2-799-078 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Telephone; a telegraphic alarum, 1844. A type of foghorn: 'The object of the '..."Telephone or Marine Alarum and Signal Trumpet", by Captain J. N. Taylor, R.N.', was to to '...convey sound signals to vessels at sea or in harbour; to transmit orders to and from torts and ships; to prevent collisions at sea, or on railroads; to transmit orders on the field of battle, from position to position, as an auxiliary to the duties of the aide-de-camp...who frequently rides with important despatches in the face of an enemy in great haste and imminent risk; to inform engine stations in case of fire; for alarms in dock-yards, &c.; and as a means of communication between the palaces and halls of the nobility and gentry... The principle of the Telephone is one of musical accord, composed of four alternate notes, given out separately, played like those of the cornet, and prolonged whilst the finger remains on the note'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.