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Claude Chappe demonstrating his optical telegraph (semaphore) system in 1793 (c1870)
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Claude Chappe demonstrating his optical telegraph (semaphore) system in 1793 (c1870)
Claude Chappe demonstrating his optical telegraph (semaphore) system in 1793 (c1870). Chappes (1763-1805) system was in use in France and French colonies until about 1850. Every 5 to 10 miles men in a repeater tower read the message through a telescope, then relayed it to the next tower. From Les Merveilles de la Science by Louis Figuier. (Paris, c1870)
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Media ID 14864936
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Chappe Claude Claude Chappe Demo Demonstrating Demonstration Figuier Innovation Invention Louis Louis Figuier Oxford Science Archive Semaphore Signal Signalling Telegraphy Telescope
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - Claude Chappe demonstrating his revolutionary optical telegraph system in 1793. The image, taken around 1870, showcases the ingenuity and innovation of Chappes' invention that remained in use for nearly a century. In this scene, we see Chappes standing proudly beside his semaphore tower, surrounded by a group of fascinated onlookers. With the aid of a telescope, men stationed at repeater towers every 5 to 10 miles read the message transmitted through optical signals and then relayed it to the next tower. This groundbreaking method of communication revolutionized long-distance messaging in France and its colonies until approximately 1850. The photograph exudes an air of excitement as people witness firsthand the power of Chappes' creation. It serves as a testament to human curiosity and our relentless pursuit of progress even during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Preserved from Les Merveilles de la Science by Louis Figuier, this engraving transports us back to an era where scientific advancements were celebrated with awe and wonder. As we gaze upon this remarkable piece of history, we are reminded not only of Claude Chappe's brilliance but also how far humanity has come in terms of telecommunications technology.
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