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Building a Chappe telegraph station, c1793, (c1870)
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Building a Chappe telegraph station, c1793, (c1870)
Building a Chappe telegraph station, c1793, (c1870). Claude Chappes (1763-1805) optical telegraph station used a system of rope and pulleys operated inside the station which enabled the arms on the post to be moved into different semaphore positions. At the next station in the chain operators, using a telescope, would read the semaphore message, then pass it to the subsequent station. From Les Merveilles de la Science (The Wonders of Science), by Louis Figuier. (Paris, c1870)
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Media ID 14866016
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Bayonet Builder Building Site Chappe Claude Claude Chappe Construction French Revolution 1789 1799 Ladder Oxford Science Archive Pulley Rifle Rope Scaffold Scaffolding Semaphore Signalling Telecommunication Telecommunications Telegraph Wheelbarrow
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This print takes us back to the late 18th century, showcasing the construction of a Chappe telegraph station in France. The year is approximately 1793, during the time of the French Revolution. A group of men can be seen diligently working together to erect this innovative communication structure. The optical telegraph station designed by Claude Chappes revolutionized long-distance communication at that time. Using a system of ropes and pulleys operated inside the station, the arms on top of the post could be moved into different semaphore positions, allowing for coded messages to be transmitted across vast distances. In this image, we witness builders maneuvering scaffolding and ladders while carrying tools and materials necessary for constructing this important landmark. Their dedication to their craft is evident as they meticulously assemble each component with precision. This photograph not only captures a moment in history but also symbolizes progress and innovation in telecommunications during an era marked by rebellion and change. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come in terms of technology and connectivity. With its monochrome aesthetic, this print from Heritage Images transports us back to a pivotal period where human ingenuity was reshaping society's ability to communicate effectively over long distances.
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