insulated from each other1 and secured to a cylinder of ivory or wood1 upon the shaft1 so as to revolve with it4 ,the terminations of the coils of wire upon the armatures1 are soldered to the segments of silver1 and as the unitrep turns1 it brings opposite ends of the wires1 alternately1 upon the stationary wires or conductors1 ,p and ,n3 7in figure #df they are represented by a and c1 and #c and a47 ,the opposing currents of the coils1 in each half revolution1 are1 by this contrivance1 made to form one continuous current4 ,hence1 the name unitrep 7to turn together47 ,there being two unitreps1 and corresponding conducting wires1 and screw cups1 the induced currents from the two coils may be combined in several ways1 after the manner of combining separate batteries4 ,let the wires below the base board be all properly connected with the receiving cups1 as heretofore described4 ,then let the wire from #f1 7represented by dots17 to k1 be connected with the wire #i and m2 and also the wire #g and l1 with the wire #h and #j4 ,let one of the united wires be connected with one wire leaving the coil of an electro magnet2 and the other united wire be joined to the other wire of the electro magnet of the telegraph1 or any other instrument designed to operate by a galvanic battery4 ,when this preparation is finished1 if the armatures and coils are made to revolve rapidly1 a powerful current is formed in the induced coils1 ,c and ,c1 figure #dg1 capable of performing all the experiments generally made by means of the galvanic battery4 ,dr4 ,page has made a very important discovery in connection with this machine1 not now to be made known2 but1 suffice it to say1 the single machine which he has now in his possession1 on ,christmas day1 #ahdd1 operated ,morse's telegraph1 through the circuit of #hj miles2 half this circuit being wire1 the other half the earth4 ,this machine makes an electro magnet sustain #ajjj pounds1 and melts a platinum wire one-fortieth of an inch in diameter4 ,the ,pole ,changer4 ,we introduce here a description of an instrument used for reversing the direction of the galvanic current1 and which is applied in the operation of several kinds of electric telegraphs4 ,there is a variety of modes by which the same object is attained1 but as this appears the most simple1 we have chosen it in preference to others4 ,the following figures1 #dh1 #di and #ej1 are three views of the instrument as it appears when looking down upon it1 in its three changes4 ,first1 that in which the current is broken and the needle vertical4 ,second1 in which the circuit is closed and the needle deflected to the right4 ,third1 in which the circuit is closed and the needle deflected to the left4 ,each figure has1 in connection with the pole changer1 the battery1 or any other generator of the electric fluid1 represented by ,n and ,p1 and the galvanometer represented by ,g4 ,in each of the figures1 the circles numbered #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 and #h1 represent cups1 filled with mercury1 let into the wood of the platform1 and made permanent4 ,the small parallel lines terminating in these cups1 represent copper wires or conductors4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #dh4 ,a1 figure #dh1 represents a horizontal lever of wood1 or some insulating substance1 with its axis supported by two standards1 ,b and ,c1 by which it can easily vibrate4 ,d represents an ivory ball1 mounted upon a rod1 inserted in the lever1 and extending a few inches above it4 ,it serves as a handle1 by which to direct the elevation or depression of either end of the lever4 ,both ends of the lever branch out1 presenting two arms each4 ,through each arm passes a copper wire1 insulated from each other4 ,the left hand branches support the wires which connect the mercury cups1 #a and #d1 and #b and #c1 together4 ,the right hand branches support the wires which connect the cups #e and #g1 and #f and #h1 together4 ,the ends of these wires directly over the mercury cups are bent down1 so that they may freely enter their respective vessels when required4 ,the other wires are permanently secured to the platform4 ,the position of the lever is now horizontal1 and the bent ends of the wires1 which it carries1 are so adjusted1 that none of them touch the mercury1 consequently1 there is no connection formed between the battery and galvanometer1 and the needle is vertical4 ,the ivory ball1 it will be observed1 is directly over the centre of the axis1 and in that position required to break the circuit4 ,thus1 the wires1 #b and #c1 #a and #d1 #e and #g1 #f and #h1 are each out of the mercury1 and the circuit being broken the fluid cannot pass4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #di4 ,figure #di represents those connections which are formed when the left hand side of the lever is depressed1 immersing in the mercury those wires supported by it4 ,the ball and lever are omitted for the better inspection of the wires4 ,now the circuit is closed1 and the current is passing from ,p1 of the battery1 to the mercury cup1 #a2 then along the cross wire to #d2 to #h2 to the coils of the multiplier1 deflecting the needle to the right2 then to #g2 to #c2 then along the cross wire1 7which is not in contact with wire #a and #d17 to #b2 to the ,n pole of the battery4 ,the arrows also show the direction of the current4 ,it will be observed that the cups #e and #g1 and #f and #h are not now in connection1 and consequently the current cannot pass along the wires #a and #e1 and #b and #f4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ej4 ,now1 if the ball1 ,d1 is carried to the right1 a new set of wires1 figure #ej1 are immersed1 and those represented in figure #di1 as in connection1 are taken out of their cups4 ,the fluid now passes from ,p1 of the battery1 to the mercury cup1 #a2 to #e2 to #g2 to the coils of the multiplier1 deflecting the needle to the left2 then it passes to cup #h2 to #f2 to #b2 and then to the ,n pole of the battery2 the arrows representing the direction of the current4 ,it will now be found1 that the cups1 #b and #c1 and #a and #d are not in connection1 and consequently the current cannot pass along the wires1 #c and #g1 and #d and #h4 ,thus1 it will appear1 that by carrying the ball1 ,d1 to the left1 the needle is deflected to the right2 then1 by carrying the ball to the right1 the needle is deflected to the left2 and that when the ball is brought to the vertical position1 the needle is vertical4 ,these three changes enter into the plans of several electric telegraphs1 which are to be hereafter described4 ,professor ,morse's ,american ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 invented1 #ahcb4 ,to our readers the principles and arrangement of ,morse's telegraph have been fully explained in the former part of this work4 ,we shall here present some of the evidence of the time of its invention4 ,extract from a letter from ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,morse to the ,hon4 ,levi ,woodbury1 ,secretary of the ,treasury1 dated ,sept4 #bgth1 #ahcg4 8,about five years ago1 on my voyage home from ,europe1 the electrical experiment of ,franklin1 upon a wire some four miles in length1 was casually recalled to my mind1 in a conversation with one of the passengers1 in which experiment it was ascertained that the electricity travelled through the whole circuit in a time not appreciable1 but apparently instantaneous4 ,it immediately occurred to me1 that if the presence of electricity could be made ,,visible in any desired part of this circuit1 it would not be difficult to construct a ,,system ,,of ,,signs by which intelligence could be instantaneously transmitted4 ,the thought1 thus conceived1 took strong hold of my mind1 in the leisure which the voyage afforded1 and ,i planned a system of signs and an apparatus to carry it into effect4 ,i cast a species of type1 which ,i had devised for this purpose1 the first week after my arrival home2 and although the rest of the machinery was planned1 yet1 from the pressure of unavailable duties1 ,i was compelled to postpone my experiments1 and was not able to test the whole plan until within a few weeks4 ,the result has realized my most sanguine expectations40 ,the following letters were published in the ,journal of ,commerce1 from the originals now in possession of ,prof4 ,morse4 ,letter of the ,hon4 ,w4 ,c4 ,rives4 ,,senate ,,chamber1 ,september #bast1 #ahcg4 ,,my ,,dear ,,sir1--,i hope you will find in my multiplied and oppressive engagements here1 an apology for not having sooner answered your inquiry on the subject of your ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph4 ,i retain a distinct recollection of your having explained to me the conception of this ingenious invention1 during our voyage from ,france to the ,united ,states in the year #ahcb1 and that it was1 more than once1 the subject of conversation between us1 in which ,i suggested difficulties which you met and solved with great promptitude and confidence4 ,i beg leave to assure you1 that it would give us all great pleasure to renew1 in personal intercourse at home1 the agreeable souvenirs of our acquaintance1 and friendly relations abroad4 ,i remain with great respect1 ,your most obd't serv't1 ,w4 ,c4 ,,rives4 ,,prof4 ,s4 ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse4 ,letter of ,capt4 ,william ,w4 ,pell1 of the packet ship ,sully4 ,,new ,,york1 ,sept4 #bgth1 #ahcg4 ,,dear ,,sir--,on my arrival here ,i received your letter1 calling upon my recollection for what was said on the subject of an electric telegraph1 during the passage from ,havre1 on board of the ship ,sully1 in ,october1 #ahcb4 ,i am happy to say1 ,i have a distinct remembrance of your suggesting1 as a thought newly occurred to you1 the possibility of a telegraphic communication being effected by electric wires4 ,as the passage progressed1 and your idea developed itself1 it became frequently a subject of conversation4 ,difficulty after difficulty was suggested as obstacles to its operation1 which your ingenuity still labored to remove1 until your invention1 passing from its first crude state through different grades of improvement1 was1 in seeming1 matured to an available instrument1 wanting only patronage to perfect it1 and call it into reality2 and ,i sincerely trust that circumstances may not deprive you of the reward due to the invention1 which1 whatever be its source in ,europe1 is with you at least1 ,i am convinced1 original4 ,when you observed to me a few days before leaving the ship1 8well1 ,captain1 when you hear of the telegraph one of these days1 as the wonder of the world1 remember the discovery was made on board the good ship ,sully10 ,i1 then1 little thought1 ,i should ever be called upon to throw into the scale1 my mite of testimony in support of your claims to priority of invention1 for what seemed so startling a novelty4 ,with my respects and best wishes1 ,i subscribe myself1 ,,william ,w4 ,,pell4 ,,samuel ,f4 ,b4 ,,morse1 ,,esq4 ,a subsequent letter from ,captain ,pell1 dated ,february #ast1 #ahch1 after having seen the operation of the telegraph at the ,university1 has the following paragraph3 8,when1 a few days since1 ,i examined your instrument1 ,i recognized in it the principles and mechanical arrangements1 which1 on board1 ,i had heard you so frequently explain through all their developments40 ,from a letter now in possession of the author1 and addressed to him by ,prof4 ,morse1 we make the following extract3 8,in #ahbf1 the lectures1 before the ,new ,york ,atheneum1 of ,dr4 ,j4 ,f4 ,dana1 who was my particular friend1 gave to me the first knowledge ever possessed of electro magnetism2 and some of the properties of the electro magnet2 a knowledge which ,i made available in #ahcb as the basis of my own plan of an electro telegraph4 ,i claim to be the original suggestor and inventor of the electric magnetic telegraph1 on the #aith of ,october1 #ahcb1 on board the packet ship ,sully1 on my voyage from ,france to the ,united ,states1 and1 consequently1 the inventor of the first1 really practicable telegraph on the electric principle4 ,the plan then conceived and drawn out in all its essential characteristics1 is the one now in successful operation4 ,all the telegraphs in ,europe1 which are practicable1 are based on a different principle1 and1 without an exception1 were invented subsequently to mine4 8,the thought occurred to me1 in a general conversation1 as seated at the table with the passengers1 in which the experiments of ,franklin to ascertain the velocity of electricity through three or four miles4 ,the thought at once occurred to me that electricity might be made the means of conveying intelligence1 and that a system of signs might easily be devised for the purpose4 ,i ought1 perhaps1 to say1 that the conception of the idea of an electric telegraph1 was original with me at that time1 and ,i supposed that ,i was the first that had ever associated the two words together1 nor was it until my invention was completed1 and had been successfully operated through ten miles1 that ,i1 for the first time1 learned1 that the idea of an electric telegraph had been conceived by another4 ,to me it was original1 and its total dissimilarity from all the inventions and even suggestions of others1 may be thus accounted for4 ,i had not the remotest hint from others1 till my whole invention was in successful operation4 ,i employed myself in the wakeful hours of the night1 as well as in the tedious hours of the day1 in devising the signs1 adapting them to a single circuit of wire1 and in constructing machinery which should record the signs upon paper1 for ,i thought of no plan short of a mode of recording40 ,on the second of ,september1 #ahcg1 the author1 with several others1 witnessed the first exhibition of this electric telegraph1 and soon after became a partner with the inventor4 ,immediate steps were taken for constructing an instrument for the purpose of exhibiting its powers before the members of ,congress4 ,this was done at the ,speedwell ,iron ,works1 ,morristown1 ,n4,j4 and exhibited in operation with a circuit of two miles4 ,a few days after1 it was again exhibited at the ,university of the ,city of ,new ,york1 for several days1 to a large number of invited ladies and gentlemen4 ,the circuit at this time was increased to ten miles4 ,immediately after this exhibition the instruments and ten miles of wire were taken to ,washington1 and continued in operation for several months1 in the room of the ,committee on ,commerce at the capitol4 ,its history and progress1 after this period1 may be gathered from the preceding documents1 printed by order of ,congress4 ,schilling ,electric ,telegraph4 ,we make the following extract in relation to ,schilling's telegraph from the ,polytechnic ,central ,journal1 ,nos4 #ca1 #cb1 #ahch3 8,baron ,schilling1 of ,caunstadt1 a ,russian ,counsellor of ,state1 likewise occupied himself with telegraphs by electricity1 7see ,allgem ,bauztg1 #ahcg1 ,no4 #eb1 p4 #ddj17 and had the merit of having presented a much simpler contrivance1 and of removing some of the difficulties of the earlier plans4 ,he reckoned many variations to the right1 or left1 following in a certain order for a telegraphic sign1 as1 indeed1 in this manner1 the needle was strongly varied1 and only came to rest gradually1 after many repeated vibrations2 he introduced a small rod of platinum1 with a scoop1 which dipped into a vessel of quicksilver1 placed beneath the needle1 and by the check given1 changed the vibration of the needle into sudden jerks4 ,in order to apprise the attendant of a telegraphic despatch1 he loosed an alarm4 ,how much of this contrivance was ,schilling's own1 or whether a portion of it was not an imitation of ,gauss and ,weber1 the author cannot decide1 but that ,schilling had already experimented1 probably with a more imperfect apparatus1 before the ,emperor ,alexander1 and still later before ,emperor ,nicholas1 is affirmed by the documents quoted40 ,from the report of the 8,academy of ,industry10 ,paris1 ,february1 #ahci1 we make the following extract1 in relation to the same subject3 8,at the end of the year1 #ahcb1 and in the beginning of #ahcc1 ,m4 ,le ,baron de ,schilling constructed1 at ,st4 ,petersburg1 an electric telegraph1 which consisted in a certain number of platinum wires1 insulated and united in a cord of silk1 which put in action1 by the aid of a species of key1 #cf magnetic needles1 each of which were placed vertically in the centre of a multiplier4 ,m4 de ,schilling was the first who adapted to this kind of apparatus1 an ingenious mechanism1 suitable for sounding an alarm1 which1 when the needle turned at the beginning of the correspondence1 was set in play by the fall of a little ball of lead1 which the magnetic needle caused to fall4 ,this telegraph of ,m4 de ,schilling1 was received with approbation by the ,emperor1 who desired it established on a larger scale1 but the death of the inventor postponed the enterprise indefinitely40 ,dr4 ,steinheil in his article 8upon telegraphic communication10 published in the ,london ,annals of ,electricity1 states1 8that the experiments instituted by ,schilling1 by the deflection of a single needle1 seems much better contrived1 than the arrangement which ,davy has proposed1 in which illuminated letters are shown by the removal of screens placed in front of them40 ,it would appear1 that the ,french report is either incorrect1 or that ,m4 de ,schilling had two plans in contemplation4 ,his plan as intimated in the first and third extracts1 is that of using a single needle in the form of a galvanometer1 by means of which he made his signals1 for instance1 one deflection to the right might denote e2 two i2 three b3 one deflection to the left t2 two s2 three v4 ,his code of signals would then be devised in this manner3 rl ,a rrrl ,k llr ,u rrr ,b lrrr ,l lll ,v rll ,c lrl ,m rlrl ,w rrl ,d lr ,n lrlr ,x r ,e rlr ,o rllr ,y rrrr ,f llrr ,p rlrr ,z llll ,g lllr ,q rrlr rlll ,h lrr ,r lrrl go on rr ,i ll ,s lrll stop rrll ,j l ,t llrl finish rlrlr #a lrlrl #f rrlrr #b rrllr #g rlllr #c rllrr #h lrrrl #d llrll #i lrrll #e llrrl #j ,if1 however1 his plan was that ascribed to him1 by the ,academy of ,industry1 of using #cf needles and #gb wires1 it was exceedingly complicated and expensive1 and was similar to that invented by ,mr4 ,alexander1 with the exception that ,schilling used twice the number of wires4 #bg,the ,electro ,magnetic ,telegraph1 of ,counsellor ,gauss and ,professor ,william ,weber1 invented at ,gttingen1 #ahcc4 ,the deflection of the magnetic bar1 by means of the multiplier1 through the agency of the galvanic fluid1 excited by the magneto electric machine1 is the basis of their plan4 #bg ,from the ,polytechnic ,central ,journal1 #ahch1 ,nos4 #ca1 #cb4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ea4 ,figure #ea represents a side view of the apparatus1 used at the receiving station3 a1 a is a side view of the multiplier1 composed of #cj1jjj feet of wire1 7almost #e miles17 upon a table1 ,b3 n1 s is the magnetic bar1 weighing #cj pounds1 from which rises a vertical stem1 o1 upon which is a rod at right angles1 supporting a mirror1 ,h1 on one end1 and at the other a metallic ball1 ,i1 as a counteracting weight to that of the mirror4 ,the magnetic bar is suspended by a small wire1 fastened to the vertical stem1 and at the top is wound round the spiral of the screw1 i1 which turns in the standards1 h and h1 upon the platform1 ,a1 and which is secured to the ceiling4 ,in the standards1 h1 there is cut a female screw1 of the same gradation as that upon which the wire is wound4 ,by this means1 the magnetic bar may be raised or let down1 by turning the screw1 without taking the bar from its central position in the multiplier3 g is a screw for fastening the spiral shaft1 when properly adjusted4 ,p and ,n are the two ends of the wire of the multiplier4 ,g is a stand for supporting the spy-glass1 ,d1 and also the case1 ,e1 into which slides the scale1 ,f4 ,the mirror1 ,h1 is at right angles with the magnetic bar1 and presents its face to the spy-glass1 ,d1 as also to the scale at ,e4 ,it is so adjusted1 that the reflection of the scale at ,e1 from the mirror1 may be distinctly seen by the spy-glass4 ,if the magnetic bar turns either to the right or left1 the mirror must move with it1 and if a person is observing it through the spy-glass1 the scale will appear to move at the same time1 thereby presenting to the eye of the observer another part of the scale than that seen when the bar is not deflected4 ,the figures on the scale will show in what direction the bar has turned1 and thus render it distinct to the observer1 the only apparent object of the mirror1 spy-glass and scale4 ,for the purpose of generating the galvanic fluid1 they use the magneto electric machine4 ,their plan1 being unwieldy and difficult to operate1 is omitted1 and in its stead1 we introduce that form of it1 invented by ,dr4 ,page1 which has already been described in figures #de1 #df and #dg4 ,there is also required for the purpose of making the desired deflections of the magnetic bar1 a commutator1 or pole changer1 such as we have described in figures #dh1 #di and #ej4 ,figure #ea represents that portion of the apparatus at the receiving station4 ,the magneto electric machine1 and the pole changer1 properly connected1 are the instruments of the transmitting station4 ,two wires1 or one wire and the ground1 form the circuit between these two stations4 ,the machine is put in operation by turning the crank1 and the person sending the intelligence is stationed at the commutator1 and directs the current through the extended wires to the multiplier of the receiving station1 so as to deflect the bar to the right or left1 in any succession he may choose1 or suspend its action for any length of time4 8,but in the apparatus for observation1 the observer looks into the spy-glass1 and writes up the kind and results of the variations of the magnetic needle4 ,in order to have a control of the recorder1 let there be a good number of spy-glasses directed towards the same mirror1 in which observers may watch independently of each other4 ,suppose that five variations of the magnetic needle signifies a letter4 ,l denotes a variation to the left1 and ,r to the right4 ,then1 might r r r r r denote ,a2 r r r r l denote ,b2 r r r l r denote ,c2 r r l r r denote ,d2 and so on4 ,in the whole1 we obtain1 by the different arrangements of the five1 which are made with the two letters1 ,r and ,l1 #cb different telegraphic signs1 which may answer for letters and numbers1 and of which we can select those where the most changes are introduced between r and l1 as the most common letters1 in order1 in the best possible manner1 to notice the constant variations of the magnetic needle40 ,the following would be the alphabetical signs1 as arranged from the above directions3 ,a r r r r r ,i or ,y l l r l l ,r r r r l l ,b r r r r l ,k l r r r l ,s or ,z r r l r l ,c r r r l r ,l r l r r r ,t l l r l r ,d r r l r r ,m r r l l l ,u r l l l r ,e r l r l r ,n l l l l l ,v l r r l l ,f l r r r r ,o l r l l l ,w l l l l r ,g or ,j l r l r r ,p l r l r l ,h r l r r l ,q l l r r r ,numerals4 #a r l l l l #f r l l r r #b r r l l r #g l l l r l #c r l r l l #h l l r r l #d r l l r l #i l r r l r #e l l l r r #j l r l l r ,it will be seen1 that1 by representing the letters and numerals with these variously combined deflections of the needle1 words and sentences may be transmitted4 ,at the end of each letter there is a suspension of the action of the bar for a short time1 and at the end of a word1 a still longer pause4 ,this plan of an electric telegraph was tried for a distance of one mile and a quarter1 in ,gttingen4 ,of its further success1 we are not informed4 ,experiment of ,messrs4 ,taquin ,ettieyhausen4#bh 8,messrs4 ,taquin and ,ettieyhausen made experiments with a telegraphic line over two streets in ,vienna1 #ahcf4 ,the wires passed through the air and under the ground of the ,botanic garden40 ,no other account appears to have been given of their experiments than that quoted above4 #bh ,from the ,polytechnic ,central ,journal1 #ahch4 ,electro ,magnetic ,printing ,telegraph1 invented by ,alfred ,vail1 ,september1 #ahcg4 ,soon after my connection with ,professor ,morse as copartner1 and at the time ,i was constructing an instrument for exhibiting the advantages of his telegraph to a committee of ,congress1 it occurred to me1 that a plan might be devised1 by means of which the letters of the alphabet could be employed in recording telegraphic messages4 ,i immediately gave it my attention1 and produced the following plan3 ,figure #eb represents a front and side view of the instrument4 ,figure #ee is a top view4 ,figure #ef is a back view4 ,the same parts are represented by the same letters in the three views4 ,in figure #eb1 ,q1 ,q is the platform upon which the whole instrument is placed4 ,m and ,m are wooden blocks supporting parts of the instrument1 ,k is the helix of the soft iron bar1 ,h1 passing through its centre1 and there is another coil and bar directly behind this2 the two making the electro magnet4 ,g is its armature1 fastened to the lever1 ,f1 ,f1 which has its axis at ,i1 7seen in figure #ee1 at ,x1 ,x47 ,r is a brass standard for supporting the lever1 ,f1 upon its axis1 by means of two pivot screws3 a and a are two screws passing vertically1 through the standard1 ,r1 for limiting the motion of the lever1 ,f1 ,f4 ,j is a spiral spring1 at its upper end1 fastened to the lever1 ,f1 and at its lower end passes through the screw1 ,l1 by which it is adjusted1 so as to withdraw the armature from the magnet1 after it has ceased to attract1 and for other purposes1 hereafter to be explained4 ,n and ,o is a brass frame1 containing the type wheel1 ,b1 and the pulley1 ,e and ,u4 ,p and ,p represent the edge of a narrow strip of paper1 passing between the type wheel and pulley1 ,e4 ,d is the printer1 which1 at the bottom1 forms a joint with the end of the lever ,f and r4 ,b represents twenty-four metallic pins1 or springs1 projecting at right angles from the side of the type wheel2 each pin corresponding in its distance from the centre of the type wheel1 to its respective hole1 represented by dots upon1 the index1 ,c2 so that if the pin is put in any one of the holes1 the type wheel1 in its revolution1 will bring its corresponding pin in contact with it4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #eb4 ,there are #bd holes corresponding to the following letters of the alphabet4 ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 ,d1 ,e1 ,f1 ,g1 ,h1 ,i1 ,k1 ,l1 ,m1 ,n1 ,o1 ,p1 ,q1 ,r1 ,s1 ,t1 ,u1 ,v1 ,w1 ,x1 and the types are lettered accordingly4 ,the cog wheels1 ,t and ,s1 are a part of the train of the clock4 ,the lever1 ,f1 ,f1 has two motions1 one up and another down1 and both are employed by an attachment at the end of the lever1 r1 and in the following manner3 figures #ec and #ed represent a front and end view of the roller1 ,e1 and printer1 ,d1 7figure #eb17 enlarged4 ,d is the printer1 figure #ec1 of the form shown by ,d1 7figure #ed47 ,e is the roller over which the paper1 ,p1 is carried4 ,a is the front of the type having ears1 h1 h1 projecting from each side4 ,through the sides of the printer1 ,d1 ,d1 a rod1 ,u1 passes1 in order to give more firmness to the frame4 ,the rod projects a little on each side of the frame at ,j1 ,j4 ,these projections slide in a long groove in the frames1 ,n and ,o1 figure #eb1 by which the printer is kept in its position1 and allowed freely to move up and down4 ,it will be observed that the upper parts of the frame1 ,d1 ,d1 extends over the top of the roller1 ,e1 and nearly touch each other1 but are so far separated1 as to let the type1 ,a1 of the type wheel1 in its revolution1 freely pass between them3 d1 d1 are the sides of the joint1 which are connected with the lever1 ,f1 fig4 #eb4 ,from the construction of this part1 it will appear that if the printer1 ,d1 is brought down by the action of the magnet upon the lever1 the two projections1 k1 k1 will come in contact with the ears1 h1 h1 and bring the type in contact with the paper upon the roller1 ,e1 and produce an impression4 ,in figure #ed is shown a ratchet wheel1 i1 on the end of the roller1 ,e1 a catch1 e1 and spring1 c1 adapted to the ratchet4 ,upon the release of the lever1 ,f1 fig4 #eb1 the spring1 ,j1 will carry down the lever on that side of its axis1 and up at r1 which will cause the roller1 ,e1 to turn1 and consequently the paper1 ,p1 to advance so much by the action of the catch1 e1 upon the ratchet wheel1 as will be sufficient for printing the next letter4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ec4 ,,fig4 #ed4 ,figure #ee represents a top view of the machine4 ,s is the barrel upon which is wound a cord1 sustaining a weight which drives the clock train1 and upon the same shaft with it is a cog wheel driving the pinion1 m1 on the shaft1 ,t2 and on the same shaft1 ,t1 is another cog wheel1 driving the pinion1 n1 of the type wheel shaft1 ,i4 ,k and ,k1 are the helices of the large magnet1 of which ,h and ,h are the soft iron arms4 ,m1 ,m1 ,m1 ,m1 are the blocks which support the instrument4 ,f and ,f is the lever1 a and a its adjusting screws2 x and x its axis2 k and k are the two upper coils of the two electro magnets at the back part of the instrument for purposes hereafter to be described2 x is the wire soldered to the plate buried in the ground2 p is the wire proceeding to the battery2 c is the connecting wire of the two electro magnets1 k and k2 w is the support of the pendulum2 v is the escapement wheel2 ,a is the type wheel2 ,d and ,d is the printer1 and ,b the roller over which the paper1 ,p1 is carried4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ee4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ef4 ,figure #ef represents a back view of the instrument2 k1 k and k1 k are the coils of two electro magnets1 surrounding the soft iron bars1 d1 d and d1 d2 b and b are the flat bars through which d1 d and d1 d pass1 and are fastened together by the screw nuts c1 c and c1 c4 ,the right hand electro magnet is fastened to the blocks1 ,m and ,m1 by the support1 f and f2 from which proceeds a bolt passing between the coils1 k and k1 and the block1 h1 with a thumb-nut upon it1 by which the whole is permanently secured4 ,in the same manner the left hand magnet is secured to the block1 ,m4 ,r is the outside portion of the brass frame containing the clock work4 ,w is a standard fastened to ,r1 for supporting the pendulum1 ,y4 ,x1 ,y1 and l are parts common to a chronometer for measuring the time1 viz4 the escapement and pendulum4 ,the escapement wheel has #bd teeth1 corresponding in number with the type on the wheel1 and such is the arrangement of the parts1 that when the pendulum is upon the point of return1 either on the right or left hand1 a type is directly over the paper1 and the armature1 g1 is near the face of one or the other of the magnets2 so that1 if an impression is to be made with the type1 thus brought to the paper1 the pendulum1 ,y1 is ready to be held by the magnet at the same time from making another swing until the type has performed its office1 which will be hereafter explained4 ,a shows the type as they are arranged on the wheel4 ,the types are square1 and move freely in a groove1 cut out of the brass type wheel4 ,at #a and #b are seen flat brass rings1 which are screwed to the wheel1 and over the types1 confining them to their proper places4 ,z is a spiral spring1 of which there is one to each type1 by means of which the type is brought back to its former position1 after it is released by the printer4 ,through each type there is a pin1 against which the inner end of the spiral spring rests4 ,the outer end of the spring rests against the circular plate4 ,w represents the wire from the upper helix1 soldered to the metallic frame1 ,r4 ,the two helices of the left hand magnet are joined together1 and from the bottom helix the wire proceeds to the lower coil of the right hand magnet4 ,these two helices are likewise connected1 and the wire leaves the upper coil at x4 ,thus the wire is continuous from w to x4 ,from x1 the wire is continued to a copper plate1 buried in the earth4 ,the frame1 ,r1 being brass1 the arbor of the type wheel1 and the wheel itself1 and each being in metallic contact1 they answer as a continuous conductor with the wire1 w1 for the galvanic fluid4 ,the index1 c1 figure #eb1 is insulated from the frame1 ,n1 being made of ivory4 ,there is inserted in the ivory1 a metal plate1 containing the holes1 to which is soldered a wire1 q1 connected with the back coil1 ,k4 ,the two helices being connected1 the wire of the front helix comes off at p1 and from thence is connected with one pole of the battery2 from the other pole1 it is extended to the distant station1 and is there connected with a similar instrument4 ,it will be observed1 that the circuit is continuous1 except between the type wheel and the metal plate in the ivory4 ,when neither station is at work1 the batteries of both are thrown out1 and their circuits1 retaining in them the magnets of both stations1 are closed4 ,for this purpose1 there is an instrument at each station1 resembling in some respects the pole changer1 figures #dh1 #di and #ej4 ,if one of the stations wish to transmit by reversing his circuit instruments1 the battery is instantly brought into the circuit4 ,through the agency of the clock work and weight1 and the pendulum1 both instruments are vibrating together1 and their type wheels are so adjusted1 that when ,a type1 of one station1 is vertical1 the ,a type1 of the other station1 is also vertical4 ,now1 suppose one station wishes to transmit to the other1 the word ,boston1 for example3 he first brings his battery in the circuit1 then places a metallic pin in the hole of his index1 ,c1 marked for the letter ,b4 ,when the type wheel shall have brought round the pin1 corresponding to the type1 ,b1 on the wheel1 its pin will come in contact with the inserted pin of the index1 and instantly the circuit is established4 ,the fluid1 passing through the coils of the magnets1 on each side of the pendulum1 will hold it1 and also passing through the coils1 ,k1 will bring down the lever1 ,f1 ,f1 and with it1 the printer1 ,d1 which1 as heretofore described1 in figures #ec and #ed1 will bring the type1 with considerable force1 against the paper4 ,the instant the two pins have come in contact with the moving pin1 it is taken out and put in the hole1 ,o1 when the same operation is performed1 and in like manner for the remaining letters of the word4 ,the pin can be so arranged1 as to be thrown out the instant a complete contact is made4 ,the rapidity of this printing process would be as follows3 ,suppose the pendulum makes two vibrations in a second2 that is1 it goes from right to left in half a second1 and returns in half a second4 ,since1 then1 a single letter is brought to the vertical position1 ready to be used if needed1 at the end of each vibration1 it is clear1 that two letters are brought to the vertical position every second1 or #abj1 every minute4 ,this is not1 however1 the actual rate of printing2 for1 in the word ,boston1 the type wheel1 after ,b is printed upon the paper1 must make so much of a revolution as will bring the letter ,o to the paper4 ,this will require #ab vibrations of the pendulum2 ,s will require #d2 ,t1 #a2 ,o1 #ah1 and ,n1 #bb2 equal to #eg1 to which add #f1 the time required to print each letter1 will make it #fc4 ,this1 divided by #b1 gives #ca seconds1 the time necessary to print #f letters4 ,if we now take an ordinary sentence1 and estimate1 in the same manner1 the time required to print it at the distant station1 we shall be able to find what number of letters it can print per minute4 8,there will be a declaration of war in a few days1 by this government1 against the ,united ,states4 ,orders have just been received to have all the public archives removed to ,jalapa1 which is sixty miles in the interior1 for safe keeping40 ,here are #ahd letters1 and would require #bbff vibrations1 to which add #ahd1 the number of letters would give #bdej half seconds1 equal to #abbe seconds1 the time required for printing the message2 or over #bj minutes2 the rate being six and two-thirds seconds for each letter4 ,if1 however1 a vocabulary is used1 with the words numbered1 and instead of using the #bf letters of the alphabet on the type wheel1 we substitute the #aj numerals1 in their place1 we reduce the time required for a revolution of the wheel1 and it is clear that this same message may be transmitted in much less time4 ,the following numbers represent the words of the same message1 in the numbered vocabulary3 #dhfhg1 #edgag1 #dafe1 #a1 #abahe1 #cdafb1 #edjgh1 #becic1 #a1 #ahieb1 #aaicd1 #fagg1 #dhgff1 #baiej1 #aajf1 #dhfeb1 #eaggi1 #dfecb1 #cddge1 #bbiia1 #bhecf1 #dcba1 #djbed1 #dijhe1 #bbiia1 #acia1 #dhfeb1 #cijhg1 #chde1 #dabgh1 #dijhe1 #bhecf1 #edecf1 #bhffh1 #dejjh1 #cafcd1 #becic1 #dhfeb1 #bgcbf1 #aihfe1 #dbhac1 #bheib4 ,here are #db numbers1 and #aif figures4 ,to #aif add #db1 the spaces required1 and we have #bch impressions to make1 to write the sentence thus represented4 ,by calculation1 we find there is required1 in order to bring each numeral and space in its proper succession1 to the vertical position1 #afbd vibrations of the pendulum1 which1 at the rate of two to the second1 gives the time required to transmit the message at #hab seconds1 or nearly #ac minutes1 being at the rate of #ah letters per minute4#bi ,if1 however1 the vibrations of the pendulum are increased at the rate of #d in a second1 then the time required for the transmission of the message would be almost #g minutes1 and at the rate of #cf letters per minute4#cj ,if it be increased to #f vibrations per second1 then the time would be #d minutes1 and at the rate of #ee impressions per minute4 #bi ,a day's work of a fair compositor in setting up type is #f1jjj ems1 equivalent to #ab1jjj pieces1 in ten hours1 or #bj pieces per minute4 ,a very quick and expert compositor may set up #aj1jjj in the same time1 equal to #bj1jjj pieces1 or #cc pieces per minute4 ,one em is equivalent to about two pieces4 #cj ,the author has recently devised a new plan for printing with type1 in which the pendulum movement is dispensed with1 and the motion of the type wheel is dependent upon the control and government of certain apparatus at the transmitting station4 ,this controlling part is capable of giving to the type wheel a most rapid movement1 and from an estimate made from some actual tests1 the number of letters capable of being printed1 are increased much beyond the former plan1 taking the message already used as an example4 ,still he considers it inferior to that mode1 now adopted by ,professor ,morse4 ,the modes of using the ,english letter for recording telegraphic messages are various1 and they may be classed1 as1 ,first1 ,those which are rapid in transmission2 expensive in construction1 and complicated in machinery4 ,second1 ,the less rapid in transmission2 economical in construction1 and simple in its machinery4 ,third1 ,the slow in transmission2 less expensive than the first class in construction2 but complicated in its machinery4 ,to the first class1 belong those using #bf types2 one for each of the letters of the alphabet1 and #ac extended wires1 from station to station1 with more or less battery4 ,these types are arranged in a row1 directly over the paper which receives the impression1 and consequently require a strip of paper some #d or #e inches broad4 ,each type is furnished with an electro magnet and lever1 answering as a hammer to bring down the types upon the paper4 ,as the types are arranged in a straight line1 they would present the following order3 ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z - - - - - - - ,p ,r - - - - - ,i - ,n - - ,t - - - - ,i - ,n - - - - - ,g - - - - ,t - ,e - - ,l - - - ,e ,g - - ,r ,a - - ,p ,h ,here we have the style of this kind of printing4 ,by spelling the letters on the first line1 then on the second1 and so on1 the words 8,printing ,telegraph0 can be made out4 ,those letters which follow each other in the word1 and also follow each other in the alphabet1 are placed upon the same line1 but when a letter occurs preceding the last1 a new line must be taken1 otherwise the word cannot be read4 ,it will appear1 that in this mode1 sometimes two or three1 or four letters1 may be printed at one and the same instant1 where they succeed each other in alphabetical order4 ,this plan is extremely rapid for one instrument1 but extremely slow for thirteen wires4 ,supposing two such instruments are used upon a line of #dj miles1 and suppose the wire to cost per mile1 fifty dollars4 ,the expense for wire alone would be #bf1jjj4 ,there are other expenses which we will omit in this1 as well as those plans which will be described hereafter4 ,let it be assumed1 in order to make equal comparison throughout1 that the number of successive motions of the type lever1 in these various plans about to be given1 are #d to a second4 ,but as this instrument may make1 with two or more of its levers1 two or more impressions per minute1 let it be #h instead of #d per second4 ,it will then be capable of transmitting #dhj letters per minute4 ,with all this1 there are many disadvantages1 which will be developed as we proceed4 ,under the same class1 there is another plan1 using the #bf types upon the ends of as many levers1 each lever employing the electro magnet1 and the line consisting of #ac wires4 ,in this arrangement the types are made to strike in any succession required by the message1 at the same point upon the paper1 falling back and resuming their first position1 after having printed their letter1 in order to allow the next type to occupy the same point previously occupied by the other4 ,the printing of this plan will appear on paper as ordinary printing4 ,thus1 ,,printing ,,telegraph4 ,if we suppose that #d hammers1 carrying type1 can strike the same point in a second1 and each resume their original position in succession1 thus passing each other without collision1 it may print at the rate of #bdj letters per minute4#ca ,the instrument would be a complicated one and subject to derangement4 #ca ,mr4 ,vail invented an instrument with this arrangement #af years ago1 for the purpose of printing speeches as fast as delivered4 ,to the second class1 belong all those which print in letters of an hieroglyphical character4 ,the first plan is that employing one wire and one motion4 ,under this head1 is that of ,prof4 ,morse's4 ,he employs but one wire and one electro magnet for printing1 which has but one motion4 ,suppose this to be capable of operating with the same speed as the preceding1 viz4 four motions per second4 ,the telegraphic alphabet as adopted by ,prof4 ,morse require for each letter the following number of motions of the type or pen lever1 as lines require time in proportion to their length1 they are so estimated3 ,a #c1 ,b #e1 ,c #d1 ,d #d1 ,e #a1 ,f #d1 ,g #e1 ,h #d1 ,i #b1 ,j #f1 ,k #e1 ,l #e1 ,m #d1 ,n #c1 ,o #c1 ,p #e1 ,q #e1 ,r #d1 ,s #c1 ,t #b1 ,u #d1 ,v #e1 ,w #e1 ,x #e1 ,y #e1 ,z #e4 ,if we take the standard number of types for each letter constituting it printer's case1 considering ,z as #b1 we shall have ,a #he1 ,b #af1 ,c #cj1 ,d #dd1 ,e #abj1 ,f #be1 ,g #ag1 ,h #fd1 ,i #hj1 ,j #d1 ,k #h1 ,l #dj1 ,m #cj1 ,n #hj1 ,o #hj1 ,p #ag1 ,q #e1 ,r #fb1 ,s #hj1 ,t #ij1 ,u #cd1 ,v #ab1 ,w #bj1 ,x #d1 ,y #bj1 ,z #b4 ,the whole number of letters are #aagg4 ,the number of motions required to transmit them would be #cdbj1 to which add1 one motion for the time required to space a single letter1 and we have #deig motions1 made in printing #aagg letters which will make the average number of motions to each letter #c_/1 nearly #d4 ,let it be #fj per minute4 ,expense for one wire of #dj miles1 #bjjj4 ,second plan1 is that where two wires are used1 two magnets1 two type levers1 and the telegraphic characters1 such as are represented in table #a1 page #cj4 ,the first three letters require three motions each2 the next #af1 require #b each1 and the last #g1 require #c each4 ,taking the #aagg letters1 the motions required to transmit them in the characters of this alphabet1 would be1 #baie #aagg for spaces and would equal #ccgb1 which divided by #aagg1 would give the average number of motions at #b_/ for each letter1 nearly three or #hj per minute4 ,cost of wire #djjj4 ,third plan1 is that using three wires1 three magnets1 three type levers and the telegraphic characters represented in table second1 page #cj4 ,the seven first would require one motion each1 and the remainder two each4 ,taking #aagg letters1 the motions required to transmit them1 would be #aiag #aagg for spaces1 and would equal #cjid motions1 which1 divided by #aagg1 would give the average number of motions #b_/ for each letter1 nearly #b1 or #he letters per minute4 ,cost of wire #fjjj4 ,fourth plan consists in using four wires1 four electro magnets1 four type levers1 and the telegraphic characters of the third table4 ,the first sixteen letters require the time of but one motion each2 the remainder1 two each4 ,using #aagg letters1 the motions required to transmit them would be #aejf #aagg for spaces1 and would equal #bfhc1 which divided by #aagg1 would give the average number of motions #b_/ for each letter1 nearly #b1 or #ajc letters per minute4 ,cost of wire #hjjj4 ,fifth plan1 is that of using five wires1 five electro magnets1 five type levers1 and the telegraphic characters of the #dth table4 ,the characters would require one motion each1 equal to #aagg #aagg for spaces1 and would equal #bced1 which1 divided by #aagg1 would give the average number of motions1 #b for each letter1 or #abj letters per minute4 ,cost of wire #aj1jjj4 ,we now come to the third class1 in which #bf types are used1 arranged upon the periphery of a wheel1 in alphabetical order1 and require to be brought to one certain point1 where the paper is ready to receive the impression of the type1 by another arrangement1 distinct from the type wheel and its machinery4 ,of this plan1 is that which has been already described in figures #eb1 #ee and #ef4 ,the estimate is there carried out1 at #d motions per second1 gives #cf letters per minute4 ,cost of wire #bjjj4 ,the following table will show the comparative value of these various methods3 ,letters per ,cost4 ,number of ,on ,morse's ,no4 minute4 wires4 plan4 #ast ,class4 #ast plan1 #dhj #bf1jjj #ac #ghj #a #b;d 8 #bdj #bf1jjj #ac #ghj #b #b;d ,class4 #ast plan1 #fj #b1jjj #a #fj #c #b;d 8 #hj #d1jjj #b #abj #d #c;d 8 #he #f1jjj #c #ahj #e #dth 8 #ajc #h1jjj #d #bdj #f #eth 8 #abj #aj1jjj #e #cjj #g #c;d ,class4 #ast plan1 #cg #b1jjj #a #fj #h ,we find by comparison that ,morse's plan1 ,no4 #c1 of using a single wire1 with a single instrument1 produces #fj characters per minute2 while ,no4 #a1 with #ac wires1 and one instrument1 produces #dhj characters per minute4 ,let1 however1 the #ac wires be multiplied by #fj1 7the number of characters which a single instrument of the plan1 ,no4 #c1 can transmit17 the number of characters which #ac wires1 with #ac instruments would then produce1 are #ghj or #cjj more than the single instrument1 with #ac wires4 ,the same comparisons may be made with the other plans1 and it will be found that no advantage can be gained by their adoption4 ,all electro magnetic telegraphs require as their basis1 the adoption of the electro magnet1 where recording the intelligence is an object1 and it would seem1 must be applied in a manner equivalent to that mode adopted by ,prof4 ,morse2 that is1 the application of the armature to a lever1 and its single movement produced by closing and breaking the circuit4 ,it is1 therefore1 safe to assume1 that whatever improvement in one plan may be made to increase the rapidity of the movements of those parts of the telegraph which belong to the electro magnet1 are equally applicable to any other plan1 provided too much complication1 already existing1 does not counteract and defeat the improvement4 ,some plans1 however1 use an extra agent besides the electro magnet1 which is employed for measuring the time of the revolution of the type wheel1 and the electro magnet is only called in1 occasionally1 to make the impression4 ,in such plans the rapidity of communication demands the combined action1 alternately1 of both magnets4 ,this1 of course1 increases the complication1 and must certainly be considered a departure from other more simple arrangements4 ,whatever will reduce the inertia of mechanical movements and bring them to act with an approximate velocity1 at least of the fluid itself1 will increase the rapidity of transmission4 ,the more the instrument is encumbered with the sluggish movements of material bodies1 the less rapid1 inevitably1 must be its operation1 even where several co-operating agents are assisting1 in their respective spheres1 to increase the rapidity of the motion4 ,such is the case with the several kinds of letter printing telegraphs3 very weighty bodies1 comparatively speaking1 are set in motion1 stopped1 again set in motion1 and along with this irregular motion1 other parts perform their functions4 ,there must be a courtesy observed among themselves1 or matters do not move on as harmoniously as could be desired4 ,this is not always the case1 especially where time is the great question at issue4 ,all printing telegraphs which use type1 arranged upon the periphery of a wheel1 must have1 of necessity1 these several movements1 viz4 the irregular revolution of the type wheel1 stopping and starting at every division or letter2 the movement of the machinery1 called the printer2 the irregular movement of the paper1 at intervals1 to accommodate itself to the letter to be printed2 the movement of the inking apparatus1 or what is not an improvement in cleanliness1 paper of the character used by the manifold letter writer4 ,so many moving parts1 are so many impeding causes to increased rapidity1 and are1 to all intents and purposes1 a complication4 ,the requirements of a perfect instrument are3 economy of construction1 simplicity of arrangement1 and mechanical movements1 and rapidity of transmission4 ,to use one wire is to reduce it to the lowest1 possible economy4 ,if there is but one movement1 and that has all the advantages which accuracy of construction1 simplicity of arrangement and lightness1 can bestow upon it1 we might justly infer that it appeared reduced to its simplest form4 ,the instrument employed by ,professor ,morse has but a single movement1 and that motion of a vibratory character2 is light and susceptible of the most delicate structure1 by which rapidity is insured2 the paper is continuous in its movement1 and requires no aid from the magnet to carry it4 ,the only object that can be obtained by using the ,english letters1 instead of the telegraphic letters1 is1 that the one is in common use1 the other is not4 ,the one is as easily read as the other1 the advantage then is fanciful and is only to be indulged in at the expense of time1 and complication of machinery1 increasing the expense1 and producing their inevitable accompaniments1 liability of derangement1 care of attendance1 and loss of time4 ,wheatstone's ,electric ,needle ,telegraph1 invented in #ahcg4 ,the following description is taken from a pamphlet1 published by ,t4 ,s4 ,hodson1 #ae ,cross street1 ,hallon ,garden1 ,london1 #ahci1 for the proprietors4 ,it is unnecessary to copy the legal and technical wordy mass of the specification1 embracing fifty-nine pages of closely printed matter of octavo size4 ,a full description will be given1 with the accompanying figures1 so as to enable the reader fully to comprehend ,mr4 ,wheatstone's plan4 ,his arrangement requires the service of five galvanometers1 in every respect similarly constructed as that described by the figures #bg1 #bh and #bi4 ,figure #eg is a representation of his dial1 which is also a covering to the case containing1 in the interior1 the five galvanometers and their wires1 7shown at the opening in the dial board17 and numbered1 #a1 #a2 #b1 #b2 #c1 #c2 #d1 #d1 and #e1 #e4 ,the coils of the multipliers are secured with their needles to the case1 having each exterior needle projecting beyond the dial1 so as to be exposed to view4 ,of the wires from the coils1 five are represented as passing out of the side of the case1 on the left hand1 and are numbered #a1 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 ,the other five wires pass out on the right hand1 and are numbered in the same manner4 ,the wires of the same number as the galvanometer1 are those which belong to it1 and are continuous4 ,thus the wire #a1 on the left hand1 proceeds to the first coil of galvanometer #a1 then to the second coil1 and then coming off1 passes out of the case1 and is numbered #a1 on the right hand4 ,so of the other wires1 thus numbered4 ,the dial has permanently marked upon it1 at proper distances and angles1 twenty of the letters of the alphabet1 viz4 ,a1 ,b1 ,d1 ,e1 ,f1 ,g1 ,h1 ,i1 ,k1 ,l1 ,m1 ,n1 ,o1 ,p1 ,r1 ,s1 ,t1 ,v1 ,w1 ,y4 ,on the margin of the lower half of the dial are marked the numerals1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 #h1 #i and #j4 ,the letters ,c1 ,j1 ,q1 ,u1 ,x1 ,z1 are not represented on the dial1 unless some six of those already there are made to sustain two characters each1 of which the specification is silent4 ,each needle has two motions2 one to the right1 and the other to the left4 ,for the designation of any of the letters1 the deflection of two needles are required1 but for the numerals1 one needle only4 ,the letter intended to be noted by the observer1 is designated1 in the operation of the telegraph1 by the joint deflection of two needles1 pointing by their convergence to the letter4 ,for example1 the needles1 #a and #d1 cut each other1 by the lines of their joint deflection1 at the letter ,v1 on the dial1 which is the letter intended to be observed at the receiving station4 ,in the same manner any other letter upon the dial may be selected for observation4 ,suppose the first needle to be vertical1 as the needles #b1 #c and #e1 then needle #d being only deflected1 points to the numeral #d1 as the number designed4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #eg4 ,we will now proceed to describe the arrangement of the springs and buttons upon the platform1 ,c1 ,c1 figure #eh1 7representing a top view17 by the operation of which1 any two needles may be deflected to designate a letter1 or one needle to designate a numeral4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #eh4 ,the numbers #f1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d and #e1 represent keys of thin brass1 and elastic1 and are each fastened to a wooden support1 ,d1 ,d1 by means of two screws4 ,these keys are continued under and project beyond1 the brass bar1 ,l and ,l1 which is supported by two standards1 ,r and ,r4 ,whenever these keys are not pressed upon1 they are each in metallic contact with the bar1 ,r and ,r4 ,the numbers #g1 #h1 #i1 #aj1 c4 represent ivory buttons with a metallic stem beneath them1 passing through a hole in the spring1 or key1 and on the lower side of the spring the stem is enlarged1 so as to form a kind of hammer1 designed to make a metallic contact with the two brass bars1 beneath the springs1 and represented as supported by the standards1 ,n and ,n and ,p and ,p4 ,each of the buttons have a small wire spiral spring1 to which they are fastened1 and the small spring is itself fastened to the larger spring4 ,o represents the galvanic battery1 with its poles in connection with the two metallic bars1 ,n and ,p4 ,figure #ei represents a side view of the key arrangement4 ,f is the platform4 ,e the wooden support of the six keys4 ,h is the larger spring1 or key1 secured to the support by screws1 h4 ,the spring is observed to project beyond the metallic cross bar1 ,l1 after passing beneath it4 ,r is the support of the cross bar1 ,l4 ,n and ,o are two of the ivory buttons1 upon their spiral springs1 a and c4 ,below the button1 ,o1 is a shoulder1 formed at i1 upon the stem which passes through the spring1 ,h1 and another shoulder is formed by the hammer1 u1 below the spring4 ,it will be observed1 that two buttons of the same key are never used at the same time4 ,if the button1 ,o1 is to be pressed down1 the weaker spring1 c1 will permit it to descend until the upper shoulder comes in contact with the larger spring1 ,h1 when more pressure is applied1 and that spring is brought down1 breaking its contact with the metallic cross bar1 ,l1 until the hammer1 u1 comes in contact with the metallic plate1 n1 upon the support1 ,k1 and as the plate1 n1 is connected with ,n pole of the battery1 the connection is formed with it4 ,it will1 however1 be noticed1 that the button1 ,n1 not being pressed upon1 will not1 7though it descends with the larger spring17 be brought in contact with the other plate upon the support1 ,j1 and connected with the positive pole of the battery4 ,to the end of each spring1 a wire1 ,s1 is soldered1 the purpose of which will be shown hereafter4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ei4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fj4 ,figure #fj represents an end view of the key arrangement2 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 are the buttons1 ,m and ,m the metallic cross bar1 beneath which are seen the ends of the six larger springs1 #f1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 ,r and ,r are the supports of the bar1 ,m and ,m4 ,g is the platform4 ,w is the support of the metallic plates1 with which the hammers of the little keys1 or buttons1 come in contact4 ,s the wire leading to the battery4 ,having shown the several parts of ,mr4 ,wheatstone's plan1 we will proceed to describe the arrangement of two termini1 as prepared for transmitting intelligence4 ,figure #fa represents the arrangement of one station1 which we may suppose to be ,,paddington4 ,figure #fb represents the plan of the other station1 which we will suppose to be ,,slough4 ,the distance between these two places is eighteen miles4 ,in figure #fa1 it will be seen1 that a wire is soldered to the end of each of the springs #f1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d and #e1 and are respectively connected with the five wires of the dial1 and the common communicating wire1 number #f1 which does not pass through the dial1 nor is connected with any of the galvanometers4 ,on the right hand side of the dial1 the wires are extended until they are shown as broken4 ,from this point to the opposite one1 figure #fb1 where the wires appear also as interrupted1 we may suppose #ah miles to intervene4 ,the wires here proceed to the dial of the ,slough station1 making their proper connections with their respective galvanometers1 and from thence are continued and soldered to their springs of the key arrangement1 with the exception of wire1 number #f1 which passes direct to the key1 #f1 without going through the dial case4 ,in both figures1 is represented the battery1 ,o1 consisting of six cups4 ,the wire from one pole of the battery is connected with the ,n metallic plate1 the other wire with the ,p metallic plate4 ,while none of the buttons are pressed down1 the battery is not in action1 and it will also be observed that the circuits are all complete4 ,the action of the keys1 then1 is this1 by a single operation to break the circuit formed with the cross bar1 ,l1 ,l1 and1 at the same time1 bring into the circuit1 the battery1 ,o4 ,the following numbers1 representing the buttons1 are those necessary to be pressed down1 in order to signal the letters and numerals on the dial3 ,letters4 ,for ,a1 buttons #aj and #ag4 ,for ,m1 buttons #i and #ab4 8 ,b1 8 #aj 8 #ae4 8 ,n1 8 #aa 8 #ad4 8 ,d1 8 #ab 8 #ag4 8 ,o1 8 #ac 8 #af4 8 ,e1 8 #aj 8 #ac4 8 ,p1 8 #ae 8 #ah4 8 ,f1 8 #ab 8 #ae4 8 ,r1 8 #i 8 #ad4 8 ,g1 8 #ad 8 #ag4 8 ,s1 8 #aa 8 #af4 8 ,h1 8 #aj 8 #aa4 8 ,t1 8 #ac 8 #ah4 8 ,i1 8 #ab 8 #ac4 8 ,v1 8 #i 8 #af4 8 ,k1 8 #ad 8 #ae4 8 ,w1 8 #aa 8 #ah4 8 ,l1 8 #af 8 #ag4 8 ,y1 8 #i 8 #ah4 ,numerals4 ,for #a1 buttons #g and #aj4 ,for #f1 buttons #h and #i4 8 #b1 8 #g 8 #ab4 8 #g1 8 #h 8 #aa4 8 #c1 8 #g 8 #ad4 8 #h1 8 #h 8 #ac4 8 #d1 8 #g 8 #af4 8 #i1 8 #h 8 #ae4 8 #e1 8 #g 8 #ah4 8 #j1 8 #h 8 #ag4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fa4 ,,paddington4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fb4 ,,slough4 ,the direction of the current1 when the letter ,v is to be signalled1 is this3 pressing down the buttons1 #i and #af1 at the ,paddington station1 the fluid leaves the battery1 ,o1 along the wire to the cross bar1 ,p2 then to the hammer of the button1 #af2 then to the spring1 #d2 then along wire1 #d1 to the galvanometer1 #d1 and through it1 deflecting the lower half of the needle to the left2 then along the extended wire1 #d1 to the dial1 and galvanometer1 #d1 of the ,slough station1 deflecting the lower half of that needle to the left2 then to wire1 #d1 leaving the dial1 to key1 #d2 then to the cross bar1 ,l and ,l2 and along the cross bar to key1 #a2 then to wire1 #a2 then to galvanometer1 #a2 and through it1 deflecting the lower half of the needle to the right2 thence it proceeds along the extended wire1 #a1 to the ,paddington station2 entering the dial to the galvanometer1 #a1 deflecting the lower half of the needle to the right2 then along wire1 #a1 to the key1 #a2 then to button1 #i2 then to the cross bar1 ,n1 beneath2 and then to the negative pole of the battery1 ,o4 ,it will be observed1 that the needles of both stations1 thus deflected1 point to the same letter1 ,v4 ,in ,mr4 ,wheatstone's arrangement1 but one person can transmit at the same time1 although he uses six extended wires4 ,one must wait while the other is transmitting4 ,if a numeral is to be signalled1 it is obvious1 that but one galvanometer is needed4 ,we will1 therefore1 suppose that the needle1 #a1 is vertical4 ,let the buttons1 #g and #af1 be pressed down1 at the ,paddington station4 ,the current then leaves the positive pole of the battery1 ,o1 to the cross bar1 ,p2 then to the key1 #d2 then along wire1 #d1 to galvanometer1 #d1 deflecting the lower half of the needle to the left2 from thence to the ,slough station to galvanometer1 #d1 deflecting the lower half of the needle to the left2 then to wire1 #d2 then to key1 #d2 then to the cross bar1 ,l and ,l1 and along it to key1 #f2 then to wire1 #f1 and along the extended wire to the ,paddington station1 to key1 #f2 then to the cross bar beneath the button1 #g2 then to the negative pole of the battery1 ,o4 ,the needles1 #d and #d1 of both stations1 are simultaneously deflected1 so as to point to the figure1 #d1 on the margin of the dial4 ,in this manner the circuits required for each letter and numeral may be traced out4 ,now1 suppose the message to be sent from the ,paddington station to the ,slough station1 is this1 8,,we ,,have ,,met ,,the ,,enemy ,,and ,,they ,,are ,,ours40 ,the operator at ,paddington presses down the buttons1 #aa and #ah1 for signalizing upon the dial of the ,slough station1 the letter ,w4 ,the operator there1 who is supposed to be constantly on the watch1 observes the two needles pointing at ,w4 ,he writes it down1 or calls it out aloud1 to another1 who records it1 taking1 according to a calculation given in a recent account1 two seconds at least for each signal4 ,then the buttons1 #aj and #ac1 are pressed down1 and the needles are observed to point at ,e2 and so for the remaining letters of the sentence1 ,u excepted1 which has no letter on the dial4 ,the peculiarity of ,mr4 ,wheatstone's plan1 is1 the employment of six wires for one independent line of communication4 ,the use of five galvanometers1 with their needles1 by the deflection of which1 #cj letters and numerals are pointed out4 ,the messages are not recorded by the instrument itself1 but it is necessary that a person be constantly observing the successive movements of the needles1 and note them down as they point to the signal4 ,this plan was invented in #ahcg1 and as ,prof4 ,wheatstone took out letters-patent in the ,united ,states1 in #ahdj1 for this arrangement1 it is a fair inference1 that at that time1 this was his simplest and most perfect method4 ,steinheil's ,electric ,telegraph4 ,description of the magneto electrical telegraph1 erected between ,munich and ,bogenhausen1 in #ahcg1 by ,dr4 ,steinheil1#cb ,professor of ,mathematics and ,natural ,philosophy at the ,university of ,munich1 taken from the ,annals of ,electricity1 ,magnetism and ,chemistry1 conducted by ,william ,sturgeon1 ,london1 ,april1 #ahci4 #cb ,steinheil in the account he gives of his own telegraph1 says1 8,gauss mentions a communication from ,humboldt1 according to which ,belancourt1 in #agih1 established a communication between ,madrid and ,aranjuez1 a distance of #bf miles1 by means of a wire1 through which a ,leyden jar used to be discharged1 which was intended to be used as a telegraphic signal40 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fc4 ,a1 ,a represents a vertical section1 through the centre of the coil of copper wire4 ,c is the interior brass frame1 round which the wire is wound4 ,b and ,b are the sides of the frame2 ,i1 ,i1 ,i1 ,i are four brass tubes1 soldered to the interior brass frame1 and passing through the centre of the coil to its exterior1 with a screw cut in the end of each2 ,d and ,d are two permanent magnets movable on their axis1 a and b4 ,these spindles1 a and b1 on each side of the magnets1 pass up the hollow of the tubes1 and having their ends pointed1 enter the centre cavity of the four thumb screws1 ,j1 ,j1 ,j1 ,j1 by which they are supported1 and delicately adjusted1 so as to move easily and freely4 ,l and ,l are the ends of the wire leaving the coil4 ,h and ,k are two ink holders1 attached to the magnets1 which will be explained hereafter4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fd4 ,figure #fd represents a horizontal section of the coil1 and magnets ,d and ,d1 as above described1 together with the other arrangements of the instrument for receiving intelligence4 ,the magnetic bars are so situated in the frame of the multiplier1 that the north pole1 ,n1 of the one1 is presented to the south pole1 ,s1 of the other4 ,to the ends which are thus presented to each other1 but which1 owing to the influence they mutually exert1 cannot well be brought nearer1 there are screwed on two slight brass arms1 supporting little cups1 ,h and ,k4 ,these little cups1 which are meant to be filled with printing ink1 are provided with extremely fine perforated beaks1 that are rounded off in front4 ,when printing ink is put into them1 it insinuates itself into the tube of their beaks1 owing to capillary attraction2 and without running out1 forms at their apertures1 a projection of a semiglobular shape4 ,these little cups are seen at ,h and ,k1 and in figure #fc at ,h and ,k4 ,the horizontal section shows1 also1 the position of the magnets in the instrument1 with the beaks of the pens near the continuous band1 or ribbon of paper1 ,e1 which is brought in front of the pens vertically from below1 over a small roller1 ,f4 ,the paper is supplied from a large roll on a wooden cylinder1 upon which is a cog wheel1 and connected with a train of wheels and a vane1 to regulate the rate of supply4 ,the paper is drawn along before the pen by being wound upon a cylinder1 ,t1 concealed by the paper1 and on the same shaft with the barrel1 ,m1 upon which is wound a cord supporting a weight1 ,n1 below4 ,the shaft is supported in the standards1 o and o1 which are fastened to a plate of brass1 ,p and ,p1 also secured to the platform of the instrument4 ,the barrel revolves in the direction of the arrow upon it4 ,when the electricity is transmitted through the coil of the indicator1 both magnetic bars1 ,d and ,d1 make an effort to turn in a similar direction upon their vertical axis1 a and b4 ,one of the cups of ink1 therefore1 advances towards the paper1 while the other recedes4 ,to limit this action1 two plates1 ,v and ,v1 are fastened at the opposite ends of the free space1 allowed for the play of the bars1 and against which the other ends of the bars press4 ,only the end of one bar can1 therefore1 start out from within the multiplier at a time1 the other being retained in its place4 ,in order to bring the magnetic bars back to their original position1 as soon as the deflection is completed1 recourse is had to two small movable magnets1 a portion of which is seen at ,n and ,s1 whose distance and position are to be varied till they produce the desired effect4 ,this position must be determined by experiment1 inasmuch as it depends upon the intensity of the current called into play4 ,having described the instrument1 its operation is as follows3 ,at the transmitting station is the pole changer1 such as we have described in figures #dh1 #di and #ej1 and the magneto electric machine such as is described in figures #de1 #df1 and #dg1 and are properly connected1 and in the circuit with the instrument of the receiving station1 such as we have just described4 ,for one single circuit1 one wire extends from the transmitting to the receiving station1 the return half of the circuit is the earth4 ,thus the current passes from the generator along the extended wire to the receiving station1 and to the copper plate1 then returns through the ground to the copper plate of the transmitting station1 to the pole changer and the magneto electric machine4 ,thus the circuit is complete4 ,it is clear1 from what has preceded1 that when the pole changer is thrown to the left side1 7the machine being in operation17 the fluid is made to pass in the direction of the arrows1 shown at ,p and ,n4 ,then the ,n pole of the left hand magnet advances with its pen1 ,k1 to the paper1 ,e1 and a dot is made1 and the ,s pole of the right hand magnet recedes with its pen1 ,h1 from the paper1 until the other end of the magnet strikes the stop1 ,v4 ,now1 if the letter to be formed1 requires two dots in succession from the same pen1 the circuit is broken1 and the fixed magnets1 ,n and ,s1 bring back the deflecting magnets1 ,d and ,d1 to their former position1 when the pole changer is again thrown to the left1 and the magnets are deflected in the same manner as at first4 ,thus two dots are marked upon the paper1 on the right hand line4 ,but1 now1 let the pole changer be thrown to the right hand side1 and the current is reversed4 ,the ,n pole of the left hand magnet1 with its pen1 ,k1 recedes from the paper until it strikes the stop1 ,v1 and the ,s pole of the right hand magnet1 with its pen1 ,h1 advances to the paper and makes its dot upon it on the left hand line4 ,the pole changer is then instantly brought to the middle position1 and the magnets resume their natural place1 by the assistance of the stationary magnets1 ,n and ,s4 ,the sign which has been marked upon the paper during this operation is and represents #i4 ,the following represents ,mr4 ,steinheil's telegraphic alphabet3 ,a ,b ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,,ch ,,sch ,i ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,r ,s ,t ,v ,w ,z #a #b #c #d #e #f #g #h #i #j ,masson's ,electric ,telegraph4 8,in #ahcg1 ,m4 ,masson1 ,professor of ,philosophy at ,caen1 made trial of an electric telegraph1 at the college of that city1 for a distance of about #fjj metres4 ,he employed1 for developing the galvanic current1 an electro magnetic apparatus1 similar1 on the contrary1 to that of ,mr4 ,pixii1 and made it act on magnetic needles placed at two ends of the circuit4 ,since that time1 however1 ,m4 ,masson has endeavoured to simplify and gradually improve his apparatus40#cc #cc ,report of the ,academy of ,industry1 ,paris1 #ahci4 ,davy's ,needle and ,lamp ,telegraph4 ,the following extracts from the ,london ,mechanic's ,magazine1 vol4 #bh1 page #bif and #cbg1 #ahcg1 is all the description we are able to find in relation to it3 8,there is a case1 which may serve as a desk to use in writing down the intelligence conveyed2 and in this1 there is an aperture about sixteen inches long1 and three or four wide1 facing the eyes1 perfectly dark4 ,on this the signals appear as luminous letters1 or combinations of letters1 with a neatness and rapidity almost magical4 ,the field of view is so confined1 that the signals can be easily caught and copied down without the necessity even of turning the head4 ,attention1 in the first instance1 is called by three strokes on a little bell2 the termination of each word is indicated by a single stroke4 ,there is not the slightest difficulty in decyphering what is intended to be communicated40 ,extract from page #cbg4 8,in front of the oblong trough1 or box1 described by your correspondent1 a lamp is placed1 and that side of the box next the lamp is of ground glass1 through which the light is transmitted for the purpose of illuminating the letters4 ,the oblong box is open at the top1 but a plate of glass is interposed between the letters and the spectator1 through which the latter reads off the letters as they are successively exposed to his view4 ,at the opposite side of the room1 a small key board is placed1 7similar to that of a piano forte1 but smaller17 furnished with twelve keys2 eight of these have each three letters of the alphabet on their upper surfaces1 marked ,a1 ,b1 ,c2 ,d1 ,e1 ,f2 and so on4 ,by depressing these keys in various ways1 the signals or letters are produced at the opposite desk1 as previously described1 how this is affected is not described by the inventor1 as he intimated that the construction of certain parts of the apparatus must remain ,,secret4 ,by the side of the key board1 there is placed a small galvanic battery1 from which proceeds the wire1 #be yards in length1 passing round the room4 ,along this wire the shock is passed1 and operates upon that part of the apparatus which discloses the letters or signals4 ,the shock is distributed as follows3 ,the underside of the signal keys are each furnished with a small projecting piece of wire1 which1 on depressing the keys1 is made to enter a small vessel1 filled with mercury1 placed under the outer ends of the row of keys2 a shock is instantly communicated along the wire1 and a letter1 or signal1 is as instantly disclosed in the oblong box4 ,by attentively looking at the effect produced1 it appeared as if a dark slide were withdrawn1 thereby disclosing the illuminated letter4 ,a slight vibration of the 7apparent7 slide1 occasionally obscuring the letter1 indicated a great delicacy of action in this part of the contrivance1 and although not distinctly pointed out by the inventor1 is to be accounted for in the following manner3 when the two ends of the wire of the galvanic apparatus are brought together1 over a compass needle1 the position of the needle is immediately turned1 at right angles1 to its former position2 and again1 if the needle is placed with the north point southward1 and the ends of the wire again brought over it1 the needle is again forced round to a position at right angles to its original one4 ,thus1 it would appear1 that the slide or cover over the letters1 is poised similarly to the common needle1 and that by the depression of the keys1 a shock is given in such a way as to cause a motion from right to left1 and vice versa1 disclosing those letters1 immediately1 under the needle so operated upon40 ,alexander's ,electric ,telegraph1 from the 7,scotsmen7 ,mechanic's ,magazine1 ,nov4 #ahcg4 8,a model to illustrate the nature and powers of this machine was exhibited on ,wednesday evening at the ,society of ,arts in ,edinburgh4 ,the model consists of a wooden chest1 about five feet long1 three feet wide1 three feet deep at the one end1 and one foot at the other4 ,the width and depth in this model are those which would probably be found suitable in a working machine1 but it will be understood that the length in the machine may be a hundred or a thousand miles1 and is limited to five feet in the model1 merely for convenience4 ,thirty copper wires extend from end to end of the chest1 and are kept apart from each other4 ,at one end 7which1 for distinction's sake1 we shall call the south end7 they are fastened to a horizontal line of wooden keys1 precisely similar to those of a piano forte2 at the other1 or north end1 they terminate close to thirty small apertures1 equally distributed in six rows of five each1 over a screen of three feet square1 which forms the end of the chest4 ,under these apertures on the outside1 are painted1 in black paint1 upon a white ground1 the twenty-six letters of the alphabet1 with the necessary points1 the colon1 semicolon1 and full point1 and an asterisk1 to denote the termination of a word4 ,the letters occupy spaces about an inch square4 ,the wooden keys1 at the other end1 have also the letters of the alphabet1 painted on them in the usual order4 ,the wires serve merely for communication1 and we shall now describe the apparatus by which they work4 ,this consists1 at the south end1 of a pair of plates1 zinc and copper1 forming a galvanic trough1 placed under the keys2 and at the north end1 of thirty steel magnets1 about four inches long1 placed close behind the letters painted on the screen4 ,the magnets move horizontally on axes1 and are poised within a flat ring of copper wire1 formed of the ends of the communicating wires4 ,on their north ends they carry small square bits of black paper1 which project in front of the screen1 and serve as opercula1 or covers1 to conceal the letters4 ,when any wire is put in communication with the trough at the south end1 the galvanic influence is instantly transmitted to the north end2 and in accordance with the well known law1 discovered by ,oersted1 the magnet at the end of that wire instantly turns round to the right or left1 bearing with it the operculum of black paper1 and unveiling a letter4 ,when the key1 ,a1 for instance1 is pressed down with the finger at the south end1 the wire attached to it is immediately put in communication with the trough2 and at the same instant1 letter ,a1 at the north end is unveiled1 by the magnet turning to the right1 and withdrawing the operculum4 ,when the finger is removed from the key1 it springs back to its place2 the communication with the trough ceases2 the magnet resumes its position1 and the letter is again covered4 ,thus by pressing down with the finger1 in succession1 the keys corresponding to any word or name1 we have the letters forming that word1 or name1 exhibited at the other end2 the name ,,victoria1 for instance1 which was the maiden effort of the telegraph on ,wednesday evening40 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fe4 ,the above description is all that we have been able to obtain in relation to this plan of an electric telegraph and here introduce1 figure #fe1 to illustrate it4 ,the #cj needles are represented on the screen1 each carrying a shade1 which conceals the letter when the needle is vertical4 ,the needle belonging to the letter ,f1 is1 however1 deflected1 and the letter is exposed4 ,the screen is supposed to be at the receiving station4 ,to the left hand of the screen1 #cj wires1 e1 e1 are seen joined to one1 a2 the other #cj wires1 d1 d1 are seen below the screen4 ,these wires may be supposed to extend many miles1 and to be joined with their corresponding wires1 c1 and also v1 v1 of the transmitting station1 where it will be observed1 the wire1 c1 connects with the battery at one pole1 and from the other pole a wire is continued and soldered to the metallic plate1 o1 o1 which extend under all the #cj keys1 i1 i4 ,these keys are each insulated1 at their extremity1 by being fastened to a wooden standard1 ,l1 ,l1 to which a wire is soldered4 ,now1 suppose the key1 ,f1 is pressed down1 7the sixth key from the left17 the fluid then passes from the battery1 ,b1 through the wire to o1 the plate2 then to the key in contact with it2 then to its wire1 marked by the arrow2 thence through the extended wire to its corresponding wire at the receiving station1 denoted by the arrow2 then through the coils of the multiplier1 deflecting the needle1 ,f2 then returns through its wire1 at the left1 to the common wire1 a2 then through the extended wire to ,c1 and the battery1 of the transmitting station4 ,in this manner any letter upon the screen may be indicated4 ,extract from the ,report of the ,academy of ,industry1 in reference to a suggestion of ,m4 ,amyot of an ,electric ,telegraph4 8,m4 ,amyot announced1 in a letter addressed to the ,academy of ,sciences1 in ,april1 #ahch1 that he also proposed to construct an electric telegraph4 ,it was to consist of a single current1 which would move a single needle1 which needle would of itself write on paper1 with mathematical precision1 the correspondence which might be transmitted to the other extremity1 by a simple wheel on which it should be written by means of points1 differently spaced1 the same as they are on the barrels of portable organs4 ,in order to send any news then1 he required to write1 by means of movable characters1 which must be constructed in a certain manner1 and immediately it would be repeated and transcribed at the place where he wished to address it1 on paper1 which could be put into the hands of persons specially employed to transmit despatches4 ,but all that method of execution1 which it seems ought to move is clock work1 not having been sufficiently described by the author1 the most vague uncertainty yet reigns as to the true construction of that apparatus1 which appears to us to have been for ,m4 ,amyot1 rather the occasion1 than the end1 of this communication2 for indeed he attempted to make the possibility admitted of establishing a universal telegraphic language of his invention40 ,edward ,davy's ,electric ,telegraph4#cd ,the following description of ,mr4 ,davy's telegraph is taken from his specification and drawings1 published in the ,repertory of ,patent ,inventions4 ,although the specification has given the basis of his plan1 yet the description contained therein1 and the drawings representing his plan1 are so obscure and deficient1 that to have given it to the public in that form1 would have represented it as perfectly impracticable4 ,he has failed to state the number of signals which it is capable of giving4 ,he has committed great errors in the arrangement of his wires for producing signals4 ,he has introduced two keys1 which produce the same signals as two others in the same arrangement4 ,he has employed three extended wires for communicating from one station to another station1 and by his arrangement of them1 could not have obtained more than four signals4 ,he has also very obscurely described his escapement1 by which his marking cylinder is made to advance one division at a time for receiving the signals4 ,this latter difficulty1 however1 we have been enabled to clear up1 by a description of it in a work published by ,mr4 ,bain4 ,notwithstanding the imperfections and obscurities of his specification and drawings1 we have endeavoured to carry out his plan1 and give it a practical shape1 perhaps1 as ,mr4 ,davy originally designed it4 #cd ,from the ,repertory of ,patent ,inventions1 ,no4 lxvii4 ,new ,series1 ,london1 ,july1 #ahci4--,sealed1 ,july #dth1 #ahhh4 ,as it is now described1 there are #bf signals1 or marks1 indicating letters4 ,the employment of four wires instead of three1 or if ,mr4 ,davy chooses to use for the common communicating wire the ground1 which is perfectly practicable1 it will reduce the number to three1 the number he has specified4 ,we have introduced one key more1 and so arranged the two superfluous keys as to make them available4 ,with this preliminary1 we will proceed with the description4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ff4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fg4 ,figure #ff represents a top view of the arrangement of the wires1 mercury cups1 and batteries of the transmitting station4 ,the close parallel lines represent the wires1 of which ,d1 ,a1 ,b and ,c are those which proceed to the receiving station4 #a1 #b and #c are the three batteries1 of which1 ,p and ,n are their respective poles4 ,the small circles formed at the termination of the wires1 and marked #g1 #a1 #aj1 #b1 #bj1 c4 are mercury cups1 in which the terminating wires are immersed4 ,the wires #a and #bj1 and #b and #aj1 c4 which cross each other1 are not in contact1 but perfectly insulated4 ,the wires shown in this figure1 are all secured permanently1 with their mercury cups1 to one common base board4 ,the letters ,h1 ,j1 ,k1 ,m1 ,o and ,u represent the places of the six finger keys1 used in transmitting signals4 ,there is1 also1 another key at #g1 for uniting the wire1 ,d and ,d4 ,in this figure1 however1 the keys themselves are omitted1 in order to render more clear the arrangement of wires under and around them4 ,another figure1 #fg1 is here introduced to illustrate the plan of one set of wires and their two keys4 ,in figure #fg is represented1 in a top view1 the two wooden keys1 ,a and ,b1 and their axes1 at ,e and ,f4 ,g is the battery1 of which1 #i is the positive pole1 and #aj the negative pole4 ,the small circles1 marked #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g and #h represent the mercury cups4 ,c and ,c1 and also1 ,d1 are the extended wires4 ,the keys1 ,a and ,b1 have each two wires1 passing at right angles through the wooden lever4 ,the wires of the key1 ,a1 are marked #a and #b1 and #e and #f1 and those of the key1 ,b1 are marked #c and #d1 and #g and #h4 ,these wires1 directly over the mercury cups1 are bent down a convenient length1 so as to become immersed in the cups1 when the lever is depressed1 and rise out of them1 when the lever is elevated4 ,now1 if the key1 ,a1 is depressed1 the cup1 #a1 is brought in connection with cup #b2 and #e is connected with #f1 by the wires1 supported by the lever1 being immersed in the mercury2 and the key1 ,b1 not being depressed1 there is no connection of the cup #c with #d2 or #g with #h4 ,at ,x and ,x1 under the lever1 are springs1 which keep the lever elevated2 and1 consequently1 the wires out of the cups1 when the keys are not pressed down4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fh4 ,figure #fh represents a side view of the lever1 or key1 ,a1 and its axis at ,e4 ,r is the platform supporting the standard of the axis2 the stationary wires2 the battery1 ,g2 and the mercury cups1 a1 a and #aj4 ,x is the spiral spring1 for the purpose of carrying back the lever1 after the finger is taken off and sustaining it in its elevated position4 ,through the centre of the spiral1 passes a rod1 with a head upon it at the top of the lever1 to limit its upward motion4 ,at its lower end1 the rod is secured in the platform1 ,r4 #d and #h are the two wires supported by the lever1 ,a1 and are seen to project down directly over the mercury cups1 a and a1 so that by depressing the key1 they both enter the cups and form a metallic connection4 ,the key1 ,b1 figure #fg1 has the same fixtures and is similarly arranged as the key1 ,a1 represented above4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #fi4 ,figure #fi represents a top view of die arrangement of multipliers at the receiving station4 ,r1 ,r and ,r2 ,r1 ,r1 and ,r are six magnetic needles1 or bars1 each of which move freely upon a vertical axis passing through their centres4 ,the lower point of their axes is immersed in cups of mercury1 in which also terminate the wires1 ,i1 ,i1 ,i and ,l1 ,l1 ,l4 ,the wires1 ,d1 ,a1 ,b and ,c1 are those coming from the transmitting station4 ,a1 ,b and ,c1 each enter the needle arrangement1 and first passing from left to right1 over the magnetic bars1 ,r1 ,r and ,r1 in the direction of their length1 then down and under and round1 making many turns1 leave these three needles and pass under the needles1 ,r1 ,r and ,r1 and in like manner from right to left round them1 making a number of turns1 then pass off and unite together1 in the wire1 #i1 which is a continuation of ,d4 ,this wire is called the common communicating wire1#ce and the wires1 ,a1 ,b and ,c are called signal wires4 ,at right angles1 there projects from each magnetic bar1 a metallic tapered arm1 which rests against the studs1 ,v1 ,v1 ,v1 ,v1 ,v1 ,v1 when the needle is undisturbed4 ,but when the needles are made to move in the direction1 to carry the arms to the left1 they are brought in contact with the metallic stops1 ,s1 ,s1 ,s and ,t1 ,t1 ,t4 ,to each of these stops1 it will be observed1 a wire is soldered1 and continued respectively from ,s1 ,s1 ,s to #a1 #c1 #e1 and from ,t1 ,t1 ,t to #b1 #d1 #f4 ,it will also be observed1 that from each of the mercury cups below the magnetic bars1 the wires1 ,i and ,l1 and ,i and ,l1 and ,i and ,l1 proceed and unite in pairs at1 ,l1 ,l1 ,l2 these three united wires are then continued1 and the whole are joined in one at #h4 ,the wires1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 are continued1 in a manner hereafter to be described1 and are connected with one pole of a battery4 ,the wire1 #h1 is also continued and connected with the other pole4 ,so that if any one of the needles should be made to move its arm to the left1 thereby coming in contact with its metallic stop1 the circuit would be complete and the current would pass along the wire1 #a1 for example1 to the metallic stop1 then to the arm1 and to the magnetic bar2 then to the axis2 then to the mercury2 then to the wire1 ,i1 and thence to the wire1 #h4 ,in the same manner the current would pass if any other arm was brought against its metallic stop4 ,all the wires represented in this figure are permanently secured in their places upon a common platform4 #ce ,a1 ,b and ,c are also1 occasionally1 common communicating wires4 ,in order to understand the combined operation of the keys and needles1 figure #gj is here introduced4 ,the right hand figure1 is the same as figure #fi1 and the left hand the same as figure #ff4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gj4 ,transmitting ,part of ,receiving ,station4 ,station4 ,the wires1 ,d1 ,a1 ,b and ,c1 are detached from their corresponding wires of the transmitting station1 and it may be imagined that many miles of wire intervene and connect the two4 ,in the left hand figure1 those mercury cups above and below1 #a and #aj1 are joined by two wires passing through a moving lever1 in the same manner as has been described in figure #fg4 ,we will1 therefore1 call the key1 carrying these two connecting wires1 ,h4 ,in like manner the key for the cups above and below the numbers1 #b and #bj1 is called ,j2 for #c and #cj1 is ,k2 for #d and #dj1 is ,m2 for #e and #ej is ,o2 for #f and #fj1 is ,u4 ,the key which connects the two mercury cups on the right and left of number #g1 of the wire1 ,d1 is called #g4 ,there are #g keys2 two for each battery1 #a1 #b and #c1 and each wire1 ,a1 ,b and ,c2 and one for the common wire1 ,d4 ,it will now appear1 that if the key1 ,u and #g1 are depressed1 the cups above and below1 numbers #f and #fj2 and the cups on each side of number #g1 will be connected together so that the current leaving1 ,p1 or the positive pole of the battery1 #c1 goes to the lower cup1 #ej2 then by the stationary cross wire to upper cup1 #f2 then passes to lower cup1 #f1 by the wire supported by the lever1 ,u1 which is now pressed down1 and its ends immersed in the two cups2 then along the wire1 ,d1 to the left hand cup1 #g2 then to the right hand cup1 #g1 by the wire supported by the lever1 #g1 and which is immersed in the two cups2 then through the extended wire to ,d1 of the receiving station2 then through #i1 to the two multiplying coils of the wire1 ,c1 deflecting the arm of the needle1 ,r1 to the right1 against the stop1 ,v2 and the arm of the needle1 ,r1 to the left against the metallic stop1 ,s1 as indicated by the arrow at ,s2 then along the extended wire1 back to the lower cup1 #fj1 of the transmitting station2 then to upper cup1 #fj1 through the wire supported by the lever1 ,u2 then to ,n1 the negative pole of the battery1 #c4 ,it will be observed of the two needles1 ,r and ,r1 in the circuit of the same wire1 ,c1 that if ,r is deflected to the right against the stop1 ,v1 then ,r will be deflected to the left against the metallic stop1 ,s4 ,the current1 to produce these deflections1 being through the wire ,c1 in the contrary direction to that indicated by the arrow of the wire1 ,c4 ,but if ,r is deflected to the left against the metallic stop1 ,t1 then ,r will be deflected to the right against the stop1 ,v4 ,the current to produce these deflections1 will then be through the wire1 ,c1 in the direction of the arrow of that wire4 ,the same effect is produced upon the two other pairs of needles of the wires1 ,a and also ,b4 ,these contrary movements of the two needles1 when a current is passing1 are produced by the coils being so wound1 7see figure #fi17 that the wire passes round one needle in a contrary direction to what it does round the other4 ,if1 now1 we depress the keys1 ,o and #g1 the cups above and below1 #e and #ej1 and on each side of number #g1 will be connected4 ,the fluid will then pass from ,p or positive pole of the battery1 #c1 to the lower cup1 #ej2 then through the key wire to upper cup1 #ej2 then along the extended wire1 ,c to the receiving station2 then through the coils of the multipliers1 deflecting the arm of the needle1 ,r1 to the left against the metallic stop1 ,t2 and the arm of the needle1 ,r1 to the right against the stop1 ,v1 as indicated by the arrow at ,v2 then to wire1 #i and ,d2 then along the extended wire back to the transmitting station1 to the right hand cup1 #g2 then by the key wire to the left hand cup1 #g2 then to wire1 ,d2 then to upper cup1 #e2 and through the key wire to lower cup1 #e2 then by the cross wire to upper cup1 #fj1 and then to ,n1 or negative pole of the battery4 ,we have now shown the route of the current1 when the keys1 ,u and #g2 and the keys1 ,o and #g1 were depressed4 ,it will be observed1 that when the keys1 ,u and #g were used1 the current through the wire1 ,d1 was from left to right2 and when the keys1 ,o and #g1 were used1 the current was from right to left4 ,thus1 by means of the six keys1 the current of each battery may be made to pass in either direction through the common communicating wire1 ,d4 ,by the keys1 ,u1 ,m1 ,j1 with #g1 the current is made to pass from left to right along the wire1 ,d4 ,by the keys1 ,o1 ,k1 ,h1 with #g1 the current is made to pass from right to left along the wire1 ,d4 ,by these six keys1 all those various deflections of the six needles are produced1 which are necessary to close the circuit of such of the wires1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 with the wire1 #h1 as are required for marking the signals desired1 on an instrument now to be described4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ga4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gb4 ,figure #ga represents a top view of that part of the instrument at the receiving station1 by which the signals are recorded4 ,the seven wires on the left of the figure are a continuation of those wires1 marked #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 and #h1 in figure #gj4 ,the first six pass through a wooden support1 b and b1 and terminate upon the edge of the platinum rings1 a1 a1 a1 a1 a and a1 forming a metallic contact4 ,the six platinum rings surround a wooden insulating cylinder1 t1 which revolves upon axes in the standards1 h and i4 ,the rings are broad where they come in contact with the wooden roller1 and are bevelled to an edge where they come in contact with the six wires4 ,y represents a compound battery1 with one pole of which1 wire #h1 from the needle arrangement1 figure #gj1 is connected1 and from the other pole the wire proceeds to the electro magnet1 ,z1 ,z2 it then passes on and is brought in connection with the metallic cylinder1 d1 at the point1 g4 ,the cylinder1 d1 revolves upon axes1 and is supported in the standards1 k and l4 ,to the cylinder is attached a barrel1 n1 upon which is wound a cord1 supporting the weight1 e1 by which the cylinder is made to revolve4 ,c1 ,c1 represents a prepared fabric1 such as calico1 7impregnated with hydriodate of potass and muriate of lime17 and is placed between the platinum rings1 a1 a1 a1 a1 a1 a1 and the metallic cylinder1 d2 o is a cog wheel upon the end of the axis of the cylinder1 d1 and is connected with other machinery1 omitted here1 but shown in figure #gb1 which is a side elevation of part of figure #ga3 o is the cog wheel1 7figure #gb17 on the arbor of the cylinder1 d4 ,b and ,b1 are the two sides of the frame containing the clock work1 and is secured to the platform1 ,r3 d is a part only of the metallic cylinder1 upon which is seen a portion of the prepared fabric1 ,k4 ,the cog wheel1 o1 drives the pinion1 ,a1 on the shaft of the fly vane1 ,g4 ,m is an end view of the electro magnet1 7represented by ,z1 ,z1 in figure #ga17 of which ,n and ,p are the two ends of the wire composing the helix4 ,d is its armature1 constructed so as to move upon an axis represented by two small circles4 ,to the armature are connected1 and capable of moving with it1 two arms1 ,e and ,i1 which project1 so as to come in contact with the pallet1 a1 of the fly1 ,g4 ,f is a spiral spring1 one end of which is fastened to the armature1 ,d1 and the other passes through a vertical hole in the screw1 ,s1 in the bar1 ,t1 by which the armature is held up in the position now seen1 when not attracted by the electro magnet4 ,now1 if the wires1 ,n and ,p1 connected with battery1 ,y1 7figure #ga17 have their circuit closed1 the current passing through the helix of the magnet1 ,m1 brings down the armature1 ,d1 in the direction of the arrow1 which raises the arm1 ,i1 against which the pallet1 a1 of the fly vane1 is resting1 and releases the fly4 ,it then makes a half revolution and is again arrested by the pallet against the lower arm1 ,e1 and the cylinder1 d1 with its fabric1 has advanced a half division4 ,if the circuit is now broken1 the armature1 ,d1 is carried up by the spring1 ,f1 at the same time the arm1 ,e1 releases the pallet1 a1 and the fly makes another half revolution1 and is again stopped by the arm1 ,i4 ,the cylinder has now made another advance of half a division1 which1 together1 makes a whole division the fabric has advanced4 ,the purposes for which this is designed will now be described4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gc4 ,figure #gc represents a top view of the whole apparatus of the receiving station4 ,the fabric1 ,c1 ,c1 is marked in equal divisions across it1 and in six equal divisions1 in the directions of its length1 thus marking it into squares4 ,each platinum ring1 a1 a1 a1 c4 7when the instrument is not in operation17 is in contact with the fabric at the middle of the squares across the fabric4 ,it will be observed1 that the wires #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f are in connection with the battery1 ,y1 and the circuit complete1 except at the arms of the needles4 ,suppose1 for example1 the arm of the needle1 ,r1 of the wire1 ,c1 is brought up against the stop of the wire1 #e1 at ,s2 the circuit is then closed1 and the current leaves the battery1 and passes to the electro magnet1 7causing the cylinder and fabric to move half a division17 then to the metallic cylinder1 d2 then through the fabric1 c1 c1 resting upon the cylinder1 7where it is in contact with the platinum ring1 a1 of the wire1 #e17 then to the platinum ring2 then to wire #e2 then to the metallic stop1 ,s2 then to the arm of the needle1 ,r1 along its axis to the mercury2 then to the wire1 ,i2 then to wire1 #h1 and to the other pole of the battery1 ,y4 ,thus a current is passed through the prepared fabric1 and a mark produced thereon1 in the middle of its square4 ,if the circuit is now broken1 the cylinder moves another half division1 which will bring the rings to the centre of the squares1 ready for the next signal4 ,but one battery1 ,y1 is used for all the six circuits1 formed with the wire1 #h2 so that1 when three of the circuits are closed at the same instant1 as will be shown hereafter1 the current passes through the three wires of their respective circuits1 making each their appropriate mark upon the fabric4 ,we now proceed to describe the manner of operating with the two instruments1 at their respective stations3 and1 first1 we must here designate each needle by its own peculiar mark of reference4 ,let the two needles upon the wire1 ,a1 be denoted by1 ,a1 ,s and ,a1 ,t2 those of the wire1 ,b1 by ,b1 ,s and ,b1 ,t2 and those of the wire1 ,c1 by ,c1 ,s and ,c1 ,t4 ,it will appear obvious1 from the foregoing description1 that but one needle of each wire1 ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 can be made to close its circuit at the same instant4 ,however1 two needles1 or three needles of different wires1 may close their circuits at the same instant1 but no higher number than three4 ,the various combinations of one mark1 two marks1 and three marks1 upon the same row of six cross divisions of the fabric1 constitute the characters representing letters4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gd4 ,,london4--,transmitting ,station4 ,figure #gd represents the transmitting station1 which may be supposed to be ,london1 and figure #ge1 the receiving station1 which may be at ,birmingham1 with four wires extending from station to station1 or three only1 if the ground be substituted for the wire1 ,d1 ,d4 ,the wires1 ,d1 ,a1 ,b and ,c1 are supposed to be united with ,d1 ,a1 ,b and ,c1 respectively4 ,now1 if we depress the keys1 in the following order1 we shall1 for each key1 have the following deflections of the two needles1 belonging to each key4 ,no4 #a4 ,the keys1 ,h1 #g1 moves the arm1 ,a1 ,s1 to the right1 ,a1 ,t1 to the left4 8 ,j1 #g1 8 ,a1 ,s1 8 left1 ,a1 ,t1 8 right4 8 ,k1 #g1 8 ,b1 ,s1 8 right1 ,b1 ,t1 8 left4 8 ,m1 #g1 8 ,b1 ,s1 8 left1 ,b1 ,t1 8 right4 8 ,o1 #g1 8 ,c1 ,s1 8 right1 ,c1 ,t1 8 left4 8 ,u1 #g1 8 ,c1 ,s1 8 left1 ,c1 ,t1 8 right4 ,these are all the various deflections which it is possible to give the six needles4 ,those1 however1 which deflect to the right1 not closing the circuit1 produce no effect1 and are of no account4 ,we will1 therefore1 omit them1 and simply give the table1 thus3 ,no4 #b4 ,the keys1 ,h1 #g1 move the arm ,a1 ,t1 to the left4 ,no4 #a4 8 ,j1 #g1 8 ,a1 ,s1 8 8 #b4 8 ,k1 #g1 8 ,b1 ,t1 8 8 #c4 8 ,m1 #g1 8 ,b1 ,s1 8 8 #d4 8 ,o1 #g1 8 ,c1 ,t1 8 8 #e4 8 ,u1 #g1 8 ,c1 ,s1 8 8 #f4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ge4 ,,birmingham4--,receiving ,station4 ,in the following table1 the first column represents the keys1 which when depressed1 produce a deflection of the needles1 7represented in the columns1 second1 third and fourth17 by means of their batteries1 and thus closing the circuit of the wires1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e and #f1 by which the fluid1 is made to pass through the prepared fabric1 and mark upon its space1 or spaces1 numbered #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e and #f1 in the fifth column4 ,in the sixth column are the letters which the marks upon the fabric are intended to represent4 ,keys4 ,needles4 ,needles4 ,needles4 ,spaces on ,fabric4 ,letters4 ,h1 #g1 ,a1 ,t1 - - #a1 ,a4 ,j1 #g1 ,a1 ,s1 - - #b1 ,b4 ,k1 #g1 ,b1 ,t1 - - #c1 ,c4 ,m1 #g1 ,b1 ,s1 - - #d1 ,d4 ,o1 #g1 ,c1 ,t1 - - #e1 ,e4 ,u1 #g1 ,c1 ,s1 - - #f1 ,f4 ,h1 ,k1 #g1 ,a1 ,t1 ,b1 ,t1 - #a1 #c1 ,g4 ,j1 ,m1 #g1 ,a1 ,s1 ,b1 ,s1 - #b1 #d1 ,h4 ,k1 ,o1 #g1 ,b1 ,t1 ,c1 ,t1 - #c1 #e1 ,i4 ,m1 ,u1 #g1 ,b1 ,s1 ,c1 ,s1 - #d1 #f1 ,j4 ,h1 ,o1 #g1 ,a1 ,t1 ,c1 ,t1 - #a1 #e1 ,k4 ,j1 ,u1 #g1 ,a1 ,s1 ,c1 ,s1 - #b1 #f1 ,l4 ,h1 ,m1 ,a1 ,t1 ,b1 ,s1 - #a1 #d1 ,m4 ,j1 ,k1 ,a1 ,s1 ,b1 ,t1 - #b1 #c1 ,n4 ,k1 ,u1 ,b1 ,t1 ,c1 ,s1 - #c1 #f1 ,o4 ,m1 ,o1 ,b1 ,s1 ,c1 ,t1 - #d1 #e1 ,p4 ,h1 ,u1 ,a1 ,t1 ,c1 ,s1 - #a1 #f1 ,q4 ,j1 ,o1 ,a1 ,s1 ,c1 ,t1 - #b1 #e1 ,r4 ,h1 ,k1 ,o1 #g1 ,a1 ,t1 ,b1 ,t1 ,c1 ,t1 #a1 #c1 #e1 ,s4 ,j1 ,m1 ,u1 #g1 ,a1 ,s1 ,b1 ,s1 ,c1 ,s1 #b1 #d1 #f1 ,t4 ,h1 ,k1 ,u1 ,a1 ,t1 ,b1 ,t1 ,c1 ,s1 #a1 #c1 #f1 ,u4 ,j1 ,m1 ,o1 ,a1 ,s1 ,b1 ,s1 ,c1 ,t1 #b1 #d1 #e1 ,v4 ,h1 ,m1 ,u1 ,a1 ,t1 ,b1 ,s1 ,c1 ,s1 #a1 #d1 #f1 ,w4 ,j1 ,k1 ,u1 ,a1 ,s1 ,b1 ,t1 ,c1 ,s1 #b1 #c1 #f1 ,x4 ,h1 ,m1 ,o1 ,a1 ,t1 ,b1 ,s1 ,c1 ,t1 #a1 #d1 #e1 ,y4 ,j1 ,k1 ,o1 ,a1 ,s1 ,b1 ,t1 ,c1 ,t1 #b1 #c1 #e1 ,z4 ,telegraphic ,letters4 #a #b #c #d #e #f ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e ,f ,g ,h ,i ,j ,k ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z ,the above represents the telegraphic characters marked upon the prepared fabric4 ,the spaces are numbered from the top4 ,the first six of the telegraphic letters require each a signal wire1 and the common wire1 ,d1 with one battery4 ,the next six require each two signal wires1 with two batteries1 whose joint currents pass in the same direction on the common wire1 ,d4 ,the next six require each two signal wires only1 with two batteries1 joined together so as to form a compound battery4 ,the negative pole of one1 connected with the positive pole of the other4 ,the next two require each three signal wires1 with three batteries1 whose joint currents pass in the same direction along the common wire1 ,d4 ,the next six require each1 three signal wires only1 with three batteries4 ,one of the signal wires with its battery is used as a common wire for the other two4 ,hence the current of the two batteries of the two signal wires unite in one1 and are connected with the battery of the common wire as a compound battery4 ,with what rapidity these letters may be formed1 does not appear1 or to what extent the plan has been carried out4 ,bain's ,printing ,telegraph4 ,the following description of ,mr4 ,bain's plan of what he calls an electro magnetic printing telegraph1 is taken from a work entitled1 8,an account of some remarkable applications of the electric fluid to the useful arts1 by ,alexander ,bain4 ,edited by ,john ,finlaison1 ,esq4 ,london1 #ahdc40 ,it appears from this work that ,mr4 ,bain's plan was invented in #ahdj1 and the following certificate is given in reference to the date of its first operation4 ,,perceival ,,street1 ,,clerkenwell1 ,aug4 #bh1 #ahdb4 ,,dear ,,sir--,in reference to your application1 ,i recollect visiting you at your apartments in ,wigmore street1 early in ,july1 #ahdj1 when you showed me the model of your electro magnetic printing telegraph1 with which you printed my name at the time4 ,you also showed me a model of your electro magnetic clock1 and explained to me the principles and utility of them4 ,i remain1 dear sir1 yours1 respectfully1 ,,robert ,c4 ,,pinkerton4 ,to ,,mr4 ,,alexander ,,bain4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gf4 ,,portsmouth4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gg4 ,,london4 ,figures #gf and #gg exhibit the arrangements of ,mr4 ,bain's telegraph4 ,both figures are the same1 representing one as being at ,portsmouth1 and the other at ,london4 ,the same letters will refer to either instrument3 d1 i and h1 represent the signal dials1 insulated from the machine4 ,x is a hand or pointer4 ,the small dots represent twelve holes in the dial1 corresponding with the twelve signals1 and two blanks1 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 #h1 #i1 #j4 ,u is a similar hole over the starting point of the hand1 ,x4 ,r is a coil of wire1 freely suspended on centres4 ,k and ,k1 is a compound permanent magnet1 placed within the coil1 and immovably fixed upon the frame of the machine4 ,j and ,j are sections of similar permanent magnets4 ,s is a spiral spring1 7and there is another on the opposite side17 which conveys the electric current to the wire coil1 and at the same time leaves the coil free to move in obedience to the magnetic influence4 ,so long as the electricity is passing1 the wire coil continues to be deflected1 but the instant the electric current is broken1 the springs1 ,s1 bring back the coil to its natural position4#cf ,l is an arm fixed to1 and carried by the wire coil1 ,r and ,r1 to stop the rotation of the machinery4 ,b is a main spring barrel1 acting on the train of wheels1 ,g1 ,h and ,i1 which communicate motion to the governor1 ,w1 and the hand1 ,x4 ,on the arbor of the wheel1 ,h1 is fixed a type wheel1 ,c1 at a little distance from the paper cylinder1 ,a1 on which the messages are to be imprinted4 ,p is a second main spring barrel1 with its train of wheels1 ,m1 ,o4 ,q1 is a fly1 or vane4 ,on the arbor of the wheel1 o1 there is a crank1 ,v1 and two pallets1 a and b1 which prevent the train of wheels from rotating1 by coming in contact with the lever1 ,z4 ,when the telegraph is not at work1 a current of electricity is constantly passing from the ,portsmouth plate1 buried in the ground1 through the moisture of the earth1 to the plate in the ground at the ,london station4 ,from the copper plate of that station the electric current passes up through the freely suspended multiplying coil1 ,r and ,r1 7which it deflects to the horizontal position17 into the machinery1 and thence to the dial1 by means of a metal pin1 inserted in the hole1 ,u2 from the dial it passes by a single insulated conducting wire1 #a1 suspended in the air1 back to the first machine2 traversing which1 it passes through the freely suspended multiplied coil1 ,r and ,r1 which it deflects1 also1 to the horizontal position to the plate from whence it started1 and thus completes the circuit4 #cf ,mr4 ,bain means1 by the deflected position of the coil1 7when the current is passing17 its horizontal position1 as shown in the figure4 ,its natural position1 7when the current is broken17 is the elevation of the left hand end of the coil1 in the direction of the arrow1 carried up by the power of the spring1 at the centre of the coil4 ,this action of the spring is overcome1 when the current is passing1 to such a degree1 as to bring the coil to the horizontal position as represented in the figure4 8,when a communication is to be transmitted from either end of the line 7one station only being able to transmit at a time17 the operator draws out the metal pin from the hole1 ,u1 in the dial of his machine2 the electric circuit is then broken1 and the ends of the multiplying coils1 ,r and ,r1 at both stations are carried upwards1 in the direction of the arrow1 by the force of the spiral springs4 ,the arms1 ,l1 attached to the two coils1 moving to the right1 release the lever1 ,y1 which leaves the machinery free to rotate1 and as the moving and regulating powers are the same at both places1#cg the machines go accurately together2 that is1 the hands of both machines pass over similar signals at the same instant of time1 and similar types are continually brought opposite to the printing cylinders at the same moment4 ,an inspection of the wheel work will show1 that this movement will have caused the governor1 ,w1 to make several revolutions1 and the divergence of the balls1 in obedience to centrifugal force1 will have raised one end of the lever1 ,z1 and depressed the other1 which allows the pallet1 a1 to escape2 but the rotation of the arbor is still opposed by contact with the second pallet1 b4 ,the operator having inserted the metal pin in the hole1 under the signal which he wishes to communicate1 the moment the hand of the dial comes in contact with it1 the circuit is again completed1 and both machines are stopped instantly4 ,the governor balls1 collapsing1 depress the left hand end of the lever1 ,z1 clear the pallet1 b1 and this allows the crank spindle1 ,v1 to make one revolution4 #cg ,it is absolutely necessary to the certain and accurate performance of the two machines1 that their movements should be synchronical1 or else a different figure1 or signal1 from that intended by the operator at the transmitting station1 may be given at the receiving station4 8,the motion of the crank by means of the crank rod1 ,t1 acting on the lever1 ,e1 presses the type against the paper cylinder1 ,a1 and leaves an impress upon the paper2 at the same time1 a spring1 e1 attached to an arm of the lever1 ,e1 takes into a tooth of the small ratchet wheel1 ,d1 on the spindle of the long pinion1 ,f1 which takes into and drives the cylinder wheel2 so that the crank apparatus1 going back to its former position1 after impressing a letter1 moves the signal cylinder forward1 and presents a fresh surface to the action of the next type4 ,as the cylinder moves round1 it has also a spiral motion upward1 which causes the message to be printed in a continuous spiral line until the cylinder is filled4#ch ,in order to mark1 in a distinct and legible manner1 the letters printed by the apparatus1 two thicknesses of riband1 saturated with printing ink and dyed1 are supported by two rollers so as to interpose between the type wheel and the cylinder2 7the rollers are not shown in the figure1 to prevent confusion47 ,if a second copy of the message1 thus simultaneously printed at two distant places1 is desired at either1 a slip of white paper is placed between the ribands to receive the imprint at the same time as the cylinder40 #ch ,this contrivance for moving the paper is exactly similar to that in ,prof4 ,morse's first model of his telegraph1 made in #ahcg1 for the ,patent ,office4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gh4 ,figure #gh represents a top view of the coil and magnets of ,mr4 ,bain's machine4 ,b is the compound permanent magnet1 with six bars4 ,n is the north pole1 and ,s the south pole4 ,a1 ,a are the sides of the brass frame containing the coils2 ,c1 ,c are the spiral springs on each side3 a and a is the axis of the coil3 o1 o1 is a part of the frame containing the clock work1 7not shown in this figure17 supporting one centre of the coil1 and ,i and ,i a support for the other centre4 ,n and ,p are the wires1 one of which is in connection with the ground1 and the other with the extended wire4 ,when the circuit is closed1 and the current from ,p pole of the battery is in the direction of the arrow above1 and then through the coil to the other pole1 ,n1 in the direction of the arrow below2 the end1 ,d1 of the coil1 will be depressed1 and the end1 ,u1 will rise2 reverse the current and the effect is the elevation of the end1 ,d1 of the coil1 and the depression of the end1 ,u4 ,wheatstone's ,rotating ,disc ,telegraph1 invented1 #ahda4 ,figure #gi represents that portion of the instrument which belongs to the transmitting station1 of which1 ,k1 is a circular disc1 with the alphabet and numerals1 marked in two concentric circles upon it3 a are handles projecting from its rim1 one to every letter1 by means of which1 the disc is turned upon its axis1 and brought to that position1 b1 required for signalizing a letter4 ,o is a side view of the disc1 ,k3 t is the rim of the disc1 with its holders3 h is a portion of the axis of the disc1 shown as broken off3 c represents a silver band surrounding a pulley1 or hub1 upon the axis1 and directly behind the disc4 ,upon the hub are metallic ribs1 b1 parallel with its axis1 corresponding in number to the letters on the dial4 ,each rib forms a metallic contact with the silver band1 c1 and are separated from each other by pieces of ivory1 fastened to the hub4 ,both the ribs and ivory pieces are made perfectly smooth and even upon their surface3 e is a metallic spring with a portion of it pressing against that portion of the hub between the silver band1 c1 and the disc1 t1 in such a manner that when the disc is turned1 the metallic ribs and ivory pieces shall alternately come in contact with it4 ,to this spring is soldered a wire connected with one pole of the battery1 g1 and from the other pole proceeds the wire1 n3 d is another metallic spring1 similar to e1 but pressing only upon the silver band1 with which it is always in contact1 and to which a wire1 p1 is soldered4 ,whenever the spring1 e1 is in contact with any of the metallic ribs1 there is a continuous connection from n to p1 viz4 from p1 to the spring in contact with the silver band1 c1 thence to the rib with which the spring1 e1 is in contact2 then to the spring1 e1 then to the battery1 g1 and then to the wire1 n4 ,if1 however1 the disc1 ,o1 should be turned1 so that the spring1 e1 is in contact with the ivory1 then the circuit is broken at that point1 and in this manner the circuit is alternately broken and closed as the wheel1 ,o1 is turned from one letter to another by means of the handles at t4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #gi4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #hj4 ,figure #hj represents a side elevation of the dial and clock work of the receiving station4 ,a represents an edge view of the electro magnet1 from which proceed the two wires1 v and i1 which connect with the wires1 n and p1 of figure #gi4 ,j and ,j is the brass frame containing the wheel work1 ,c and ,e2 the pin wheel1 ,d2 the dial plate1 ,i2 and the barrel1 ,b1 which is driven by a weight and cord4 ,in the side of the wheel1 ,d1 are pins projecting from the rim1 parallel with the axis1 and are equal in number to the divisions1 or letters1 upon the dial1 ,i4 ,they are1 however1 placed alternately on each side of the rim4 ,f is the armature of the magnet1 fastened upon a horizontal rod1 sliding freely through the standards1 #a and #b4 ,g represents a spring1 fastened to the frame1 ,j1 and which carries back the armature1 ,f1 when the magnet has ceased to attract it4 ,from the armature there extends downward an arm1 ,k1 which1 as it approaches the pin wheel1 ,d1 presents two arms1 or pallets1 one on each side of the wheel4 ,these pallets are so arranged with regard to the pins1 that if one pallet releases a pin on one side of the wheel1 the same movement will cause the other pallet on the other side1 to arrest the motion of the wheel by its striking against the next alternate pin4 ,h and ,i is an edge view of the circular dial1 enclosed in a case1 with a single opening at ,o1 so that only one letter at a time can be seen4 ,this dial1 ,i1 is in every respect marked as the disc in figure #gi4 ,figure #ha represents the two instruments4 ,o the transmitting instrument1 and the right hand figure the receiving instrument4 ,the wires1 v and i1 are respectively connected with p and n4 ,it will be observed1 that the armature1 ,f1 is not attracted1 and that the right hand pallet is checking the pin wheel1 so that the dial is stationary4 ,if1 however1 the disc1 t1 is turned so that the circuit is completed1 by the contact of the spring1 e1 with one of the ribs1 instantly the armature is attracted by the electro magnet1 which will carry the right hand pallet away from the pin wheel1 and which will then move by the action of the weight upon the barrel1 ,b1 until it is checked by the left hand pallet1 which had advanced to the wheel at the same time the other receded4 ,this single operation has moved the disc one division and the armature is still attracted4 ,now let the disc1 o1 be turned until the spring1 e1 has been passed by the rib1 and is in contact with the ivory only1 instantly the current ceases2 the armature1 ,f1 recedes from the magnet by the action of the spring1 ,g2 this has taken the left hand pallet from the pin wheel1 which is permitted to move until the next pin strikes against the right hand pallet4 ,this has now brought another letter in front of the aperture at ,h4 ,thus it will be seen1 that the design of this instrument is to bring into view1 at the aperture such letters as are required in transmitting a message4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #ha4 ,suppose letter ,a1 is at the point1 b1 of the disc2 and letter ,a of the dial is opposite the opening2 the instrument is now ready to transmit1 and let the letter1 ,i1 be the first of the message4 ,the operator gently turns the disc round in the direction of the arrow1 so that each time the circuit is broken a new letter appears at the dial1 and each time it is closed by the operation of the pallets1 in checking and releasing the pin wheel4 ,this is its operation until the letter1 ,i1 has reached the point1 b1 when a short pause is made4 ,the next letter1 ,h1 requires but one movement of the disc1 then follows1 ,a2 then1 ,v2 and then1 ,e4 ,in relation to this instrument1 ,professor ,daniell says3 8,we can only further briefly allude to two of the most important modifications of this invention1 which ,prof4 ,wheatstone has made for specific purposes4 ,by substituting for the paper disc1 on the circumference of which the letters are printed1 a thin disc of brass1 cut from the circumference to the centre1 so as to form #bd springs1 on the extremities of which1 types1 or punches1 are placed1 and adding a mechanism the detent of which1 acted on by an electro magnet1 causes a hammer to strike the punch against a cylinder1 round which are rolled1 alternately1 several sheets of white paper1 and of the blackened paper used in the manifold writing apparatus1 he has been enabled to obtain1 without presenting any resistance to the type wheel1 several distinct printed copies at the same time of the message transmitted40#ci #ci ,daniell's ,introduction to ,chemical ,philosophy1 page #ehj1 #b;d ,edition1 ,london1 #ahdc ,mr4 ,wheatstone has recently so modified his telegraph as to use two needles1 or galvanometers1 and two extended wires1 with the ground as half the circuit for the two wires4 ,he has thus adopted ,,prof4 ,,morse',s plan of using the ground as a common conductor for two or more wires4 ,he1 however1 still requires two wires for one independent line of communication2 one station only being able to communicate at a same time4 ,he has no mode of recording his message1 but depends upon the watchful eye of the attendant4 ,his code of signals are based upon ,schilling's plan1 heretofore described1 page #aee1 and also ,gauss and ,weber's1 page #aef1 from whom he seems to have obtained his idea4 ,the two needles1 or galvanometers1 stand side by side1 one of which is called the left needle and the other the right needle4 ,these two needles are placed directly in front of the person who transmits4 ,there are1 also1 in front1 two handles1 one for each hand1 with which the operator transmits a message1 closing and breaking the circuit of the two wires4 ,his signals are made thus3 ,the upper half of the left hand needle moving to the left twice1 gives1 a2 three times1 b2 once to the right and once to the left1 c2 once to the left and once to the right1 d2 and1 in like manner1 for the other letters of the alphabet1 as shown in the table which follows4 ,left ,hand ,needle4 ,right ,hand ,needle4 ll1 ,a4 r1 ,e4 l1 ,h4 lr1 ,m4 lll1 ,b4 rr1 ,f4 ll1 ,i4 r1 ,n4 rl1 ,c4 rrr1 ,g4 lll1 ,k4 rr1 ,o4 lr1 ,d4 rl1 ,l4 rrr1 ,p4 ,joint ,action of ,both ,needles4 l1 l1 ,r4 ll1 ll1 ,s4 lll1 lll1 ,t4 rl1 rl1 ,u4 r1 r1 ,w4 rr1 rr1 ,x4 rrr1 rrr1 ,y4 r1 completed4 ll1 rr1 ,i understand1 or yes4 rl1 rl1 ,i do not understand1 or no4 rl1 rl1 #a4 lr1 lr1 #b4 r1 r1 #c4 l1 l1 #d4 rl1 rl1 #e4 lr1 lr1 #f4 r1 r1 #g4 l1 l1 l1 l1 #h4 ll1 ll1 ll1 ll1 #i4 r1 r1 r1 r1 #j4 ,mr4 ,wheatstone does not appear to be aware of all the advantages of this1 his latest plan of using two needles and two wires1 since some of his signals for the numerals1 are repetitions of his letter signals1 and require four deflections of a single needle1 with a pause between the two first deflections1 and the two last1 and for some other signals he requires as many as three deflections of a signal needle4 ,he has likewise1 apparently1 for want of simple signals1 omitted the letters1 ,j1 ,q1 ,v1 ,z4 ,he could with perfect ease1 obtain from his two wires and two needles1 sixty-four different signals1 requiring the time of only two deflections1 each1 and using but one hand for manipulating four keys1 instead of both hands1 as in his present plan4 ,the author has demonstrated it by actual experiment4