Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-04-10
TeleYision.


ton given last Friday of the newly
devised system of "television" the
apparatus has been returned TO the
laboratories of the telephone company
for further development and perfec'
ton. No announcement has been
made as to the length of time which
it is expected that this process win
cover. No element of time. indeed.
enters into the equation. There re-
mains now merely the solution of Ger
tain problems, of the conquest Of
which there can be no doubt.
The fact is established that vision
is not limited by space, just as it was
long ago demonstrated that hearing is
unlimited. Fifty years ago the first
telephone was developed. 1t has re-
quired a half century to produce the
mechanism requisite to extend the
power of the eye in manner similar
to that in which the power Of the ear
has been increased.
The first steam engine was crude
in comparison with present-day ap.
paratus for the transformation of
power into motion. The first steam
ship was clumsy affair. The first
locomotive was weak and slow. The
first electric motor was noisy and err
ratio. The first telegraph was limited
in range and In accommodation. The
first radio was merely a curiosity.
The first motion picture was flicker
ing. tantalizing stimulation of photo
graphic action. The first vocal repro
ducing machine was rasping, re-
stricted innovation. The first flying.
machine was a dangerous, short
ranged continuance.
Compared with these beginnings
the present-day devices, all in con.
slant. daily and practical use. are mar.
wells of perfection. Television is in a
far more advanced stage, even in its
initial condition, than were any of
these mechanical miracles. There re-
mains, while the apparatus itself is
being perfected and perhaps simplified.
the question of the uses to which it
may be put.
At present it is little more than
curiosity. But what a remarkable
curiosity! The reproduction of the
face of a person speaking hundreds
of miles away appears before the eye
of the listener to that persons voice.
1t is idle to speculate upon the posi-.
bilities Of the development of this
principle. For the fact remains that
the power of the eye has been multi
piled hundreds--thousand times.
Vision has been extended infinitely.
Science does not concern itself over
the commercial possibilities of the re-
suits Of its research and invention.
The product Of long and painstaking
laboratory endeavor may be at the
outset merely toy. But today's toy
is likely to be tomorrow's utility of
the highest value. Fortunately it is
now possible, through the possession
and the application Of large financial
means, to concentrate research upon
certain detectives without thought
for the yield Of dividends.
Yet 1t Is clearly recognized that
every new fact. every new applica
ton, every new device, has its value
immediate or ultimate. Successive In
ventions and discoveries have proved
that the supposed physical limits OF
human activity and comprehension dc
not in fact exist. There are no bar
rierg that may not be swept away by
some freshly contrived combination Of
natural forces.
The generation now in its teens may
witness marvels of which the older
generation now merely dreams. There
is no doubt that television will find
its use even before the latter group
has passed away.