Reis telephone, 19th century
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Reis telephone, 19th century
Reis telephone. This rudimentary telephone by the German inventor Johann Philipp Reis (1834-1874) was first built in 1860 and was based on the principle of magnetostriction. Wire coiled around iron cores and needles caused contraction when current flowed (from batteries, upper left), producing an audible click in a resonator. However, the sounds were faint, and there was little interest in the invention. The practical development of the telephone was achieved by others, such as Alexander Graham Bell. Artwork from the eighth volume (second period of 1891) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree
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Media ID 6363421
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1860 1891 Annual Volume Batteries Coiled Communication Communications Device Diagram Early Electric Electrical French German Germany La Science Illustree Louis Figuier Machine Magazine Pioneering Popular Science Telecommunication Telecommunications Telephone Weekly Wires Laboratory Mono Chrome Physical Rudimentary Speaking Tube
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Reis telephone, a remarkable invention from the 19th century. Created by German inventor Johann Philipp Reis in 1860, this rudimentary telephone was based on the principle of magnetostriction. The device consisted of wire coiled around iron cores and needles, which would contract when current flowed through them. This contraction produced an audible click in a resonator, enabling communication. Despite its ingenuity, the sounds emitted by the Reis telephone were faint, resulting in little interest at that time. However, it laid the foundation for further advancements in telecommunication technology achieved by pioneers like Alexander Graham Bell. The monochrome artwork featured here is extracted from La Science Illustree, a popular French science weekly published during the late 19th century. It beautifully captures this early electric device's intricate design and illustrates how it functioned within a laboratory setting. This historical artifact serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of technological progress throughout history. Its significance lies not only in its pioneering nature but also as part of our collective scientific heritage. As we marvel at this primitive telephone today, we appreciate how far we have come since then – from these humble beginnings to modern-day telecommunications systems that connect people across vast distances instantaneously.
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