The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-04
Important T.l.gr.phle Iav.asloa.


MEssRs. EDIroRs A patent was issued on Tues
day last, the 18th inst. 10 Mr.. William s. Thomas,
Of Norwich, Chenango county, New York, for one OF
the most important and valuable inventions OF the
present age-the electro thermic telegraph. IL 10
an application OF heat, substitute for electrici-
ty or magnetism, in recording telegraphic commu-
nicatons and, in its practical operation, Is In no
respect inferior to the system OF either Morse or
Balm; while, on some accounts, it is superior 70
both. II has been thoroughly tested, and the wri-
ter has to believe, that, in the Patent Once,
it was subjected in all its parts to a rigid and
critical examination, than any invention for which
apatent has ever been obtained; yet, nothing was
found to throw the slightest doubt upon its origin
atty, or to conflict with II in the remotest degree.
Messrs. Renwick & Watson, the we'll known pa
tent agents of this city, prepared the specifications
and drawings, and transacted the business with
the Patent Office
have not time, nor have you room in your paper
to spare, to enable me to give minute description
OF the invention. But il may be stated that the heat
alphabet, and is generated by the electricity which
passes the wires Of the telegraph. The cleo
trcity, after it reaches the recording instrument is
conducted on to an attenuated platinum point, in
contact with the paper, which becomes instantly
heated, or as suddenly cold, according the cir
cult of electricity is made or broken; and the APP
plcaton Of the heat to the paper or other material
produces the necessary mark. Common dry paper
may be used for recording but that which has been
chemically prepared will probably be found to be
the best. In this way, substantially, the
suit IL produced as by Morse's or Bain's telegraph
but without the aid Of magnet, and without de-
composing salt, which peculiarities of the two
systems alluded to. and upon which they princi-
pay based. In all its details, in its provision for
signals, and in every thing connected with it's Prac
tica operation, il has been carefully considered, and
will be found to be as perfect it is possible to de-
SIRE
To the public, and the press particularly, this in
vention Is of the highest value Telegraphs are no
| longer mere convenience, they have become in
terwoven and identified with the business of the
| country, and can more be dispensed with than
mails or railroads. 1t is of the first Importance,
therefore, that the business of teegraphing shall be
open to honorable competition, in order that the
pursuits of trade and industry and the intelligence
necessary to the press may not be burdened with
| the intolerable exactions Of money loving mo-
| nopoy. This invention, whatever may be the
suit Of the suit now pending between Morse and
Balm, will prevent any such monopoly from spring
| ing into existence. Balm may be defeated upon
every issue, and yet Professor Morse will have a
competitor to contend with whose patent is beyond
the reach of litigation, because original as his
own, and against whom the terrors of the law will
be invoked in vain.
| 1t may be proper to add, that any communica-
ions the subject of his telegraph should for the
| present be addressed to Mr.. Thomas at Washing
ton where they will meet with the necessary atten
| tion.-N. Y. Farmer and Mechanic