The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1876-07-28
WASHINGTON, July s, 1876.
Fac-Simile Teleg raphy.

The one thing wanted in telegraphy by
| which a message may be practically trans
mitted over the wire and appear at the
distant terminus in the exact handwriting
| of the sender, has at last been accomplished
by an American electrician, Mr.. W. E.
Sawyer. The field opened to the tele-
graphic world by this invention is almost
without limit. The instruments are won
delfully simple in construction and easily
comprehended. The system is capable of
transmitting over single wire from so to
$50 words per minute, against possible
30 or 40 by the Morse system, which is
that now in common use. But by this
system a PERSONS own handwriting is
transmitted by telegraph the same as
though sent by mail, and, in brief, simply
accomplishes letter writing by telegraph.
In order to render its operation fully un-
derstood it may be described as follows
First, the sender of the message writes
it upon ordinary white paper the written
message is then laid upon metallic plate
and passed between two rollers, with the
effect of transferring the copy to the plate,
which may be done any time within ten
hours after writing. Then the plate con-
tanning the copy is placed upon semi
cylindrical holder which traverses the little
track, and the instrument is set in motion,
the whole operation up to this point having
been accomplished in less time than it
takes to write it; whereas, by the Morse
system, quite a number Of minutes elapse
before the message reaches the operator.
The metallic plato is conductor of cleo
tricity, while the lines Of writing are non
conductors. Over the cylindrical plate are
carried metallic points upon revolving
arms; whenever the point is upon the
metallic surface, the electric current passes
through to the wire the instant the point
touches line of writing, the connection is
broken and dot is made upon chemically
prepared paper, placed upon similar in
strument at the receiving point. The two
instruments operate synchronously-i. e..
the moment a point is passing over the
surface of one instrument, it is followed
exactly by the point on the other instru-
ment. An ingenious mechanical arrange
ment perfects the transmitting powers and
prevents the possibility Of one instrument
gaining over the other. At the same time
the points are moving over its surface, the
plate is moved slowly horizontally, SO that
the entire surface is traversed. The trans
ferred message is, of course, in reverse,
but is brought straight by running the
receiving instrument in an opposite direc
tion. Each instrument is fitted to either
receive or transmit at pleasure. The rate
Of speed varies according to the closeness
of the writing the points traversing the
entire surface OF the copy, it is immaterial
as to the number of words, only the space
they occupy requiring a given time to be
gone over. Ordinary writing will be trans
mitted at the rate of from so to 100 words
per minute.
The message, as received, is ready at
once for delivery, and appears in close,
dark blue dotted lines, on white paper.
There is no loss of time in counting the
words at the sending station, as is now the
case, nor delay in getting to the hand of
the operator +; but, in quarter of a min
nte's time from its being received, it IS |
silently speeding its way to its destination,
and automatically preparing itself for de-
livery. The wonderful facilities of the
system render it peculiarly adapted to a
large and hurried business. It is the fruit |
of many years close application, hence the
perfection with which ii makes its appear
ance.
The writer of message is, of course, as
usual, supplied with blanks. In the sys-
tenn proposed-and which is now being |
perfected by the company already formed
to utilize this great invention for what
ever may be written upon the blank he will
pay an invariable sum of money, if under |
$50 miles; if over, double that amount in |
stamps, to be furnished by the company,
and used the same as postage stamps. |
Whatever is written upon the blank, |
whether five words or fifty, will be sent for
the same amount. 1t is so much blank |
passing through the instruments, and no
is taken of it's contents.
A company called "The United States |
Postal Telegraph Company" has been in |
corporated under the laws of the State Of |
New York for the purpose of constr ructing |
lines and operating under the letters-patent |
granted to Mr.. SaWycr.-Boston Journal
of Commerce.