History, Theory, and Practice of the Electric Telegraph

by George Bartlett Prescott

This is a reproduction of a classic text optimised for kindle devices. We have endeavoured to create this version as close to the original artefact as possible. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we believe they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

676 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2010

About the author

1830-1894

Reviews

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, written in 1860. Many events are covered, from the various laying of the cables, including those that failed; the correspondence between countries that resulted, all are here. Mr. Prescott describes much on the theory almost to a radio point, at least in my opinion. He discusses the interference that the terrestrial and undersea cables endured that were affected by many factors. Of great importance, Mr. Prescott introduces what is now known as the Carrington Event of 1859. He gives a history of the world-wide occurrences that result as well as his own personal experiences and those of others. They were there! He tells of those operators that endured the burning key, some witnessing the continued transmission without the aid of a power system, the batteries. Much of the event is documented in this first edition, close to the time of the great solar storm, not years later. Illustrations and whole chapters tell of the various telegraph systems, and there were many, some even with keyboards. Much seems so familiar to the modern age. The origins of teletype are within. It is amazing how much electrical information is in this book, there are fun stories as well, even a few jokes. For anyone interested in radio, electricity and the legacy of the cableships, this book is a must.