AN IMPROVED ALPHABET OR CODE SYSTEM, AND MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING INTELLIGENCE BY VISIBLE, AUDIBLE, OR OTHER SIGNALS
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for an Invention of "AN IMPROVED
ALPHABET OR CODE SYSTEM, AND MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING
INTELLIGENCE BY VISIBLE, AUDIBLE, OR OTHER SIGNALS." A communication
from abroad by Charles G. Burke, of the City, County, and State of New
York, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark
"
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th December 1880.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. AN IMPROVED ALPHABET OR CODE SYSTEM, AND
MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING INTELLIGENCE BY VISIBLE, AUDIBLE,
OR OTHER SIGNALS." [A communication from abroad by Charles G. Burke, of the
City, County, and State of New York, United States of America.]
This Invention is based on the use of four characters differing in form or color,
which, when used in combination with a scale consisting of 3 horizontal parallel
equidistant lines and spaces, represent intelligible sounds convertible into words
and sentences, and which may be substituted for and made the equivalent of the
English language. The object of the Invention is to simplify and facilitate the
conveyance or expression of intelligence in all manners otherwise than by word of
mouth.
The characters used in the systein may be of any four different forms or colors,
or may be represented by any four different articles, expressions, sounds, or other
means of conveying an intelligible difference, but the simplest and most readily
comprehended characters are to be preferred.
The scale I employ in connection with the four characters I call the sound scale,
because to each of its positions is assigned a certain determined sound,.which sound
is assumed by that one of the 4 characters which may be placed in that position.

page_text: The sound scale has six gradations, corresponding respectively with the sound of
the vowels in the English language as ordinarily pronounced. The object of the
sound scale is to render unnecessary the use of any characters to represent vowel
sounds, it being such a qualification of the original character as to render
unnecessary any changes in its form. The position, or gradations of the scale imply
their sounds, so that it is readily seen and understood that a character placed in
any one position on the scale assumes or takes in addition to its own sound the
sound that attaches to such position on the scale, or, in other words, assumes a new
value while preserving its form unchanged.
The improved system of writing is susceptible of several modes of practical
application, one of which I will now proceed to describe.
The vowel or sound scale is composed of 3 parallel lines, which for convenience
I will distinguish by letters B, C, D, two spaces, which I will designate F, G,
between said lines, and one space, which I will designate H, above said lines, which
lines and spaces stand for the vowel sounds of the English language in the
following order-Line B is a, space F is e, line C is i, space G is o, line D is u,
and space H is y.
I employ 3 varieties of characters; the first set of characters, which I will term I,
consists of 4 circular differently colored figures, which are colored respectively red,
blue, green, and yellow. The second set of characters, which I will term J, consists
of one open circle O, a perpendicular stroke 1, and a right oblique stroke / and a
left oblique stroke \. The third set of characters, which I will term K, consists of
a bird, a fish, a quadruped, and a plant.
These several sets of characters are the equivalents of one another in the
perpendicular order in which they are placed, e.g., the red character, the open circle,
and the bird are equivalents, as are likewise the remaining characters in the same
order.
Relatively the characters may be designated as first, second, third, or fourth
place, or phonetically by 4 letters of the English alphabet, viz., N, D, V, L. The
sounds of the several characters are the following:-Those of the first on N place
have a sound identical with that pronounced in the enunciation of the letter N,
as ordinarily pronounced in the English language; those in the second or D place
have the sound of the English letter D, those of the third or V place have the
sound of the English V, and those of the fourth or L place have the sound of the
English L. The relative positions of the characters just described are only adopted
for convenience and are therefore arbitrary; consequently their positions relatively
to one another may be changed to the extent of the combinations that can be made
of the 4 characters.
I provide a key to this improved system for translating it into ordinary English
language, showing also the combination of two sets of characters with the sound
scale, viz (1) Characters differing in color; (2) characters differing in form, to
each of which is annexed the sound of the characters in the several positions on
the sound scale, and their pronunciation in the letters of the English alphabet.
The English alphabet consisting as it does of 26 letters, it is necessary, in order
to represent their equivalents in the four characters, to repeat the characters
as many times as is necessary to equal the said 26 letters, so that it will be seen
that their repetition in each position of the sound scale is indispensable when the
whole alphabet is shown, except in the third space H, where the second and third
place characters only are repeated, and these represent the sounds d and v, or their
equivalents and z.
To convert the character language into the English language, it is only necessary
to remember what letter of the English language corresponds with the character
sound used, and by combining such corresponding or equivalent letters together, the
desired word is formed. The four characters (N, D, V, L) independently of the sound
scale represent the first 4 letters of the English alphabet, while the remainder of
the alphabet is represented by the same characters in different positions on the
sound scale.

page_text: It is to be here noted that all the rules applicable to the English language are
likewise applicable to the character language, and that the same rules in
punctuation are to be observed; the punctuation marks are to be placed in the space
above the line D.
I will now describe one mode of practically applying this improved system of
writing and signalling as above described.
First, in the electric telegraphing through a galvanometer. The top of the
galvanometer is of ordinary construction, but has its dial plate graduated into 3
lines instead of the usual graduation into degrees. These 3 lines with the spaces
take the place on the dial of the 3 parallel lines and spaces of the sound scale, and
serve as a sound scale for the galvanometer. A 6 pointed indicator is attached to
the needle of the galvanometer. Four of the points of the indicator are colored
red, yellow, green, and blue respectively, to correspond to the set of characters I.
The said points are made to turn around the dial by the action of the electric current
on the needle of the galvanometer, to which they are designed to be attached in the
usual manner. The movement of the colored pointers to the lines and spaces of
the sound scale are intended to be the same in effect as placing the colored
characters themselves in the position which the said colored indicators may be made
to occupy, and will have the same signification. Thus if the red pointer is moved
to the first line, it will indicate the character sound of a red character, and also the
sound of the first vowel a, giving thus the sound of na, which sound represents the
English e. And so with the other colored pointers when moved on the lines and
spaces of the sound scale, they each signify the sound appropriate to its color, the
sound of the line or space to which it is moved on the sound scale, and the
equivalent letter of the English alphabet.
The colored pointers may be designated by numbers, as 1, 2, 3, 4, or in any other
manner. Other scales may also be placed on the dial, and the "character pointers'
may be made to indicate any meaning which may be agreed upon, as they are
brought respectively in the different positions of the scale. Numerals may be
expressed by the indicators in connection with the sound scale, it being first
necessary however to exhibit a character that by consent would signify that
numerals were to be expressed. This sign may be made, for instance, by exhibiting
the red pointer in the space above the third line, and the pointers would indicate
blue
numerals in connection with the scale as follows:-Red on first line, a cipher;
on first line, 1; green on first line, 2; yellow on first line, 3. On second line
red pointer would signify two ciphers; blue pointer, 4; green, 5; yellow, 6. Red on.
third line, three ciphers; blue on same line, 7; green on said line, 8; yellow on
said line, 9. Red in first space, 10; blue, 20; green, 40; yellow, 80. Red in second
space, 100; blue, 200; green, 400; yellow, 800. Yellow in space above third line
would indicate that the use of numerals was concluded.
The movements of the pointers are to be controlled as is ordinarily done with
galvanometers.
The Invention also comprises a dial and a 6 pointed indicator pivoted in the
centre of the dial, and having a free motion around said dial backward and forward,
which movements may be made by hand or otherwise. The letters of the English
alphabet are engraven or placed on said dial, and so arranged that when any one
of the four pointers of said indicator, upon which may be engraven or placed any
of the four characters hereinbefore referred to, or its equivalent is brought into
such a position with the sound scale, also engraven or placed on said dial, that it
would become the equivalent of a letter, as heretofore explained, then the one of
the pointers of the indicator upon which is found the legend or word "LETTERS,"
will point directly to the letter of the alphabet as arranged on the dial of which
said character when placed in such position upon the sound scale becomes the
equivalent. The ordinary figures of enumeration are also engraven or placed on
5 said dial, and in such a position thereon that when any of the four character
pointers of said indicator are brought into a relation to the sound scale, so as to
become the equivalent of a numeral, as heretofore explained, then the pointer upon
"

page_text: which is engraven or placed the legend or word "NUMBERS" will be in direct line
with and indicate the figure or numeral of which said pointer in such position has
become the equivalent, as heretofore explained. There are also series of markings
of the mariner's compass and their equivalents, as expressed by numerals or figures
engraven or placed on said dial, and so arranged that when one of the pointers of the
indicator, upon which is engraven or placed the terms NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST,
and their equivalent figures or numerals, is brought into combination with one of
the three lines of the sound scale or its equivalent and corresponding numeral, viz., 1,
2, or 3, as the case may be, then the pointer of the indicator upon which is found the
numeral or figure which corresponds with the numeral or figure found in the second
or middle row of the series of figures (above referred to as equivalents for the
points of the compass), and standing in direct line with such point of indicator,
will indicate the compass point of which the numbers so combined are the
equivalent.
There are marks in connection with the alphabet, which marks are explained by
a legend or words accompanying them to indicate that letters or numerals are to
be expressed, as the case may be. A code is also provided by which the lines and
spaces of the sound scale and the 4 characters berein before referred to may be
expressed by sounds differing in duration. In this code the long sound indicates
position on scale, the short sounds the characters; one long sound, or as it is termed
in telegraphy a dash, represents the first line of the sound scale; two immediately
successive long sounds or dashes the second line of the sound scale; and three
immediately successive long sounds or dashes the third line of the sound scale. A
pause or space between the long sounds or dashes becomes the equivalent of and
represents a corresponding space in the sound scale. One, two, three, and four short
sounds, or, as they are termed, dots, are the equivalents and representatives of the
first, second, third, and fourth characters. When the characters are expressed
without qualification as to position, or after a pause greater than that observed
between separate letters, they are to be understood as being in the space below the
first line of the sound scale.
This code is not an essential part of the dial, and need not be engraven or placed
thereon. Referring further to the dial and its indicator, the four character pointers
respectively have engraven or placed on them the letters N, L, V, D, the numerals
1, 2, 3, 4, the dot the right oblique stroke \, the left oblique stroke /, and the
perpendicular stroke . These four pointers are also partly colored red, yellow,
blue, and green respectively. The sound scale on the dial has attached to it the
vowels appropriate to its several positions as heretofore explained. Four dots occur
in the spaces, but they are not essential, and have no further value than to indicate
the point of correct position for the movement of the pointers to the spaces, and
therefore may be omitted. The figures 1, 2, 3, are placed opposite the three lines
of the sound scale, and are intended to define the relation of these lines one to the
other, and to be used as heretofore explained and described in connection with the
indicator in determining the points of the mariner's compass, as expressed by
equivalent numerals or figures.
The Invention also comprises a mariner's compass dial, having in addition to the
usual markings a ring or circle graduated or divided so as to correspond with the
32 divisions of the mariner's compass, such divisions being so numbered that an
emission of distinct sounds corresponding in number and order of succession with
such numbers can and will represent such divisions and numbers, and consequently
the compass points of which such divisions and numbers are the equivalents and
representatives.
The cardinal point N. or north is indicated by I., S. or south by II., E. or east
by III., and W. or west by IIII. One, two, three, and four distinct sounds may
therefore represent and indicate these four cardinal points respectively.
The points N.E. (north east), N.W. (north west), S.E. (south east), and S.W.
(south west), being combinations of two of the cardinal points, may be expressed
by a combination of the sounds which would represent the cardinal points so

page_text: combined. The remaining divisions of the numbered circle between the cardinal
and intermediate points are numbered 1, 2, 3, respectively; of these there are in
all 24, and they may be represented by 1, 2, and 3 distinct sounds, and as these
numbers or figures always occur between the cardinal and their intermediate
points, in defining a compass point lying between any such cardinal and inter-
mediate points, the cardinal point must first be indicated by its own appropriate
sound or sounds. Thus if the compass point N.N.E. (north north east) is to be
signalled or indicated by sound, the cardinal point N. (north) would be expressed
by a single distinct sound, the cardinal point E. (east) by 3 distinct sounds, and
the direct point by 2 distinct sounds, which 2 sounds would be the representative
of the figure 2 which corresponds with the desired point. If the point to
be indicated was N.W. by W. (north west by west), the position being more
westerly than northerly, the cardinal point dominating would first be given, and
therefore the signal would be for the west, 4 distinct sounds; for the north, 1
distinct sound; and for the direct point, 3 distinct sounds, such 3 sounds representing
the figure or numeral 3 which stands for the desired point. It is then to be
observed as an invariable rule that when signalling or indicating the points of the
compass other than the cardinal and intermediate points, the cardinal point lying
nearest to the point to be signalled or expressed must be the first indicated;
secondly, the cardinal point of the tending and prevailing course; and, lastly,
the direct compass point itself.
The numbered circle and its numbered divisions is called the "phonetic ring or
circle," because its divisions or marking are to be expressed and indicated by
sound. It may be used in a compass with or without a needle, its object being
to afford a ready and easy means of defining positions at sea or elsewhere where the
same cannot be ascertained through the ordinary channel of vision.
The Invention also comprises a signal code where the lines and spaces of the
sound scale and the 4 characters hereinbefore referred to are indicated by lights
differing in color, and by a combination of the colors in succession. The colors
and their combinations may be varied so long as they are made to clearly express
the four characters and their several positions on the sound scale, or those necessary
to express the letters which form the word or words required to convey the
information sought to be given.
The Invention further comprises a signal code by which, through the means of
flashes of light differing in duration, the sound scale and the four characters
hereinbefore referred to may be indicated. It will be observed that the long
flashes have a co-incident meaning with the long sound or dash in the phonetic
code before described and the short flashes that of the short sounds or dots.
The Invention also comprises a needle, cable, and flag signal code, wherein
movement or motion in differing directions becomes the equivalent of sound (for
the purposes as explained in the phonetic code before described), the up movement
in this code being the equivalent of the long sound or dash, and the down motion
the short sound or dot, their meaning in both cases being the same, the up move-
ments indicating the spaces of the sound scale being distinguished from those
indicating the lines by the intervals or pauses between them.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th June 1881.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "AN IMPROVED ALPHABET OR CODE SYSTEM, AND
MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING INTELLIGENCE BY VISIBLE, AUDIBLE,
OR OTHER SIGNALS." A communication from abroad by Charles G. Burke, of the
City, County, and State of New York, United States of America.
This Invention consists in the use of four characters, differing in form or color,
which when used in combination with a scale consisting of three horizontal parallel
equidistant lines and spaces, represent intelligible sounds, which are convertible into
words and sentences, and may be substituted for and made the equivalent of the
English language. The object of this Invention is to simplify and facilitate the
conveyance or expression of intelligence in all manners otherwise than by word of
mouth. The characters used in this system may be of any four different forms or
colors, or may be represented by any four different articles expressions, sounds, or
other means of conveying an intelligible difference, but the simplest and most
readily comprehended characters are to be preferred.
The scale I employ in connection with the four characters I call the sound scale,
because to each of its positions is assigned a certain determined sound, which sound
is assumed by that one of the four characters which may be placed in that position.
The sound scale has six gradations, corresponding respectively with the sound of
the vowels in the English language as ordinarily pronounced. The object of the
sound scale is to render unnecessary the use of any characters to represent vowel
sounds, it being such a qualification of the original character as to render unnecessary
any changes in its form; the position or gradations of the scale imply their sounds,
so that it is readily seen and understood that a character placed in any one position
on the scale assumes or takes in addition to its own sound the sound that attaches
to such position on the scale, or in other words assumes a new value while preserving
its form unchanged.
This improved system of writing is susceptible of several modes of practical
application, one of which I will now proceed to describe in connection with the
accompanying Drawings. Each Figure of the Drawings and all the parts of said
Figure will be described entire before proceeding to another Figure. The colors
employed to distinguish the characters are represented in the Drawings as follows :—
Red is represented by black; blue by a black circle; green by parallel perpendicular
lines; and yellow by parallel horizontal lines.
Referring to the Drawings, in Figure 1 is represented the vowel or sound scale;
it is composed of three parallel lines B, C, D, two spaces F, G, between said lines,
and one space H above said lines, which lines and spaces stand for the vowel sounds
of the English language in the following order :-Line B is a; space F is %; line C
is i; space G is o; line D is u; and space H is y.
In Figure 2 are represented three varieties of the characters I employ. The first
set of characters I consists of four circular differently colored figures a¹, b', c¹, d¹,
which are colored respectively red, blue, green, and yellow. The second set of
characters J consists of one open circle f, a perpendicular stroke g, and a right
oblique stroke h, and a left oblique stroke j. The third set of characters K. consists
of a bird k, a fish l, a quadruped m, and a plant n. These several jets of characters
are the equivalents of one another in the perpendicular order in which they are
placed; for example, the red character a¹, the open circle f, and the bird / are
equivalents, as are likewise the remaining characters in the same order. Relatively

page_text: the characters may be designated as first, second, third, or fourth place, as at L, or
phonetically by four letters of the English alphabet, viz., N, D, V, L, as at M. The
sounds of the several characters are the following:-Those of the first on N place
have a sound identical with that pronounced in the enunciation of the letter N as
ordinarily pronounced in the English language; those in the second or D place
have the sound of the English letter D; those of the third or V place have the
sound of the English V; and those of the fourth or L place have the sound of the
English L. The relative positions of the characters just described are only adopted
for convenience, and are therefore arbitrary, consequently their positions relatively
to one another may be changed to the extent of the combinations that can be made
of the four characters.
Figure 3 represents a key to this improved system for translating it into
ordinary English language, and also in this Figure is shown the combination of
two sets of characters with the sound scale, viz., (1) characters differing in color
(indicated in said Figure 3 by the marginal No. 1); (2) characters differing in form
(marginal No. 4). No. 2 shows the sound of the characters in the several positions
on the sound scale, and their pronunciation in the letters of the English alphabet.
The English alphabet consisting as it does of 26 letters it is necessary, in order to
represent their equivalents in these four characters, to repeat the characters as inany
times as is necessary to equal the said 26 letters, so that it will be seen that their
repetition in each position of the sound scale is indispensable when the whole
alphabet is shown, except in the third space (H, Figure 1) where the second and
third place characters (see Figure 2) only are repeated, and these represent the
sounds d and v, or their equivalents and z. Marginal No. 3 of Figure 3 indicates
the letters of the English alphabet which are the equivalent of the characters
indicated by marginal Nos. 1 and 4.
To convert the character language into the English language it is only necessary
to remember what letter of the English language corresponds with the character
sound used, and by combining such corresponding or equivalent letters together the
desired word is formed. By referring to those parts of Figure 3 opposite marginal
Nos. 1, 2, 3, it will be seen that the four characters (N, D, V, L), independently
of the sound scale, represent the first four letters of the English alphabet, while
the remainder of the alphabet is represented by the same characters in different
positions on the sound scale. The following is an example of the conversion of the
character language into English-Opposite marginal No. 9 the first character
word on the line is di, n, vi; opposite the marginal Nos. 1, 2, 3, we find that the
sound di is the equivalent of m, sound n of a, and vi of n, and these three letters
forming the word "man," consequently di, n, vi, is the character word for
" man.
In Figure 3 are also indicated by marginal Nos. 7, 8, 11, and 12, two sets of
characters combined into words and sentences Nos. 9 and 13 give the pronunciation
of the character words in Nos. 7, 8, 11, and 12, as illustrated by letters. Nos. 10
and 14 give the meaning in the English language.
It is to be here noted that all the rules applicable to the English language
are likewise applicable to the character language, and that the same rules in
punctuation are to be observed; the punctuation marks are to be placed in the
space above the line D.
I will now describe one method of practically applying the improved system of
writing and signalling as above described. First, in the electric telegraphing
through a galvanometer. Figure 4 represents the top of a galvanometer of ordinary
construction, but having its dial plate A' graduated into three lines f',g', h¹, instead
of the usual graduation into degrees. These three lines with the spaces i, j, k,
take the place on the dial of the three parallel lines and spaces of the sound scale
shown in Figure 1, and serve as a sound scale B for the galvanometer. D' is a
six pointed indicator designed to be attached to the needle (not shown) of the
galvanometer. Four of the points of the indicator are colored to correspond to the
characters I in Figure 2, thus is red, m¹ is yellow, n' is green, and o¹ is blue.

page_text: The said points are made to turn around the 'dial by the action of the electric
current on the needle of the galvanometer, to which they are designed to be
attached in the usual manner. The movement of the colored pointers l', m¹, n¹, o¹,
to the lines and spaces of the sound scale B¹ are intended to be the same in effect
as placing the colored characters (I, Figure 2) in the position which the said colored
indicators may be made to occupy, and will have the same signification. Thus if
the red pointer is moved to the line fit will indicate the character sound of a
red character (a¹, Figure 2), and also the sound of the first vowel a giving thus the
sound of "na," which sound represents the English e (see Figure 3). And so with
the other colored pointers when moved on the lines and spaces of the sound scale,
they each signify the sound appropriate to its color, as shown by the characters I in*
Figure 2, the sound of the line or space to which it is moved on the sound scale,
and the equivalent letter of the English alphabet, as shown in Figure 3. The
colored pointers may be designated by numbers, as 1, 2, 3, 4, or in any other
nanner. Other scales may also be placed on the dial and the "character pointers
may be made to indicate any meaning which may be agreed upon as they are
brought respectively in the different positions of the scale.
"
Numerals may be expressed by the indicators in connection with the scale B¹, it
being first necessary however to exhibit a character that by consent would signify
that numerals were to be expressed. This sign may be made, for instance, by
exhibiting the red pointer in the space above the line ¹, and the pointers would
indicate numerals in connection with the scale as follows:-Red (¹) on line f¹, a
cypher blue (o) on line f¹, 1; green (n¹) on line f¹, 2; yellow (m') on line f¹, 3.
On line g¹ red pointer (1) would signify two ciphers; blue pointer (o), 4;
green (n'), 5; yellow (m²), 6. Red on line h¹ three ciphers; blue (o) on same
line, 7; green (n¹) on said line, 8; yellow (m¹) on said line, 9. Red in space i¹, 10;
blue, 20; green, 40%; yellow, 80. Red in space j¹, 100; blue, 200; green, 400;
yellow, 800. Yellow above line h¹ in space k' would indicate that the use of
numerals was concluded.
The movements of the pointers are to be controlled, as is ordinarily done with
galvanometers.
In Figure 5 the word "welcome" is shown as written in the three kinds of
characters illustrated in Figure 2, the phonetic equivalents N, D, V, L, of those
characters, the syllables which the characters spell out, and the letters of the
English alphabet corresponding.
Figure 6 represents a dial A and a six pointed indicator B pivoted in the centre
of dial A, and having a free motion around said dial backward and forward, which
movements may be made by hand or otherwise. C shows the letters of the
English alphabet engraved or placed on said dial A, and so arranged that when any
one of the four pointers of said indicator B (upon which may be engraved or
placed any of the four characters shown in Figure 2 or its equivalent) is brought
into such a position with the sound scale D also engraven or placed on said dial A,
that it would become the equivalent of a letter, as heretofore shown and explained,
then the one of the pointers of the indicator B upon which is found the legend or
word 'LETTERS" will point directly to the letter of the alphabet, as arranged
at C, of which such character when placed in such position upon the sound scale
becomes the equivalent E shows the ordinary figures of enumeration engraven or
placed on said dial A, and in such a position thereon, that when any of the four
character pointers of said indicator B are brought into a relation to the sound
scale D, so as to become the equivalent of a numeral, as heretofore shown and
explained, then the pointer upon which is engraved or placed the legend or word
"NUMBERS" will be in direct line with and indicate the figure or numeral of
which said pointer in such position has become the equivalent, as heretofore
explained. F and G are respectively a series of markings of the mariner's compass
and their equivalents as expressed by numerals or figures engraven or placed on
said dial A, and so arranged that when one of the pointers of the indicator B upon
which is engraven or placed the terms North, South, East, West, and their

page_text: equivalent figures or numerals is brought into combination with one of the three
lines of the sound scale D or its equivalent and corresponding numeral, viz., 1, 2,
or 3, as the case may be, then the pointer of the indicator B upon which is found
the numeral or figure which corresponds with the numeral or figure found in the
second or middle row of figures arranged at G, and standing in direct line with
such point of indicator B, will indicate the compass point of which the numbers so
combined are the equivalent, and as shown at G and F.
+
The marks found in connection with the alphabet C are explained by the
legend or words which accompany them. H is a code by which the lines and
spaces of the sound scale, as shown in Figure 1, and the four characters shown in
Figure 2 may be expressed by sounds differing in duration. In code H the long
sound indicates the position or scale, the short sounds the characters. It will be
observed that one long sound, or as it is termed in telegraphy a dash, represents
the first line of the sound scale; two immediately successive long sounds or dashes,
the second line of the sound scale, and three immediately successive long sounds
or dashes, the third line of the sound scale. It will also be observed, referring to
code H, that a pause or space between the long sounds or dashes becomes the
equivalent of and represents a corresponding space in the sound scale. Referring
further to code H it will be noted that one, two, three, and four short sounds, or as
they are termed dots, are the equivalents and representatives of the first, second,
third, and fourth characters, as shown in Figure 2.
When the characters are
expressed without qualification as to position, or after a pause greater than that
observed between separate letters, they are to be understood as being in the space
below the first line of the sound scale. Code H is not an essential part of dial A,
and need not be engraven or placed thereon. Referring further to dial A and
indicator B, Figure 6, it will be observed that the four character pointers have
engraven or placed on them the letters N, L, V, D; the numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, the
dot, the right oblique stroke, the left oblique stroke /, and the perpendicular
stroke I, as shown in Figure 2. These four pointers are also partly colored red,
yellow, blue, and green respectively, in order, red, yellow, green, and blue, as shown
in Figure 5. It will also be observed that the sound scale D, in dial A, has
attached to it the vowels appropriate to its several positions, as heretofore
explained. Four dots occurring in the spaces will also be observed, but they are
not essential, and have no further value than to indicate the point of correct
position for the movement of the pointers to the spaces and therefore may be
omitted. The Figures 1, 2, 3 (2 not shown), placed opposite the three lines of the
sound scale D are intended to define the relation of these lines one to the other,
and to be used as heretofore explained and described in connection with the
indicator B in determining the points of the mariner's compass as expressed by
equivalent numerals or Figures. The dial A with its several markings, together
with the six pointed indicator B and its several markings, is called a " kosmograph
or "cosmograph."
"
Figure 7 is a representation of the ordinary mariner's compass having in addition
to the usual markings the ring or circle C graduated or divided so as to correspond
with the thirty two divisions of the mariner's compass, such divisions being so
numbered that an emission of distinct sounds, corresponding in number and order
of succession with such numbers, can and will represent such divisions and numbers,
and consequently the compass points of which such divisions and numbers are the
equivalents and representatives. It will be observed that the cardinal point N or
north is indicated by I., S. or south by II., E. or east by III., and W. or west by IIII.
One, two, three, and four distinct sounds may therefore represent and indicate
these four cardinal points respectively. The points N.E. (north east), N.W. (north
west), S.E. (south east), and S.W. (south west) being combinations of two of the
cardinal points may be expressed by a combination of the sounds which would
represent the cardinal points so combined. The divisions of circle C numbered
1, 2, 3, respectively, and of which there are in all twenty-four, may be represented
by one, two, and three distinct sounds, and as these numbers or figures always

page_text: occur between the cardinal and their intermediate points in defining a compass
point lying between any such cardinal and intermediate points, the cardinal point
must first be indicated by its own appropriate sound or sounds. Thus if the
compass point N.N.E. (north north east) is to be signalled or indicated by sound,
the cardinal point N. (north) would be expressed by a single distinct sound, the
cardinal point E. (east) by three distinct sounds, and the direct point by two
distinct sounds, which two sounds would be the representative of the Figure 2,
which corresponds with the desired point as shown in phonetic circle C, Figure 7.
If the point to be indicated was N.W. b.W. (north west by west), the position being
more westerly than northerly, the cardinal point dominating would first be given,
and therefore the signal would be for the west four distinct sounds, for the north
one distinct sound, and for the direct point three distinct sounds, such three sounds
representing the figure or numeral 3, which stands for the desired point in circle C,
Figure 7. It is then to be observed as an invariable rule that when signalling or
indicating the points of the compass other than the cardinal and intermediate
points, the cardinal point lying nearest to the point to be signalled or expressed
inust be the first indicated'; secondly, the cardinal point of the tending and prevailing
course, and, lastly, the direct compass point itself.
The circle C and its numbered divisions is called the "phonetic ring or circle,"
because its divisions or marking are to be expressed and indicated by sound. It
may be used in a compass, with or without a needle, its object being to afford a
ready and easy means of defining positions at sea or elsewhere where the same
cannot be ascertained through the ordinary channel of vision.
Figure 8 is a signal code where the lines and spaces of the sound scale and the
four characters, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, are indicated by lights differing in
color, and by a combination of the colors in succession, as shown. The colors and
their combinations may be varied so long as they are made to clearly express the
four characters, and their several positions on the sound scale, or those necessary to
express the letters which form the word or words required to convey the information
sought to be given.
Figure 9 is a signal code by which, through the means of flashes of light differing
in duration, the sound scale in Figure 1 and the four characters in Figure 2 may
be indicated. It will be observed that the long flashes have a coincident meaning
with the long sound or dash in the phonetic code, Figure 6, and the short flashes
that of the short sounds or dots.
Figure 10 is a signal code wherein movement or motion in differing directions
becomes the equivalent of sound (for the purposes as shown in the phonetic code,
Figure 6), the up movement in this code being the equivalent of the long sound or
dash, and the down motion the short sound or dot, their meaning in both cases
being the same.
Figure 11 shows the four characters in their respective positions on the sound
scale, and their mutual relation to one another whilst representing all the letters of
the English alphabet.
Having described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I would observe that I am aware that it is not new to communicate ideas
by means of a few characters differing in form or position in relation to one or
more horizontal lines, nor to indicate the letters of the alphabet, and the points of
the mariner's compass, nor the figures of enumeration by sounds or movements,
and these I do not claim broadly, but what I do claim as the Invention to be
protected by the hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent is,-
1st. An alphabet consisting of four characters differing in form or color, three
horizontal parallel lines, and the spaces between, above, and below said lines, the
lines and the spaces together representing the vowel sounds, and forming the sound
scale, as shown and described.
2nd. In combination with the alphabet composed as described the dial A, as
shown in Figure 4, graduated into the three lines f, g, h, and the six pointed
indicator D, substantially as shown and described, and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: 3rd. In further combination with said alphabet the dial A with its several lines,
circles, and markings, together with the indicator B having six pointers with their
several markings, as shown in Figure 6, and known and termed together a
kosmograph."
"
4th. The ring or circle C, shown in the mariner's compass in Figure 7, with its
numbered divisions, in combination with such compass, and with the cosmograph,
when used to define the signalled or indicated points of said compass, as described
and for the purpose set forth.
5th. The phonetic code in Figure 6, the code for colored lights in Figure 8, the
code for flashes of light differing in duration, shown in Figure 9, and the code for
the use of movements or motion in differing. directions, as shown in Figure 10, in
combination with said alphabet, substantially as described and for the purposes set
forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty-one.
A M CLARK (LS)