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Casellis pantelegraph of 1865, (c1870)
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Casellis pantelegraph of 1865, (c1870)
Casellis pantelegraph of 1865, (c1870). Invented by the Italian Giovanni Caselli (1815-1891), this precursor of the Fax machine was used on some French railway lines from 1865-1870. At the sending station the dispatch was written or drawn on a sheet of metallized paper in thick insulating ink and placed on a curved plate. At the receiving station a sheet of paper impregnated with potassium ferrocyanide was placed on a plate and a stylus produced an image on the impregnated paper. From Les Merveilles de la Science (The Wonders of Science) by Louis Figuier. (Paris, c1870)
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Media ID 14866010
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Caselli Giovanni Oxford Science Archive Railways Telecommunication Telecommunications Pantelegraph
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Casellis pantelegraph of 1865, a groundbreaking invention by Italian innovator Giovanni Caselli. Dating back to the late 19th century, this precursor to the modern Fax machine played a crucial role in revolutionizing communication on French railway lines from 1865 to 1870. The image depicts the intricate process involved in transmitting messages using this remarkable device. At the sending station, dispatches were meticulously written or drawn on metallized paper with thick insulating ink before being placed on a curved plate. On the receiving end, another plate held a sheet of paper impregnated with potassium ferrocyanide while a stylus skillfully produced an image on it. This engraving is part of Les Merveilles de la Science (The Wonders of Science) by Louis Figuier and offers us a glimpse into an era where telecommunication was still in its infancy. The monochrome aesthetic adds an air of nostalgia and highlights the Victorian charm associated with technological advancements during that time. Giovanni Caselli's ingenuity paved the way for future developments in telecommunications and transportation systems. This print serves as both a testament to his pioneering spirit and as a reminder of how far we have come since then. It is truly fascinating to witness such early innovations that laid the foundation for our modern means of communication.
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