Copper station, Nine Elms, Telegraph, 1844. Creator: Unknown

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Copper station, Nine Elms, Telegraph, 1844. Creator: Unknown

Copper station, Nine Elms, Telegraph, 1844. Such is its velocity, that when this [Electric Printing Telegraph] shall be laid down the entire line, the time occupied in the transit of a message, from Nine Elms to Portsmouth, and receiving the answer in town, will not exceed two minutes and a quarter...Two instruments, precisely similar, are placed, one at Wimbledon, the other at Nine Elms; the only connexion between them being a single copper wire, conveyed in a thin layer of asphalte. Beneath or near the machine, at Nine Elms, imbedded in the earth, and attached to the apparatus by a copper wire is a plate of copper; and, in like manner, at Wimbledon, a plate of zinc; and these, with the action of the earths moisture, form a natural battery, complete the electric circuit, and cause the telegraph to perform its various functions. From " Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I

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Media ID 20369897

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Copper Electricity Machine Machinery Telecommunication Telecommunications Telegraph Weight Black And Illustrated London News

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Nine Elms

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Wimbledon

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Copper station at Nine Elms Telegraph in 1844. The creator of this remarkable piece remains unknown, but its historical significance cannot be denied. In an era where communication was slow and arduous, this Electric Printing Telegraph revolutionized the way messages were transmitted. The image depicts two identical instruments placed at Wimbledon and Nine Elms, connected by a single copper wire coated with asphalte. However, what truly sets this telegraph apart is its incredible velocity. According to reports from the time, when the entire line is laid down, it will take no more than two minutes and a quarter for a message to travel from Nine Elms to Portsmouth and receive an answer in town. The technology behind this marvel lies beneath or near the machine at Nine Elms - a plate of copper embedded in the earth connected by a copper wire to another plate of zinc at Wimbledon. With the assistance of moisture in the earth's soil acting as a natural battery, these components complete an electric circuit that enables various functions of this telegraph. This engraving originally appeared in "Illustrated London News" back in 1844 during Britain's Victorian era. It serves as both a testament to human ingenuity and technological advancement during that time period. As we gaze upon this image today, we are reminded of how far telecommunications have come since then while appreciating our ability to instantly communicate across vast distances with ease thanks to modern innovations inspired by such early pioneers like those responsible for Copper station at Nine Elms Telegraph.

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