IMPROVE- MENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRADING AND ADDAD AMITODO EMPLARED FOODDIY TELEGRAPHS AND IN APPARATUSES EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Hickling Burnett, of Margaret Street, in
the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRADING AND ADDAD AMITODO EMPLARED FOODDIY"
Sealed the 2nd December 1856, and dated the 2nd July 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Hickling Burnett
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 2nd July 1856.
I, WILLIAM HICKLING BURNETT, of Margaret Street, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS AND IN APPARATUSES EMPLOYED
THEREIN," to be as follows:-
My Invention refers, firstly, to the working of either of two needles or
indicators, that may be desired, by means of electric currents with one circuit
instead of two, as now required.
Secondly, to the working of either or both of two needles or indicators, as
may be desired, with only one circuit, as it is now done with two circuits.
Thirdly, to the working of four or more needles or pointers, as may be
desired, with only one circuit.
Fourthly, to the working of a single needle or pointer, with much greater
rapidity than is now customary.

page_text: Fifthly, to the working of needles or indicators to different distances with a
single swing, and not by a step-by-step motion, as is now usual, whereby a
single beat can be made to indicate what in needle telegraphs is now indicated
by several beats, distance being substituted for repetition. The indicator being
made to go over one, two, three, or more divisions of space, instead of going
and returning a number of times over the same space, the number of beats
becomes so diminished that a person can read off considerably more signals in
the same time than at present.
Sixthly, to new arrangements of the needles or pointers, and of the signs or
signals indicated, whereby their action is rendered more distinct and easier to
be read by the person receiving the communication, whereby the resistance of
the coils is diminished, and whereby the injurious effects of atmospheric
electricity are diminished.
Seventhly, to the application at pleasure to the improved telegraph, or to
parts thereof, of chemically recording or other recording apparatus.
And, eighthly, to the application at pleasure to the improved telegraph,
at the sending end, of a mechanically recording apparatus, worked by the
manipulator, and independent of the electric current.
The first-named improvements are effected by the use, at the sending end
of the telegraph, of novel arrangements of the manipulator, conjointly, in the
three first-named and fifth cases, with the interposition, at the receiving end, of
an apparatus, which I call a selecting apparatus, between the beating needles
and the line and earth wires, and which I will now describe.
To work either of two needles at pleasure with one circuit, I interpose
between the coils of the indicating needles or pointers and the line and earth
wires a sort of galvanometer, or small electro-magnet, acting on a permanent
magnet or magnets, which contrivance I call a selector, and the use of which
is to choose the needle or pointer intended to be worked, and to open a road to
the electric fluid around its coils, so that the next current sent may cause that
needle or pointer to beat in either required direction; thus, if the positive
current causes the selecter to open a road round the coils of the right needle,
and the negative current cause the selecter to open a road round the coils of
the left needle, and if a second positive current cause a right beat and the
second negative current a left beat of the selected needle; then the positive
current being designated by P, and the negative current by N, the operation is
as follows:-
PP: the first P opens right needle circuit, and closes that round the
selecter; the second P causes a right beat of the selected needle, closes the
circuit round it, and when required reopens circuit round selecter.

page_text: PN the first P opens right needle circuit, and closes that round the
selecter; the second current N causes a left beat of the selected needle, closes
the circuit round it, reopening that round the selecter.
NP: the first N opens left needle circuit, and closes that round the selecter;
the second current P causes a right-hand beat of the selected needle, closes the
circuit round it, reopening that round the selecter.
NN: the first N opens the left needle circuit, and closes that round the
selecter; the second N causes a left beat of the selected needle, closes
the circuit round it, reopening that round the selecter.
Thus it will be seen that in this arrangement two currents are required to
cause one beat of either needle; the first of the two selecting the needle, the
second causing the beat and preparing the selecter to renew its offices, and
according to the order of the currents sent will be the needle brought into
action and the nature of the beat.
By the second improvement named, the operator can also not only work
either needle at pleasure, but can also work the two needles simultaneously.in
any direction; but here more that one selecter is required; here the first
current causes the first selecter to choose and open a circuit round one of other
two selecters, which in this case I call singles or doubles selecters; the business
of the singles selecter being to choose either the right or left needle, that of
the doubles selecter to choose odd or even motions of both needles, meaning
by odds, motions of the needles to or from each other, thus of
by evens, parallel motions of the needles, thus
08.00
1; and
Supposing, therefore, the first positive current to select the singles selecter,
and the first negative current to select the doubles selecter, the second positive
current to select the right needle, and the second negative the left after
singles have been chosen, or the second positive current to select evens and
the second negative odds when doubles have been first selected; and supposing
the third P to cause right beats or inward movements of the double needles,
and the third N left beats or outward movements of the double needles, the
following would be the operation of 8 series of 3 currents:-
PPP first P selects singles selecter, opens its circuit, closes that of first
selecter; the second P selects the right needle, opens its circuit, closes that
of singles selecter; the third P causes a right beat, and replaces the circuits as
at first.
PPN: the operations are the same as with PPP, except that the beat
is to the left.
PNP: the same as PPP. excent that the operation is with the left needle.

page_text: NPP: the first N selects doubles selecter, opens its circuit, closes that of
first selecter; the next current P selects doubles, opens the circuit round both
needles in the same direction and closes the circuit of doubles selecter; the
next P causes both needles to make a right beat.
NPN the same, except that the two needles make a left beat.
NNP: first N the same; second N selects odds instead of evens; then P
causes an inward movement 0
NNN: all the same, except that the movement of the two needles is
outward, thus
It will be seen that with eight sets of these currents we can get by means of
selecters with one circuit all the movements of two needles that are now
obtained with two circuits. If it be required to work four needles alternately,
the selecter called doubles may be used to choose two other needles, instead of
opening the odds and evens circuits round the two first needles, and more needles
than four can be worked at pleasure by adding selecters and currents, and
adapting the opening and closing of the circuits to the wants of the operator;
indeed a great variety of combination can be effected by these selecters.
The fifth improvement named is also effected by these selecters, and may
be accomplished by having various needles or electro-magnets, each of which
causes the pointer to move over different distances, and according to the
selection made will be the length of beat.
In the system of selecters I have just described of course it is absolutely
necessary that each pulsation of the current should do the duty intended for it
and no more. In order to insure this, I do not make use of the current itself
to open and shut the circuits, but only to put the circuit changing machinery
in such a position, that when the current has ceased, and the attracted armatures
return to their state of rest, this machinery shall open or close the required
circuits, whereby, however long a current may last, none of it can ever get into
the new circuit, for which it is not intended.
I will now describe the nature of the improvements in the manipulator, by
which I am enabled to send the currents necessary to work the several selecters
and needles used with only one circuit in the same time as the needles are now
worked with two circuits or more, and by which I am enabled to accomplish
the fourth improvement, namely, working a single needle with much greater
rapidity than is now usual.
In the present needle telegraphs it is customary for each beat of the needle
to be produced by one beat of the hand; and although the action of the electric
current and its power of moving light bodies is far more rapid, it is usual to
limit its working action in needle telegraphs to one movement of the indicator

page_text: for one of the hand, and that whether the current be caused by galvanism,
magneto-electricity, or otherwise.
In cases where I work more than one needle through a single circuit
I usually do the same thing, viz., cause one beat of the hand to produce
one beat of the needle, and in the same direction as the hand beats, as is
now the custom; but in giving this beat of the hand I cause two, three,
four, or more pulsations of the current to pass along the wire, so that in
consequence of the rapidity with which magnetization and demagnetization
takes place, the intermediate actions of the selecters and the beat of the
indicator take place in the same time as is now consumed in causing the
beat alone. Thus, if two needles only are alternately worked, two currents
must be passed for each beat; if two needles are worked alternately or simul-
taneously, three, and so on, the chief advantages being the great pecuniary
saving caused by the substitution of one circuit for two or more, and the
simplification of the alphabet; but when I only work one needle or indicator
without selecters, I cause several beats to be made with a single motion of the
hand, and in almost all cases I make use of the returning motion of the hand
as well as the going movement to create the desired currents, which must be
arranged in each manipulator in accordance with the signals intended to be
made at the receiving end. The arrangements therefore are very various, and
the principle may be applied to manipulators for one or both hands, or one
hand only, combined with keys for one or more fingers of the other hand, &c.
The general object is to reduce movements at both the sending and receiving
ends, in order to convey intelligence more rapidly by needle or indicating
telegraphs.
If it is required to work two needles with the same manipulations and
indications as is now customary, all that is necessary is to send such series of
currents as will cause similar motions of the needle at the receiving end by
similar motions of the hands; thus, a person accustomed to certain motions
and indications will be able to work with the one circuit precisely as he now
does with two.
The next improvements referred to are those in the needles, pointers, &c.
They are various, but chiefly consist in hanging the needles or pointers as nearly
as possible on their centres of gravity, instead of giving a preponderating weight
at one end, as is now usual, and causing them to lift small weights, light springs,
or similar resistances, whose motions are limited, and which serve to bring the
needles to their position of rest after they have done their work without the
vibration now more or less usual; also in new arrangements and forms of
electro-magnets, needles, and coils, the object of which is that a smaller

page_text: length of coil should be required than is now the case, and consequently a
diminution of resistance to the current; also the substitution in certain cases of
electro-magnets kept with fixed polarities by a small local battery for the per-
manent magnets or needles now used, the coils or electro-magnets, giving them
motion, being acted on by the current from the distant station, or vice versa,
the local battery keeping a constant current round the large coils or electro-
magnets; or the substitution for them of strong permanent magnets, the small
coil round the small piece of iron intended to be set in motion alone receiving
its current from the distant station, whereby the resistance will be diminished;
and demagnetization by lightning avoided. Some of these improvements are
applicable to alarums; also in the use of distinctive colors to assist the eye of
the sender and receiver; also in the use of screens to hide the movements of the
needle, except at one of its ends when making the beat to assist in forming
the signals, &c.; all which last-named improvements have for their object to
aid the eye in sending and reading signals, so that a greatly increased number
of signals than is now possible can be made effective in a given time.
My next improvement consists in the addition to my improved telegraph or
parts thereof, at pleasure, of a recording apparatus, chemical or otherwise.
And my last improvement consists in fixing on the shaft or shafts of my new
manipulator studs corresponding with the breaks of the current, which by
means of levers and other apparatus advance the paper duly, and cause pricks
or marks to be made on it or other suitable materials, which marks represent
the letters or signals that are sent, and imprint them by the motion of the
hands. This apparatus can be used, or not, at the pleasure of the operator.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Hickling Burnett in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 2nd January 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
HICKLING BURNETT, of Margaret Street, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman;
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Second day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said William Hickling Burnett, Her special licence that I, the said William

page_text: Hickling Burnett, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said William Hickling Burnett, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS AND IN APPARATUSES
EMPLOYED THEREIN," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
William Hickling Burnett, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Hickling Burnett, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto
annexed, that is to say:-
My improvements in electric telegraphs, and in apparatuses employed
therein, have reference to certain contrivances, by which I am enabled to
work different needles or indicators, as well as chemical or other recording
machinery, electively, with only one wire; to arrangements at the transmitting
end, by which I am enabled to send quickly and certainly the various cur-
rents required for working such apparatuses, needles, recording instruments,
&c.; to novel arrangements of the needles or indicators themselves, as well as
the coils and magnets used to set them in motion; and to certain mechanical
registering or recording machinery at the transmitting end.
And in order that my Invention may be well understood, I will proceed to
describe it with reference to the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, Sheet 1, are Diagrams, intended to give a general
idea of the uses of certain apparatuses which I call selecters, because their
function is to select and open certain channels for the electric fluid to pass,
and thereby to enable us to send the current to any one of several needles,
indicators, or recorders that we may desire, and which apparatuses I shall
afterwards describe in detail.
A, Figure 1, Sheet 1, is a top view, and A, Figure 2, Sheet 1, a side
view, of an electro-magnet of the ordinary form. 1 and 2 are small per-
manent magnets, moveable on springs b, or otherwise set with their upper

page_text: poles near to and facing the poles of the electro-magnet A, similar poles,
say south poles, being upwards. If, now, a current be passed round the
electro-magnet in one direction it will attract the permanent magnet 1 and
repel 2; if passed in the other direction it will attract 2 and repel 1.
This being the case, let us suppose that the attraction of the magnet No. 1,
Figure 3, Sheet 1, is made to open a channel for the next current sent
round the coils of the needle B and to close that round the electro-magnet A,
and that the attraction of the magnet No. 2 is made to open a channel for the
next current sent round the coils of the needle C and to close that round the
electro-magnet A: in this case it depends upon our first sending a positive or
negative current whether the next current shall move the needle B or C; and
if we call the positive current P, and suppose it to cause the attraction of the
permanent magnet No. 1, and if we call the negative current N, and suppose
it to cause the attraction of the permanent magnet No. 2, the currents
PP or PN will cause the needle B to work right or left, and the currents
NP or NN will cause the needle C to work right or left. But if, instead of
working either of the two needles B or C, Figure 3, we desire to work either
of four needles D, E, F, G, Figure 4, Sheet 1, it becomes necessary to inter-
pose other selecters B and C between the selecter A and these four needles.
Here the first current sent passes round the coils of the electro-magnet A
as before, and attracts the permanent magnet 1 or 2, according to the
direction of the current. We will suppose that the attraction of the per-
manent magnet 1 causes the next current to flow round the electro-magnet B,
and that the attraction of the permanent magnet No. 2 causes it to flow round
the electro-magnet C: this next current, in a similar manner to that shewn in
the explanation of Figure 8, will cause one of the permanent magnets 3, 4,
5, 6, to be attracted, as the case may be; and if our arrangements are such,
that when 3 is attracted the next current is made to flow round the coils of
the needle D, that when 4 is attracted the next current is made to flow round
the coils of the needle E, that when 5 is attracted the next current is made
to flow round the coils of the needle F, and that when 6 is attracted the next
current is passed round the coils of the needle G, it is obvious that we have
the power of working either of these four needles that we may select from the
transmitting end; moreover, from what has already been explained, it will at
once be perceived that this power is given to us by using currents in a par-
ticular order. Thus, if when a positive current P is passed round A, the
permanent magnet 1 is attracted and a channel opened for the next current
round the electro-magnet B; and if that next current is also P, and causes the
attraction of the permanent magnet 3, and opens a channel round the coils of the

page_text: needle D, the next current P or N will work the needle D to the right or left;
and as at the same time it is made to replace the circuits as they were at
starting, we are in a position next time to make a fresh or the same selection,
as we may desire. Thus, PPP or PPN work the needle D to the right or
left; in like manner PNP or PNN work E to the right or left; NPP or
NPN work F to the right or left; and NNP or NNN work G to the right
or left.
The changes that may be rung by the selecters are various. Let us suppose
that, as in the present double-needle telegraph, we desire sometimes to work
the right needle, sometimes the left, and sometimes both together. We can
do this also by the arrangement of selecters shewn in Figure 4, but instead of
four needles we make use of but two D, G. In this case I call B the selecter
of singles and C the selecter of doubles, and so arrange the conducting
wires and contacts that the attraction of the permanent magnet 8 is made
to work the needle D, and that of 4 to work. G, whilst the attraction of
5 is made to work both needles parallel to each other to the right or left,
thus 41, and the attraction of 6 to work both needles opposed to each
other, thus
\/
If eight needles or more are required to be worked, a reference to the
Diagram, Figure 5, Sheet 1, after what has already been said, will render the
matter clear. In the case of working one of eight needles, we should require
to be able to send one of the following series of currents:-PPPP or
PPPN for H, right and left; PPNP or PPNN for I, right and left;
PNPP or PNPN for J, right and left; PNNP or PNNN for K, right
and left; NPPP or NPPN for L, right and left; NPNP or NPNN for
M, right and left; NNPP or NNPN for N, right and left; and NNNP or
NNNN for O, right and left. If, instead of eight, we wished to select from
sixteen needles, the order of the currents necessary would be, PPPPP or
PPPPN for the first needle, right and left, and so on, as in the case of eight
needles, only that one more current will always be in the series.
The explanations that have just been given will suffice to convey a general
notion of the nature and action of these selecters, and will shew how one of
several needles, indicators, or recording instruments may be chosen from the
rest and worked at pleasure, but many precautions are necessary to make them
act efficiently. For instance, we must be sure that each pulsation of the
current shall perform the duty intended for it, and no more; that the permanent
magnets shall not be liable to lose their magnetism frequently, as they would
in the arrangement shewn (for simplicity sake) in the preceding Diagrams,
from the powerful induction of the electro-magnets; and that when the selected

page_text: needle, pointer, or recorder has been worked as desired, that everything may
be restored to its original status, so as to be ready for a fresh selection. The
form that may be given to these selecters is very various, but the principle of
their action in all is similar.
I shall shew two or three useful varieties, but without necessarily confining
myself to them. But before describing the selecters complete, I will limit
myself, in the first instance, to an explanation of that portion of one of its
various forms which passes the current from the electro-magnet of one selecter
to that of another, or to the chosen needle, indicator, or recorder.
The Figures 6 to 11, Sheet 1, to which I am now about to refer, are still
to a great extent merely Diagrams, as I have omitted to shew the supports,
or, indeed, anything in full, except that portion, the action of which I desire,
in the first instance, to explain, and whereby the subsequent Drawings will
afterwards be better comprehended.
Figure 6, Sheet 1, is a top view of parts of a selecter, and Figures 7 to 11
inclusive, side views of the same in different stages of its action; but in order
that the eye may better follow the explanation, I have shewn the permanent
magnets 1 and 2 and their adjuncts behind each other in Figures 7 to 11,
instead of side by side, as they really are. The same indicating letters are used
in all the Figures.
Figures 7, 8, and 9 shew the action of the selecting electro-magnet on the
permanet magnet 1 and its needle; and Figures 10 and 11, the action of the
selecting electro-magnet on the permanent magnet 2 and its needle. A is
the selecting electro-magnet, which acts on the permanent magnets 1 and 2;
B is an electro-magnet intended to reinstate 1 in its position after it has per-
formed its work; and C, an electro-magnet intended to reinstate 2 in its
position after it has done its work. 3 is the soft iron armature of B; and
4, the soft iron armature of C, which, as well as the magnets 1 and 2, are
moveable on springs b. D is the needle worked by the movement of the
magnet 1; and E, the needle worked by the movement of the magnet 2.
Figure 7 shews the first position of all the parts. o, o', are slips of ivory
suspended on a moveable joint P, P', and which strips are driven backwards
and forwards by the continuations of the springs 6 of the magnets 1 and 2
and of the armatures 3 and 4 during their attractions. The parts shewn black
on these ivory strips are bits of metal let into them to form contacts, and
marked c, d, e, f. q, q', are fixed pieces of ivory, having the metal pieces g
and h let into them; i and jare metal studs, pressed on by a small spring,
which slide in contact with the metal pieces cand e of the ivory slips o, o¹,
when they are moved, and by their friction prevent these slips from moving

page_text: except with a certain degree of force; at the same time the small spring
serves to convey the current from c to e, as is best seen in Figure 6. R, R¹,
are wires connected with the armatures 3 and 4, whose function will be
explained hereafter.
Figure 7 shews the first position of all the parts, and the circuit which the
first current sent must pass. The spring 6 of the permanent magnet No. 1 is
connected with the line wire at L. By following the arrows, it will be seen
that the current can flow up the spring 6 of the permanent magnet No. 1 to
the metal c of the moveable ivory strip o, which rests in contact with it on
the projecting inclined plane formed at its upper part. From c the current
passes to the pressing stud i, in contact with it; thence, by means of the spring,
to j, the pressing stud of the ivory slip o¹; thence, to the metal e, with which it
is in contact, down a portion of the spring piece 6 of the magnet No. 2, on
which it rests by a short fine wire to the coils of the electro-magnet A, after
going round which it communicates with the earth at E. See chiefly Figures
6 and 7.
Let now a current P or N be sent; if P, the magnet 1 will be attracted;
if N, the magnet 2. We will, at first, suppose P to be sent, and observe its
action-The iron core of A will be magnetized and the magnet 1 be at-
tracted, as may be seen at Figure 8, and will move the ivory slip o to the
position there shewn, and will keep it in that position as long as the current
continues to flow; but the instant it ceases the spring b of No. 1 will return
to its original position, carrying with it the magnet No. 1, but not the ivory
slip o, from under which the projecting inclined plane on which it had hitherto
rested slips, causing it to fall the small distance that separated the stud i from
the metal strip g, and will form there a new contact, at the same time that
that previously existing between 1 and the metal c is broken. Thus a new
circuit for the current is formed, which may easily be traced in Figure 9.
Communication exists as before with the line wire at L, thence the current
can pass up the spring of No. 1 through a small wire, seen in all the Drawings,
to the stud d, to which it is also fixed, and which is now in contact with the
piece of metal g, which is also united by a wire to the coils of the electro-
magnet B, round these coils, and thence by a wire to the coils of the needle D,
and on to the earth at E¹..
The next current sent must pass through this circuit, and, whether it be P
or N, at the same time that it causes the needle D to make a beat to the right
or left, it causes the armature 3 to be attracted by the electro-magnet B, as
seen at Figure 9. We now see the use of the rod R attached to the armature
3, which by its attraction moves the ivory slip o into its original position, but

page_text: in doing so it would bring the metal c in contact with the inclined plane of
the magnet 1, and thus open the old circuit before this current had completed
its duty, were it not that the piece R, (which, as will be perceived by the
Figures 7 and 8, is not in contact with any part of 1 until 8 is attracted,)
when that attraction takes place, strikes against the upper part of the spring b
of No. 1, forcing it backwards and keeping it away from the metal of the
ivory strip o as long as the current continues. When the current ceases, the
spring of No. 1 returns to its normal position, and in doing so forces up
the strip o on to its small inclined plaue, breaks the contact between d and g,
and puts all in the original position, shewn at Figure 7, ready for a fresh
operation.
In all that has been described hitherto the magnet No. 2 and its adjuncts
have remained stationary, and have been in no way affected by what has
taken place.
Let us now suppose that instead of P a current N were passed, all being in
the position shewn at Figure 7; when that took place the iron core of the
electro-magnet A would acquire opposite poles to those caused by the cur-
rent P. Permanent magnet No. 2 would be attracted but not 1. The effect of
this is shewn in Figure 10 to be precisely similar to that produced by the positive
current in Figure 8, except that it would be No. 2 instead of No. 1 which
would be held in place whilst the current lasted, and which when it ceased
would fall back, breaking the circuit between it and e, and making a new
contact between f and h. We have now a perfectly different circuit, which is
easily traced in Figure 11. The current commences at L, as before, where the
selector is connected with the line; it then proceeds up the spring b of the
magnet No. 1, which has not been moved by the attraction of 2; thence,
therefore, it goes to i, from i to j, which is still in contact with e. It will be
perceived, by an examination of the Drawings, that e and f are in metallic
contact, but as the contact between e and the magnet 2, and consequently the
coils of A, has been broken, and as f and h are now in contact, and that h is
connected metallically with the coil of C, and thence by a wire with the coils
of the needle E, and ultimately with the earth at E¹, when a current is passed
it will take the new circuit, magnetize the electro-magnet C, attract its arma-
ture 4, and work the needle E to the right or left; an operation in all respects
similar to that which took place with the magnet No. 1, the armature 3, and
the needle D, when the opposite current was passed.
In a similar manner, as will be seen at Figure 11, as long as this current
lasts it holds back from contact with e the magnet No. 2, by means of the
wire R', but the instant it ceases the spring 6 of that magnet returns to contact

page_text: with the metal e of the ivory strip o', and by lifting that strip breaks the
contact between f and h, and, in fact, all becomes replaced as at the beginning,
in readiness for a fresh selection. The description just given is of one selector
acting immediately upon two needles, but if instead of needles we had acted
upon two other selectors, and then upon four needles, the only difference
required would have been that the replacing electro-magnets B and C, Figures
6 to 11, would not have been brought into the circuit of the second current,
but into that of the third. Thus, reverting to the Diagram, Figure 4, where
three selectors and four needles are shewn, in order to assist the explanation,
and supposing the existence of replacing electro-magnets, not shewn in the
Diagram, the operation would be this:-
If the magnet 1 were attracted by the first current it would be made to
close the circuit round B only, and open that round A; if then 8 were
attracted by the second current it would be made to close the circuit round
the needle D as well as round the replacing magnets of both A and B, and all
that is necessary to be borne in mind in combining selectors is, that none of the
replacing electro-magnets form part of the circuit, excepting on the occasion
of passing the last current, which works the needles or indicators, but that then
everything must be put by them in the same position as at starting.
The foregoing description will suffice to show how any number of selectors,
needles, &c. may be combined, and I shall therefore now proceed at once to
describe a complete selector in detail.
Figure 12 is a side view, Figure 13 a longitudinal section, Figure 14 an
end view, Figure 15 a transverse section down the pressure screw and spring,
and Figure 16 a top view, of a selector. The electro-magnets are of &
somewhat different character to those commonly in use, and will hereafter be
more particularly described, but at present it will be sufficient to say that they
consist of two arms and a back piece, as in the ordinary eloctro-magnets, and
that one of these arms is cylindrical, and screwed on, as is usual, and carries a
bobbin of fine insulated copper wire, whereas the other arm is square, and
forged with the back, and is without a coil. In this selector six of these
electro-magnets are used, three of which are seen in the side view and section,
Figures 12 and 13, and as the three others are a repetition in all respects
similar to these three, as may be seen in the end and top view, the description
of this set applies to both. A is the soft iron part of one of these electro-
magnets, and A' its coil; B, the soft iron part of another, and B¹ its coil;
C, the soft iron part of a third, and C its coil. By the top view, end view,
and transverse section, it will be perceived that I have marked the corre-
sponding trio D', E', and F¹. 1, seen best in the side view and section, is a

page_text: permanent magnet with its south pole uppermost. There is a similar magnet 2
connected in a similar manner with the other trio, also with its south pole
uppermost, and it is by the attraction of one or other of these two magnets
that the selections are made.
I will now explain the arrangements of No. 1 and its connected trio of
electro-magnets, those of 2 being in all respects similar.
The only use of electro-magnets A and its fellow D, is to support the
permanent magnetism of 1 and 2, but when soft iron armatures are used
instead of permanent magnets, on the principle for avoiding demagnetization,
shewn in a later part of my Specification, a variation of these arrangements
would be required.
The coils of A, B, D, and E are all connected in such wise that when a
current is passed, and the upper part of B becomes a north pole, that of D
also becomes a north pole, and those of A and E south poles, and vice versa.
The consequence is, that the poles of the permanent magnets 1 and 2 are
always between opposite poles of the electro-magnets when a current is passed
round them, and as by the arrangements they are upon the whole more under
the influence of those poles which support their magnetism than of those which
tend to destroy it, their magnetism is not liable to be diminished by the
action of the currents sent. When the current is passed, if the upper part of
B becomes a north pole it attracts the magnet 1, causing the required move-
ments in the selector until the current ceases, when a spring whose action is
afterwards explained causes it to fall slightly back, until it is returned to its
normal position against the ivory stop p of A by the action of the replacing
magnet C on its armature 3. If, on the other hand, the upper part of B
becomes a south pole, and of A a north pole, the magnet 1 is only held firmly
against the ivory stop p of A, whilst 2 is being acted on by its electro-magnets,
and the inductive power of B tending to demagnetize 1, is more than neutralized
by the supporting power of A. Thus, as it will be seen, that A and D have
nothing to do with the working of the selectors, but have only the duty of
supporting the strength of the permanent magnets, we may henceforth omit to
notice them, and confine ourselves to B and C, the magnet 1 and the soft iron
armature 3, with the machinery set in motion by them.
The magnets 1 and 2, and the armatures 3 and 4, are held between two
brass plates a, which are fixed on small shafts b, which shafts work between
the points of the screws e. The necessary freedom is allowed them, so that
when attracted the magnets are capable of moving with ease. Between the
upper parts of these brass pieces ivory stripsf work as a joint, and their other
ends pass through small fixed pieces of brass at g, so as to keep them in

page_text: position. The function of these strips is very similar to that of the rods R, R',
in the last description given of the action of a selecter.
In Figure 18, B is supposed to be attracting 1, and it will be perceived that
the ivory strip f of 1 is pressing strongly on a spring h, bending it out.of its
normal state, and pressing it against a piece of platinum i, screwed to the ivory
wheel K. This ivory wheel is fixed on a small shaft which works on points of
screws 1, and performs similar duties to those of the ivory strips o and o' in the
last description, and like those strips is pressed upon by a friction stud m kept
in contact with it, with any required degree of force by the screw n and the
spiral spring o.
The current is brought from the line L up the spring h to i, with which it is
in contact, and thence by a wire to a similar piece of platinum on a similar
wheel of the other trio, down its spring to the coils of the four electro-magnets
A, B, D, E, and thence to earth, and as long as the current continues all
will remain as shewn in Figure 18; but the instant it ceases, the spring h
will fall back until it rests against the platinum j, likewise screwed on the
wheel K.
The old contact is now broken and a new one made, and as j may be con-
nected with the coils of a needle as well as with the coil of C, the next current
will move that needle and cause the attraction of the armature 3, which
through its ivory strip f will press the spring to the other side of the perpen-
dicular, will move the friction wheel K, send the electro-magnet against the
ivory stop p, keeping the circuit complete until the current ceases, when the
spring will fall once more on the platinum i, and make all ready for a new
selection.
Of course after what has been said in this, and the previous description, it is
unnecessary to do more than add that the attraction of 2 causes movements
altogether similar in its division, and that the three electro-magnets A, B, and
C, as well as the three D, E, and F, are bolted together by brass strips q, and
that other brass strips are screwed to the upper iron work of the electro-
magnets B and C, and E and F, to support the friction wheels and their
et ceteras.
The next variety of selecter is shewn in Figures 17 to 22 inclusive, and is
arranged to work two indicators directly and without using magnetic needles
and their coils (nevertheless, if, instead of using the electro-magnets to work
indicators, we add four needles and their coils, and cause the current which
moves the needles to replace the circuits as at starting, the arrangement of
selector shewn will suffice to work any one of four needles). In the present.
instance I also make use of six electro-magnets, but instead of being arranged.

page_text: in trios they are arranged in pairs. The electro-magnets shewn are of the
same description as those described in the last Figures.
Figure 17 is an end view of the selector with its indicators; Figure 18, a
longitudinal section at a, a; Figure 19, a similar section at b, 6; Figure 20, a
transverse section on the line c, c, (see top view); Figure 21, an end view;
and Figure 22, a top view.
The central pair of electro-magnets which makes the first selection I have
marked A and B, and their coils A' and B'. The pair chosen by A attracting
the permanent magnet 1, I have marked E and F, and their coils E' and F';
and the pair selected by B attracting 1, I have marked C, D, and their coils
C and D. When C or D attracts the magnet 2, its movement causes one of
the indicators, that marked 5, to beat to the right or left; and when E or F
attracts the magnet 3, the other indicator marked 4 beats to the right or left,
and at the same time that such beats are performed the electro-magnet used is
made to replace the circuits, as at starting.
I will now state what parts of the machine the letters of reference indicate,
and then explain one complete action of the selector.
The magnets marked 1, 2, 3, are compound, being in two thicknesses, one
of which is fastened on each side of pieces of brass, marked respectively 1°, 2°,
and 3°, the lower end of which is fixed on a short shaft d, which is capable of
easy motion on the points of screws e, thus the magnets can move freely
towards either attracting electro-magnet, ff, are strips of brass which keep
each pair of electro-magnets together by means of screws g, and also serve as
framework to support the whole machine, which, arranged as shewn in the
side view, is bolted to a proper base board. It is through these strips that the
pointed screws e are inserted.
The back part of the electro-magnets C, D, E, and F, is carried some
distance above the cylindrical cores, for the purpose of supporting the upper
works. Four brass strips forming a rectangle h, h, are screwed to these con-
tinuations.
The backs of A and B, seen best in Figure 18, do not go higher than the
top of their cylindrical cores.
On this brass frame h is fixed, by means of four screwed columns i, an ivory
table j; at its four corners are four bearings K supporting the turning shafts
K' of the indicators 4 and 5. There are also seen (best in the top view) three
springs, marked respectively l, m, n, screwed to this table, the uses of which
will be hereafter explained. The framework h also has four bearings h¹ for
shafts P and P¹, on which are fastened ratchet wheels q and q', and wheels
r, r, and s, s¹, with alternate divisions of metal and ivory corresponding with
.

page_text: the divisions of the ratchet wheels. The wheels r, r¹, and s, s², are isolated
from their shafts by ivory tubes; t, t, are horizontal turning shafts, and u, u¹
vertical turning shafts, which, by means of levers attached to them, serve to
replace the circuits after the indicators have made their beats. ♥ and v' are
springs which restore the magnets 1, 2, 3, to their normal position after they
have been attracted, and which force round the ratchet wheels q, q', by means
of the ivory strips w, w, on which are attached spring palls x, x¹. These
ivory strips also convey the movements of the attracted magnets to the
springs and v¹; y and y¹ are jointed pieces which convey the motions of
the attracted magnets by means of levers z,., to the turning shafts of the
indicators. 6, 7, 8, and 9 are platinum wires (see top view) fastened to but
isolated from the frame h, which press on the metal bosses of the divided
wheels, to form contacts and convey the electric current, as will be hereafter
explained. 10, 11, and 10, 11, are levers fastened to the turning shafts t
and t; and 12 and 13 are levers fastened to the turning shafts u and u¹. The
platinum wire 6 is connected with the line at L, as is also the spring n. The
platinum wire 6 presses on the boss of the divided wheel s¹ (the circumference
of which is pressed on by the spring 1, which goes across the ivory table,
pressing with its other end on the divided wheel s. From this wheel the
current passes through the contact, pressing platinum wire 7 to the coils of the
electro-magnets A and B, and thence to earth.
At starting, the spring is upon the metallic divisions of s and s³, so that a
current sent along the line would pass freely, and magnetise the iron cores of
A and B; but if either of the shafts P or P¹ is turned equal to a notch of the
ratchet wheel, or (as they correspond) a division of the wheels or s¹, the spring
1.then comes on the ivory division, and consequently the circuit is broken.
The coils of the electro-magnets A and B are so arranged that when A
becomes a north pole, B.becomes a south pole, and vice versa. The poles of
the permanent magnets are therefore always between opposite poles of the
electro-magnets, and consequently have an inductor to sustain their polarity
greater on the average than that which tends to demagnetize them. Suppose,
now, a current is passed which causes A to attract 1, the ivory pieces w
and w³, fastened to the springs v and v³, rest loosely in conical holes in the
head of the brass piece 1°, as is best seen in the section, Figure 18, so that
when the magnet 1 is attracted by A through w, it pushes the spring v out-
wards, whilst w¹ merely slips in the hole, leaving the spring and everything
else on its side unacted on. As long as the current lasts, the spring v remains
forced out, but directly it ceases it returns to its normal position, but in doing
so, by means of the spring palla, fixed on the ivory piece w, the ratchet wheel

page_text: is turned one notch. It will be perceived that the spring m is bent, so as to
form palls for the ratchet wheels, to prevent them turning in the wrong
direction when the pieces w and w¹ are moved, the shafts can only turn by
the propulsion of the returning springs, so that the circuit is not changed till
the first current has quite ceased to act. From what has been already said, it
will be at once seen that the spring now rests on a piece of ivory instead of
on the metal of the wheel s. The circuit round the coils of A and B is there-
fore broken, but a new circuit has been formed in another direction, viz.,
round the coils of E and F.
I have already shewn that there is another wheel with alternate divisions
of metal and ivory r on the shaft K, and another r¹ on the shaft K¹. Now,
the circumference of these wheels is pressed on by the ends of the spring n,
which, I have already stated, communicates with the line L; but at starting
both ends of this spring are on the ivory divisions of the wheels r and r¹,
consequently no current can pass until one of these wheels is turned the
amount of a tooth, which it has already been shewn breaks the first circuit;
then, if r is turned, the next current can pass from the line to the metal of
the wheel, and thence, by the platinum wire pressing on its boss, to the coils
of E and F, and thence to earth; or if, instead of r, r' is turned, it can
pass from the spring to the metal of that wheel, thence from its boss to the
platinum contact piece g, from whence it passes through the coils of C and D
to earth.
I have supposed the wheel q and its shaft to have been turned
a notch by the attraction of A for 1, the circuit round A and B to have been
thus broken, and a new one round E and F to have been formed. The next
current sent will, therefore, cause E or F to attract the magnet 3, and in so
doing to move the indicator 4 to the right or left, according to the nature of
the current P or N. Had the first current sent caused an attraction of 1 by
B (instead of A), the wheels q¹ and r¹ would have been turned, and then the
second current would have gone round the coils of C and D, causing the
attraction of the magnet 2, which would have made the indicator 5 instead
of 4 beat right or left.
A slight consultation of the Drawings will shew how the upper part of the
brass 3° is connected to y, and thence to a lever Z on the turning shaft of
the indicator 4 (see chiefly Figure 19), and how the upper part of the
brass 2° is attached to y', and then to a lever fixed on the turning shaft of
the indicator 5, and therefore how the different attractions cause motion of
either desired indicator to the right or left.
It now only remains to show how everything is made ready after the beat
for a fresh selection. This operation is effected by means of the turning

page_text: shafts t, t', or u, u', and their levers, when either C, D, or E, F, attract
their respective magnets. The operation can be best traced in Figures
19 and 21.
Suppose the magnet 3 to be attracted by E (and, as I have shewn, thereby.
the indicator 4 to have made its beat), the piece of ivory w forces out the
spring v, and at the same time presses out the lever 11 of the turning shaft t,
which corresponds with 111, belonging to C and D of the turning shaft t¹, seen
in Figure 21. This causes the shaft to turn, and its other lever 10 to be
moved outwards (this lever 10 corresponds with 10' in Figure 21), the end.
of which lever, as will be seen by Figure 18, is jointed to the end of the
ivory w of the magnet 1; this strip of ivory and the spring vare, therefore,.
forced out in the same manner as if A had attracted 1, and when the current.
has ceased, will fall back in place again, carrying with it the pall a, and
thereby turning the ratchet wheel 2 one tooth. It will be perceived that this.
operation replaces the circuits as they were at first, for the spring now again
leaves the ivory and comes on to the metal of the wheels, whilst the spring n.
leaves the metal of v, and comes on to the ivory. If, instead of 3 being.
attracted by E, it had been attracted by F, the vertical turning shaft u would.
have been turned instead of t, and would perform a similar duty; and as it
will be seen in Figures 17 and 18, that the cross lever 12, attached to u
(corresponding to the cross lever 18, Figure 21, attached to u',) is forked to.
the ivory piece w of the magnet 3; when 3 is drawn towards F, this lever is
drawn inwards, aud the shaft turned, whereby the other end of the lever 12,
which is jointed to the ivory piece w of 1, is pressed outwards, carrying with
it the spring and the ivory w, with its spring pall a, as they would have
been carried if A had attracted 1. Therefore, when the current ceases, and 3
is no longer attracted by F, the spring flies to its normal position, causing
the ratchet wheel q to turn one notch. Thus the attraction of 3, by either E
or F, replaces the circuits as at first, and in a similar manner, the attraction
of 2, by C or D, produces the same effect. If we were to mount two extra
ratchet wheels on each of the shafts K and K', one over the axis of each of
the electro-magnets C, D, E, F, and to arrange the ivory pieces w, w³, and
their palls a, a, over C, D, E, and F, as they are arranged over A and B,
the attractions of 2 and 3, by C, D, E, and F, would directly turn the shafts K
and K', and replace the circuits, thus dispensing altogether with the turning
shafts and levers last described; indeed, a competent workman would be able
to arrange all the parts in very many ways whilst still retaining the general.
principles of these selectors. Of course, I do not confine myself to any particular
source of the electric fluid for the purpose of working these apparatuses,

page_text: as it may be done by means of a galvanic battery, from the sending station
magnets, electricity, local batteries, or any other sufficient means.
In case of using local batteries, all I require is a sort of galvanometer, or
some other well-known means, worked by the line current, to close the circuits
of the local batteries in the positive or negative directions, as may be required.
If it is not wished to use local batteries or strong currents, clockwork may
be arranged in conjunction with the electrive attractions, so as to diminish
the resistance offered to the mechanical action of the current. Thus, for
instance, by some variations in the last Figure, an equivalent for the ratchet
wheels may have a constant tendency to turn impressed upon it by clockwork,
and still retain the method shewn of altering the circuits, leaving to the
attractions of the magnets no other duty but that of allowing a tooth or half
a tooth to pass at a time, as is now done in some varieties of telegraphic
machinery.
As I have so fully explained the general working of these selecters, I con-
sider it quite unnecessary to add further Drawings and descriptions of this or
any other variety; but I may remark, that by various combinations still greater
advantages may be derived from them; such, for instance, as working together
the signals from two wires, in which case we can make thirty-two original
signs, each requiring only two pulsations of the current in one or both of the
wires, and thus, if used conjointly with the new arrangements of manipulator,
hereafter shewn, and a suitable recording, printing, or indicating apparatus at
the receiving end, can transmit and indicate or record any letter by a single
touch, without going step by step round a circle or any portion thereof,
whereby a message may be sent and read, or be printed as fast as the fingers
of the transmitter can select the letters.
I will now describe the next part of my Invention, which consists of certain
improvements in the manipulators. These improvements also admit of much
variety, and may be worked either with one or two handles, or with a handle
and key or keys, or with keys only, according to the nature and order of the
currents required to be sent, and other circumstances, the general object
being to reduce and simplify the movements of the hands or fingers as much
as possible, and to increase the transmitting powers of the telegraph. I shall
here follow the same method that I adopted in that part of my Specifica-
tion devoted to the description of the selectors, that is, in the first instance,
I shall explain only by Diagrams the general principles of these improvements,
without reference to framework, bearings, &c., and shall then shew in detail
some of the many forms that may be given to the instrument.
Figure 1, Sheet 2, shews; in one of its simplest forms, the principle of the

page_text: new manipulator. A is a wheel of box wood, ivory, or other non-conducting
substance keyed to a shaft, which can be turned by the handle H, and B
and C are portions of metal fastened to its periphery. Four springs, marked
P, N, L, E, which are respectively connected metallically with the positive
and negative poles of the battery employed, and with the line wire and earth,
press upon the periphery of this wheel at the points shewn; H is the handle
which turns the wheel to the right or left. When the spring P is opposite
the zero point of the wheel, that marked o, both it and the spring n rest on
non-conducting portions, and consequently no current can pass to the line
or earth; but if the wheel is turned until the spring P touches the metallic
portions of the periphery at 1, on either side, the other spring N will at the
same time come on to a metallic division of the periphery on the other side,
and opposite currents will pass to the line and earth in either direction.
Now it will be perceived that if the wheel is turned to tho right so as to
bring the spring P on to the metal C at 1, the positive current will pass by
the spring L and along the line, and at the same time the negative current
will pass from the spring N to the metal B, thence to the spring E and to
earth, thus completing the circuit. If, on the other hand, the wheel A is
turned to the left until the spring P touches the metal B at 1, the positive
current will pass through the spring E to earth, and the negative current
through the spring L to the line; thus, by turning the wheel right or left
until 1 touches the spring P, and back to o, we produce one positive or
negative pulsation of the current; and if we turn the wheel either way to 2,
which is a non-conducting portion, we produce two pulsations; for in turning
the wheel from o to 2, the current passes through the springs E and L during
that portion of time that the springs P and N are on the metal, and ceases
when they are on the non-conducting portions; and when the wheel is
returned to the zero point the same operation is repeated; thus, by turning
the wheel the distance from o to 2 and back to o, two pulsations are produced;
in like manner, by turning the wheel to the right from o to 8, or o to 4, and
back to o, three or four pulsations are produced in one direction, and by
turning it to the left, in a similar manner, three or four pulsations in the
other direction. Thus, either one, two, three, or four positive or negative
pulsations may be produced by one turn of the hand forwards and backwards,
instead of having to make a similar one for each beat as is now usual, and
any combinations of currents can easily be produced. For instance, if a
signal requires three right and two left beats of the needle, the wheel must
first be turned to 3 right, then back to 2 left, and thence to zero, thus causing
five beats in the directions needed by three motions of the hand, instead of

page_text: nine, as would be the case on the system usually employed. Of course, the
number of divisions is not confined to 4, as they may be more or less, and in
the wheel, instead of alternating conducting or non-conducting portions, mere
breaks, with a suitable form of spring, would answer as well.
By the plan shewn at Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 2, a still further decrease in the
number of motions of the hand for a given number of pulsations of the current
may be effected. Figure 2 is a front view, and Figure 8, a top view. In
this arrangement there is no particular zero point, but every non-conducting
division is made to serve the same purpose, and any number of pulsations of
the current in one direction may be caused by merely turning the wheel the
required number of divisions to the right, or in the other direction by turning
it to the left. The mechanical contrivances for effecting this object are very
various, but the following is a simple and efficient method:-A and B,
Figure 3, are edge views of two wheels, the peripheries of which are divided
into conducting and non-conducting divisions, the darker portions being in-
tended to represent the metal. These wheels are on the same shaft behind
each other, as shewn in Figure 3; and the front view of A, Figure 2, is in all
respects similar to that of B; H is the handle which turns these wheels,
and S its shaft; P is an indicator or pointer, to shew the number of divisions
passed over when the wheels are turned. The wheels A and B are not
keyed to the shaft S, but are free to turn upon it, as much as a contrivance
which I will now explain will allow; 1, 2, 3, and 4, indicate a quadrangular
.opening or slot cut through the box wood of each wheel. In the opening is a
compound piece of metal and ivory n, o, p, which is firmly connected to the
shaft S. The parts p and n are of metal, but are isolated from each other
and from the shaft S; the part o is of ivory or box wood. At the same time,
the parts n and p are respectively connected with the negative and positive
poles of the battery.
The springs L and E, which press on the peripheries of the wheels, are
respectively connected with the line wire and the earth. In the Drawing,
the metal portions n and p are shewn free and not touching either side
of the opening in the wheel A, but the moment the handle is turned to
the right or left (as the wheels are free on the shaft), either n or p comes
in contact with the metal at C¹ or C². If the handle is turned to the
right, p comes in contact with C¹, and consequently the positive electricity is
conveyed to C, and through C, whenever the spring L is on a metallic
division of the wheel, to the line. If the handle is turned to the left, n presses
on C, and the negative electricity is conveyed to c, thence to L and to the
line. Thus, according to the direction in which the handle is turned, is a

page_text: positive or negative current sent to the line. In the wheel B, the positions
of p and n are reversed, p being to the left and n to the right, and as they
are in all other respects similar, when p presses on C¹ of the wheel A, n is
pressing on a similar piece of metal of the wheel B, and consequently the
negative current is passing by the spring E to earth; when the handle wheel
is turned to the left everything is reversed. The negative connection is made
between n and C on the wheel A, and thence through L to the line, and the
positive connexion with the earth at the wheel B. Thus, as long as we turn
the wheels to the right, we have a positive current passing to the line whenever
a metallic division of the wheel A passes the spring L, and a negative current
to earth whenever a metallic division of B passes the spring E, and as these
divisions are made to correspond, the pulsations in the current will be in
proportion to the number of metallic divisions passed over; of course, from
what has been explained, it will be seen that exactly the opposite effect takes
place when the wheels are turned to the left. Let us now suppose, for
example, that we require three positive and four negative pulsations to be
passed along the line, the springs being at starting on non-conducting
divisions of the wheels, we must turn to the right past three metallic divisions
to a non-conducting portion, then to the left past four metallic divisions to
another non-conducting portion, and thus three beats of the needle to the
right and four to the left will be caused by two motions of the hand, instead
of thirteen as now usually required. Any desired order of pulsations can thus
be produced at pleasure by the operator. This form of manipulator is peculiarly
fitted for a chemically recording telegraph worked by hand, as the pulsations
can be made to follow each other so very rapidly, but with a needle telegraph
without selecters its powers would greatly exceed those of the reader at the
receiving end.
When the needle instrument is used with selecters (a system which
greatly facilitates the rapidity with which signals can be read), as particular
and fixed orders of currents are required for each needle, it will perhaps
be more convenient to use other forms of manipulators, which I will
now explain. The simplest form of selector is that which operates on only
two needles, and would require the following order of currents, viz:-
PPPN to work one needle, NPNN to work the other. A convenient mode of
manipulating in this case is with two handle wheels, one for each hand,
(see Figure 4, Sheet 2), where the right handle is used to move the right
needle and the other to move the left needle. In this Figure, A and B are
wheels of non-conducting materials. The dark portions C of the wheel A,
and D of the wheel B, are of metal. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 6, 7, 8, are openings

page_text: or slots in the wheels, similar to that shewn in the last Figure; but there are
two in each wheel, each of which has within it a compound piece n, o, p, of
metal and ivory, similar to that shewn and described in the last Figure.
The right-hand wheel is intended to work the right needle, and to send the
currents PPPN; the left-hand wheel is intended to work the left needle,
and to send the currents NNNP.
I shall describe the right wheel only, the left being similar, excepting that
it is arranged to send different currents. H is the handle; and S, the shaft.
N, P, L, E, are springs pressing on the peripheries of the wheels, and are
connected respectively with the negative and positive poles of the battery with
the line and earth. The compound pieces p, o, n, are fixed to but isolated
from the shaft S and one another, and the parts p, n, are likewise connected
metallically with the positive and negative poles of the battery; F is a stud
fixed to the wheel, and g, stops, which prevent it turning more than a certain
regulated distance. When the handle H is turned to the right or left, the
pieces n, o, p, press round the wheel A, in either direction, and at the same
time make the required metallic contacts.
If the wheel A is turned to the right until the stud F touches the stop g,
and back again to its starting point, two positive pulsations PP will pass to
the line through L, the negative pole of the battery being in connexion with
the earth at the same time that the positive pole is in connection with the
line; and if turned to the left until the stud F and stop 9 come in contact,
and back to its starting point, one positive and one negative pulsation PN
will take place along the line, because in going to the left a connection is
established between p of the lower p, o, n, and the line, and between n of
the upper p, o, n, and the earth; and in returning, between p of the upper
p, o, n, and the earth, and between n of the lower p, o, n, and the line. As the
selecter at the other end of the line is supposed to be arranged to cause a
beat of the right needle to the right or left by these pulsations, the working
of the right hand will only affect that needle; and in like manner the work-
ing of the left-hand wheel will produce the pulsations NP and NN, and will
work the left needle to the right or left. It is needless to explain more
minutely how these movements of the hand cause the particular currents
required, as with the explanation already given of Figures 2 and 8, which are
similar in principle, and an examination of the metallic connections which
take place when the handle is turned, and which can easily be traced in
Figure 4, the action will be easily understood.
By having a stud or key K, to work a commutator with one finger of the
left hand, one handle wheel A will suffice to work either needle at pleasure.

page_text: and the other handle wheel may be dispensed with. Thus, if it is wished to
work the right needle, it is done as just explained; but if it is wished to work
the left needle, the stud K, which is made to return to its normal position
when not pressed upon by a spring, is kept down with a finger of the left
hand whilst the handle wheel is being worked.
As this stud is made to act on a commutator, all the currents are reversed
when it is pressed down, and the pulsations that would have been PP
without its intervention, become NN, and the pulsations PN become NP,
whereby the left-hand needle is moved to the right and left. As I do not
claim the Invention of anything new in the commutator, but simply the appli-
cation of any suitable form of that instrument to this purpose, I have not
considered it necessary to shew its construction in the Diagram.
When we desire to work either of four needles at pleasure by means of
selecters, the next form of manupulator, shewn at Figure 5, may be adopted.
To work four needles to the right or left at pleasure, eight sets of
currents are required, viz., PPP, PPN, PNP, PNN, NNN, NNP, NPN,
NPP. With two handle wheels and two commutators, this is effected in
Figure 5.
I have not shewn or indicated the commutators or the keys which
work them in the Diagram, as the ways of applying them are various, and
may be adapted to the convenience of the person working the instrument.
Thus, for instance, the pressure stud which works the commutator may be
placed in such wise that when the right handle is moved, the thumb or one of
the fingers of the left hand may, if desired, press the commutator of the right
wheel without removing the left hand from its own handle, and vice versâ,
or a spindle, on which is the stud, may go through the handle shafts, and be
pressed upon, if required, whilst the handle is being turned by the thumb or
a finger of the working hand, or the commutator may be worked by the foot
or in any other convenient manner. Suffice it to say, that if the right-hand
wheel, when turned to the right, be made to send the currents PPP when
used without the commutator, it will send the currents NNN when used
with it; and when turned to the left, if it is arranged to send the currents
PPN when used simply, it will send NNP when used with the com-
mutator. In like manner, if the left wheel, when turned to the right, without
the use of the commutator, sends the currents PNP, and when turned to
the left sends the currents PNN, with the commutator it will send respec-
tively NPN and NPP. I shall now describe more particularly the action
of the right-hand wheel, that of the left being precisely similar, except as to
the order of the currents sent. N, P, E, L, as before, are springs pressing on
the wheel, connected respectively with the negative and positive poles of the

page_text: battery, with the earth, and line. In like manner, p and n of the pressure
pieces p, o, n, in the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, are connected with the
positive and negative poles of the battery. The wheel A is of non-conducting
material, except in the darker portions, which, as well as the dotted lines c², d²,
are of metal; F is a stud in the wheel, which comes in contact with the stops
g and g', when the wheel is turned, and thus limits the distance to which it
can be moved in either direction.
It will be perceived that there are four pieces of metal attached to the
wheel, isolated from each other, viz', C, C', C2, C3,-D, D¹, D2, D³,-I, I¹, I',
and J, J, and J.
When the wheel is moved, the spring P remains always in contact with C,
and the spring N with D. The spring L is alternately on non-conducting
portions, and on the pieces C, C, I, and C3, and the spring E alternately on
non-conducting portions, and on the pieces D, D¹, J, and D³, according to
the direction in which the wheel is turned.
The action of the manipulator is is follows, viz:-In order to send one of
the required sets of currents, the wheel is turned as regularly as possible until
the stud F meets the stop g or g', and then back again, as nearly as possible
at the same speed, to its starting point.
Now, let us suppose it to be turned to the right, during its motion forward
and backward the spring P is always in contact with the metal C, and in
those intervals when the spring L is upon metallic divisions, the positive end
of the battery is in metallic communication with the line. As this takes
place three times in turning the wheel to the stop and back, three positive
pulsations are conveyed to the line, because at the same time the negative
end of the battery is put in metallic communication with the earth by the
spring N pressing on D, and through D¹, D, and again D¹, to the spring E.
If the commutator stud is pressed down at the same time, three negative
currents go to the line, and three corresponding positive ones to earth. Thus
we get the pulsations PPP and NNN. Now, let us suppose the wheel
to be turned to the left, and back to its starting point, the metal p of the
lower pressure piece p, o, n, will come in contact with the metal I, and thus,
through I and I, the positive current will be in metallic connection with the
line through the spring L, while it rests on the metal L2, and at the same
time as the metal n of the upper piece n, o, p, is pressing on J, the negative
current will be in metallic connection with the earth by means of J¹, J,
and the spring E. As the wheel still continues to turn to the left, the spring L
after passing the next non-conducting portion, will come upon C, which, by
means of C³, is metallically connected with P, and will remain upon it when

page_text: the wheel is reversed until it comes once more upon a non-conducting part,
and during this interval another positive pulsation goes to the line, whilst
a corresponding negative pulsation goes to the earth by D³. As the wheel
still continues turning backwards, the spring L again comes on 13, and the
spring E on J, but this time the currents are reversed, because directly
the wheel is turned backwards by the handle II, after arriving at the stop,
the metal n of the lower piece n, o, p, presses on I, instead of p doing so;
and the p of the upper piece n, o, p, presses on J, instead of n doing so, as
it does in the forward movement. We have, therefore, now a negative cur-
rent sent to the line, and the set of three currents becomes PPN, by turning
the wheel to the left and back again to its starting point. In like manner,
when the commutator is simultaneously used the currents become NNP.
Thus, by one beat of this wheel to the right or left, without and with the
commutator, we get the four sets of currents PPP, PPN, NNN, NPP.
In like manner, with the left-hand wheel, we get the other required 4 sets,
viz, NPP, NPN, PNN, PNP, thus getting eight original signals with one
wire; and the same movements which now give two original signals only, and
consequently all the required signals with much fewer beats and movements.
The same sets of currents may also be conveniently sent by eight keys,
or by four keys, and a commutator stop, still retaining the same prin-
ciples that I have just described in the handle wheels. It will be sufficient
to shew two of these keys, those fitted to send the currents PPP, PPN,
and to state that the currents NNN, NNP, could have distinct keys
arranged for them, or that they could be sent with the same keys with the
simultaneous use of a commutator, and that keys for any other required sets
of currents can be formed on the same principles, with or without com-
mutators, so that we may have any number of keys required; and in case of
using a single sign at the receiving end of a single wire to express a letter, as
is easy by means of selecters, we may also have a key at the transmitting
end for each letter in correspondence.
Figure 6 represents a finger key in side view, and Figure 7, the same key
in top view, arranged to send the currents PPP. Here it is only requisite
to press down the stud S with the finger, until the under side of the key
touches the stop g, and then to allow it to return to its starting point, which
it will do by the force of the spring a, and whilst performing this down and
up movement the required currents will be sent along the line. It will be
seen that the key A, which should be of wood, ivory, or other non-conducting
material, works on a pivot or centre at C, and that the end furthest from the
pressure stud is in the form of an arc of a circle, of which c is the centre.

page_text: The dark portions on this arc are of metal; P, N, L, and E, (not seen in this
Figure,) are springs which communicate respectively with the positive and
negative poles of the battery, with the line, and with the earth. In the side
view, Figure 6, we only see the springs P and L, and half the key, but the top
view shews its entire shape and where the other springs are placed; and as the
metallic divisions on the two parts A and A¹ correspond, it will be understood
that as P presses on the metal portion of A, N presses on the metal portion
of A', and when L presses alternately on the conducting and non-conducting
portions of A, E presses on corresponding alternating conducting and non-
conducting portions of A', whereby, whenever positive currents go the line,
corresponding negative currents go to earth. The stop which limits the
motion of the key is so placed as to allow the arc of the key to rise to the
spring L as far as the point m', and in so doing it will be perceived that it
passes from its normal non-conducting portion past the spring L until the
metallic division m touches the spring, then onwards until the next non-con-
ducting portion touches and passes the spring, then to the next metallic portion
onwards until the point m¹ is in contact with the spring L, whence, returning
after m¹ leaves the spring, another passage of a non-conducting portion and
of m, past the spring L, is once moro on its original non-conducting piece.
During this movement three positive pulsations of the current have passed to
the spring L and the line, at the same time that three negative currents have
passed to the spring E and the earth.
Figure 8, Sheet 2, represents the side view of a key arranged to send the
currents PPN; and Figure 9, a top view of the same. In this key again
are embodied the principles already explained. The parts A, A¹, are of some
non-conducting material, having the metal portions m, m³, m², m³, attached,
and are loosely fitted on the axis C of the key proper K, and have openings or
slots 1, 2, 3, 4, similar to those shown in the handle wheels. The key has
also compound pieces n, o, p, forming part of it, similar to those shewn in the
handle wheels, of which the metal parts n, p, are permanently connected with
the negative and positive poles of the battery. When the key is forced down,
the metal p of the front piece p, 0, n, presses on the metal m³, but when the
spring causes it to return to its normal position, it is n which comes in
contact with m³. This is what takes place in the portion shewn in side view A,
but in the back piece A¹ the reverse is the case, as in the handle wheels; thus,
when the downward pressure takes place, a positive current goes to L, but
when the upper pressure takes place it is a negative one.
The action of this key is, therefore, as follows:-At starting the spring L is
upon a non-conducting division of the compound arc; when the key is pressed

page_text: down the spring L is soon in contact with the metallic division m, which com-
municates with the positive pole of the battery through p; as long as this is
the case, a positive current is passing through L to the line. As the motion
of the stud downward continues, the spring is next in contact with a non-
conducting portion, and then with the metallic division m', which also commu-
nicates with the positive pole of the battery through P. A positive current is,
therefore, again passing to the line, and continues to do so until the spring L is
again on a non-conducting portion, after which it is again in contact with m;
but, in consequence of the reversal of the key m, is now in connexion with the
negative pole of the battery through n and m³, and therefore, until the spring L
again rests on a non-conducting portion in returning to its normal position, a
negative current is passing to the line. We have thus had PPN passing to
the line during the downward and upward motion of the key, and at the same
time in the back part the currents NNP have been passing to earth, thus
completing the circuits.
I think it quite unnecessary to shew Diagrams of any further varieties or
combinations of this system of manipulating, and will, therefore, merely give
one or two of them in a more detailed form.
In Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13, Sheet 2, I have shewn a manipulator on the
principle of that of Figure 1, Sheet 2, to three-fourths of the full size, with the
recording mechanical apparatus attached, to which I have referred in my
Provisional Specification. Figure 10 is a front view of part of the manipulator
case; here I have indicated in dotted lines the arrangement of the rollers and
springs behind the front of the case, and which send the required currents.
Figure 11 is a section through the handle, shaft, roller, &c. Figure 12 is a
back view, chiefly shewing the recording apparatus, with the back supports
removed, so as not to impede the view of the machinery; and Figure 18 is a
top view. In all the views similar letters refer to similar parts. H is a handle
of the convenient form for this manipulator of a common door handle; S is
its shaft, supported on the bearings B, B¹; A, A', is the wood roller, partially
inlaid with metal, which, when the shaft is turned, causes the required currents
to be transmitted; W, W', is the wooden case of the instrument; P, N, L, E,
are springs, connected respectively with the wires from the positive and
negative ends of the battery, and with the line and earth wires by means of the
binding screws C. D is a screen, upon which the alphabet is printed, fastened
by means of the bars F to the roller A, so as to revolve with it. 1, 2, 3, 4, is
an opening in the front of the case, which allows the movements of the screen
to be seen when the handle is turned; 9 is a fixed bar or index, by which the
quantity of the screen moved is measured. As the other parts of the Figures

page_text: have reference only to the mechanical recording apparatus, which may or may
not be attached, I shall describe the action of the manipulator before referring
to those parts. W, Figure 10, is the front of the box of the manipulator;
when the handle II is turned to the right and back to o, the pulsations of the
current will be, as the instrument is arranged, 1, 2, 3, or 4, positive ones along
the line and negative ones to earth, according to whether the division 1, 2, 3,
or 4, of the screen is brought under the bar g before reversal, and when turned
to the left the opposite, because these divisions correspond with the conducting
and non-conducting divisions of the rollers. Of course, any other alphabet
may be selected, but in the one printed eight of the most useful letters are
formed by one move of the hand forward and backward, and the remainder
with a move of the hand forward, then backward, and then again forward,
instead of the number of moves now required in the single-needle telegraph.
At that part of the face broken away in Figure 10 is shewn the action of
this part of the instrument. At starting, all the springs are on non-conducting
portions of the roller, and consequently no current is passing, but when the
roller is turned (say to the right) to the first metallic division, the spring L comes
upon it, at the same time that the spring p comes on to a portion of a metal
ring to which it is attached, and thus the positive electricity flows to the line;
at the same time the spring E comes on to a metallic division which is con-
nected with part of a metallic ring on which N presses, therefore at the same
time the negative current goes to earth. Next, come non-conducting corre-
sponding divisions on which the springs L and E press, then metallic divisions,
and then non-conducting divisions, so that, according to the number of metallic
divisions passed by the springs in the going and returning movement of the
roller, will be the number of positive pulsations along the line and of negative
to earth. Instead of fixing the screen to the roller, it may be attached to.the
case, and the index g move with the roller, but I prefer moving the screen.
I will now describe the recording apparatus. I use, for the purpose of
recording the message sent, a pair of prickers or markers, one of which makes
a hole or mark in a strip of paper in one line, and the other in another line,
according to the nature of the current sent.
The following letters in the various Figures indicate the different parts:-As
is a portion of the roller keyed to the shaft S, furnished with studs, which move
a bent lever H', whose duty it is to advance the ratchet wheel G; A3 and A' are
other portions of a roller, also keyed on the shaft S, and furnished with studs
working two other bent levers I and J, which carry the prickers; M is a roller
to carry a supply of paper; for convenience of removal, it is made to work
on a stud fixed to the bearing M¹; O is a roller fixed to the same shaft as the

page_text: ratchet wheel, and which revolves with it, and in so doing draws forward the
paper; O' is a pressure roller, between which and O the paper is inserted and
drawn forward, after which it passes over another roller on one side of the case
and out of the machine; Q and Q₁ are the bearings which support the axes
of the ratchet wheel shaft, as well as of the three bent levers and that of the
upper pressure roller O'; R is a spiral spring, which keeps the lever H¹ firmly
upon the studded roller A2, when not forced forward; T, T¹, are rods which
pass freely through the lever H', and through each side of the frame, having
flanges for moving the lever where shewn. On the left side of the frame these
rods are furnished with studs U, U¹, to work them by means of the two first
fingers of the left hand. At the other ends of these rods, within the instrument,
are spiral springs which return them to their normal position when they have
been pressed and then released; vis a pall, having a spring on it, which is
attached to the lever H', and works the ratchet wheel.
The action of this part of the instrument is as follows:-The paper from
the roller M is first arranged as shewn in Figure 12, and then, if the handle
is turned to the right or left, the studs on the roller A² cause the lever H' to
rise and fall, and in so doing, at each rise of the lever, to turn the ratchet
wheel G one notch, at the same time carrying forward the paper. Now, these
studs are made to correspond with the metallic divisions of A¹, therefore each
time a current is transmitted the ratchet wheel is turned one notch. In like
manner, the studs of A³ and A', which work the levers I and J, correspond with
these metallic divisions to the left and right, so that when the handle is turned
to the left, A works the lever I, and when to the right, A' works the lever J,
and as these levers carry prickers or markers which act on the paper as it
passes over O, when the handle is turned to the right, marks are made by
the pricker of J, and when to the left, by the pricker of I, corresponding to the
current sent. From the explanation given, it will be understood that for the
current sent marks will be made on the paper at regular distances one from
another, either in the line of the pricker of I or J, but these marks would not
indicate letters or words without some further contrivance for that purpose;
this want is supplied by the studs u, u', and their attached rods, which, when
pressed upon by the fingers of the left hand, also move the ratchet wheel
independently of the handle wheel. The upper stud u, when pressed home, is
arranged to move the ratchet by means of the lever Hand pall v two notches,
and the lower stud u¹ to move it three or four notches. It is thus easy to
mark the end of the letters and words, for after turning the handle to the right
or left, or both, the quantities necessary to make the marks that indicate a
letter, the stud u is pressed by its finger, and therefore advances the ratchet

page_text: and paper a quantity equal to two notches; if, on the other hand,..we have
come to the end of a word, the stud u¹ is pressed by its finger, and the paper
is advanced a still further quantity.
In Figures 11 and 12, I have shewn the paper in place, but in Figure 18,
to prevent confusion, I have shewn the mechanism only, without the paper in
place. Figure 14 shews a portion of paper marked; the left-hand marks
I have used the
represent negative, and the right-hand positive currents.
same alphabet shewn in Figure 10, and a slight examination will suffice to
make intelligible the words written, which are "a record is useful."
I shall now describe a manipulator arranged to work two needles, singly
or simultaneously, at pleasure, using precisely similar movements of the hands
by the transmitting clerk to those now most generally employed with two
circuits. The object of this arrangement is to enable those persons who are
already practised on the instruments now most generally employed, to work
with the single wire and selecters, without having to learn either a novel
manipulation or a new alphabet, although, for unpractised hands, the systems
explained in previous Figures would be considerably more easy to acquire, and
once acquired, capable of much more rapid work, besides being simpler and
less costly in original construction.
It is necessary to premise that at the receiving end selecters are so arranged
that certain sets of currents sent from the transmitting end cause such move-
ments of the needles or indicators, as may be desired. Thus, for instance,
PPP, PPN, NPP, NPN, PNP, PNN, NNP, NNN, being the eight series,
the action at the two termini will be as follows:-
Bets of
Currents.
Transmitting End.
Receiving End.
PPP. Caused by turning the right-hand shaft to Right needle beats to
right.
right.
PPN. Caused by turning the right-hand shaft to Right needle beats to left.
left.
NPP. Caused by turning left-hand shaft to right
NPN.
Do.
do. to left
PNP.
Do.
both handles to left
PNN.
Do.
both handles outward
NNP.
Do.
both handles to right
NNN.
Do.
both handles inwards
.
.
Left needle beats to right.
"
Do.
do.
to left.
Both needles beat to left.
Do.
to correspond.
Do.
beat to right.
Do.
to correspond.
Of course, it will at once be understood that in the case of PPP or PPN
being sent, the selecters cause a circuit for the electric fluid to be completed
only round the right needle, and then a right or left beat; that in the case of

page_text: NPP. or NPN, they complete the circuit mound the left needle, and then a
right or left beat; that in the case of PNP or NNP, they complete a circuit
in the same direction round both needles, and then a right or left beat; and
that 'in the case PNN or NNN, they complete circuits in opposite directions
round the two needles, and then a beat towards or from each other.
To effect these objects the manipulating handles are attached to shafts, on
which are fitted loosely wooden rollers, which move with the shaft by means of
compound key pieces pon, lo e, similar to those described in preceding.
Figures. To these wooden rollers are attached, in the required position, pieces
of metal, communicating metallically with either pole of the battery, with the
line, or with the earth, as case may be.
As the currents to be sent are various, and have to be produced by moves of
the handles, similar to those now in use, a good many springs are required, but
only certain ones have effective action with particular moves.
These springs are seen in position in the views of the manipulator complete,
Figure 18, Sheet 2, and Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 3, where it will be seen
that they are in five rows, of which the two at the ends of the rollers are
connected respectively with the poles of the battery, with the line, and with
the earth, and that they press upon four metallic rings, which rings are
metallically connected with the inlaid pieces in the rollers on the other three
lines of springs, and as these springs alternately come in contact with
conducting. and non-conducting divisions, the correct currents are made to
pass.
Figures 15, 16, and 17, Sheet 2, represent, in Diagram, transverse sections
of the rollers on the three inner lines of springs. Figure 15 is that portion of
the rollers and springs set in action by the right handle only. Figure 16 is
that portion of the rollers set in action by the two simple movements of the
left handle, as well as by movements of both handles to the left, or of both
handles outwards; and Figure 17 is that portion of the rollers and springs set
in action by the movement of both handles to the right, and of both handles
inwards. An examination of the Figures will shew that, however the handles
are moved, no currents can be sent but those intended to correspond with the
particular moves made; .but to make it clearer, I will enter rather more into
detail:-x, which is repeated in all the Figures for clearness, although existing
in practice in only one place in each roller, is a stud intended to confine the
motion to a certain space, and each beat requires that the roller or rollers
should be moved from the starting point, where the handles are vertical, until
the stud touches either of the stops g or g', and then back again, at as regular
a pace as possible, to the starting point.

page_text: The springs
WHIen press on the roners, ure
metallically connected in pairs in each Figure; consequently, if S¹ or S³ are
pressing on metal pieces connected with the rings pressed on by the springs
terminating either pole of the battery, at the same time that S or S¹ are
pressing on metal pieces connected with the rings pressed on by the springs
terminating the line or earth wire, electric communication is established; but
if either portion of a pair of springs is on a non-conducting division, no electric
current can pass.
Let us now take Figure 15, where A represents the right, and B the left
roller. In the normal position shewn, the spring S¹ is on a metallic portion P,
connected with the positive pole of the battery, but S2 is on a non-conducting
portion, therefore no current can pass. S³ is on a metallic portion N, con-
nected with the negative pole of the battery, but S₁ is on a non-conducting
division, therefore no current can pass. By looking at the two other sections,
Figures 16 and 17, it will be seen that the same state of things exists, viz, one
part at least of the double springs is on a non-conducting division, so that when
in the normal position, that is, with the handles vertical, no current can pass
anywhere. If we now make a beat with the right roller A, either way, currents
will be produced from the metal divisions of the section shewn, Figure 15, but
not from those of the other sections, Figures 16 and 17, because, as long as
the left roller does not move in both those sections, the springs S¹, S³, remain
on non-conducting spaces, but not so in section, Figure 15, where they are on
metal divisions. In like manner, if the right roller remain stationary, and the
left be turned to the right or left, it is only from the section, Figure 16, that
currents will be sent. Again, if both rollers are turned together to the left, it
is only in section, Figure 16, that currents can pass, and if both rollers are
turned to the right, the currents from section, Figure 17, come into play, &c.
I have shewn in dotted lines at H, in each section, the positions of the
handle, which bring that section only into play, and it is quite unnecessary to go
more into detail, as I have already so fully described previous Figures in which
similar parts exist. Suffice it to say, that those portions of metal marked P
are permanently attached to the ring on which the spring connected with the
positive pole presses, those marked N to that on which the spring connected
with the negative pole presses, those marked L or E to those connected with
the line or earth, and that those divisons which are marked n, p, or l, e, are
put in metallic connection by means of the key pieces n, o, p, l, o, e, the nature
of the action of which I have described in preceding Figures.
This manipulator complete is drawn to two-thirds of the full size in
Figure 18, Sheet 2, and in Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 3, where Figure 18 is

page_text: the side view; Figure 1, the top view; Figure 2, an end view; and Figure 3,
a longitudinal section through the roller A. The same letters and figures are
applied to each view.
A and B are the two rollers, of which cross sections are shewn in the Diagrams,
Figures 15, 16, and 17, Sheet 2; C, the bearings of the same; D, the shafts;
E, L, P, N, respectively, the springs, connected by means of the pressure screws
E, L, P, and N, with the earth and line wires, and the positive and negative
poles of the battery; E', L', P', N', are the metal rings on the rollers, and upon
which these springs press, and which are connected metallically with the inlaid
pieces marked E, L, P, N, in the sections, and in these general views. O is the
ivory key piece which causes the rollers to turn when the shaft is turned.
S1, S2, S3, S, are the springs which convey the currents from one roller to the
other, in the case of S1, S2, by means of the strips T; W is a false bottom
on which the whole is fixed; and W¹, the general stand; H are the handles.
With the explanations already given of the Diagram sections, and these
indications, the action of this manipulator will be easily understood.
Having now fully explained my improvements in the manipulators, the
nature and use of the apparatuses which I have called selecters, as well as the
contrivance which may be attached to this manipulator, and mechanically record
the dispatch sent, it only remains for me to describe my improvements in the
indicators, needles, electro-magnets, &c.
Figure 4, Sheet 3, shews at na needle, attached to the axis of a magnetic
needle, surrounded by coils in the usual manner; n may be the indicator or
an extra needle, fixed on the axis at the back of the coils. I have not shewn
the coils, as there is nothing in the contrivance I am about to explain which
necessitates any difference from the ordinary construction.
In mounting the needles and their shaft, no directive force is given to the
system, which, on the contrary, is suspended as nearly as possible on its centre
of gravity. To cause the indicator to remain vertical when not acted on by
the current, and to return to that position after it has been so acted upon with
a diminished tendency to vibration, I make use of minute weighted levers or
springs, between a pair of which the end of the needle is placed. A, A¹,
Figure 4, represent a pair of these levers, of which c are the centres in a state
of repose. The little shifting weights w, w', allow the resistance to motion to
be suited to the force that moves the needle, and keep the bent ends of the
levers pressed upon the studs until the needle is set in action. The dotted
lines n¹ and A shew how the needle moves the bent levers when an electric
current is passed. When the electric force ceases, the lever falls again
upon its stop S, carrying with it the needle to its proper place of rest, but

page_text: Before
no further; and whatever momentum the needle may have acquired is
checked by its striking against the end of the opposite lever. Instead of
weighted levers, small springs may be used in the same manner.
describing my improvements in electro-magnets, I will explain how a needle
or indicator can be made to swing over 1, 2, 3, or more spaces at pleasure.
The particular mechanical contrivance used may be varied; but the principle
employed is that of the attraction of selecting magnets. For, instead of any
number of selecting magnets being employed to give motion to one of many
different needles, all that is necessary is to cause them to attract armatures or
magnets, and in so doing to move one needle over different distances.
Figures 5 and 6, Sheet 3, shew an arrangement for producing this effect;
Figure 5 being a front view, and Figure 6 a side view. I have not drawn
the bearings and supports, in order not to complicate the Figures. It will be
seen that these Figures are intended to shew how a needle may be made to
beat different distances to the right; but, of course, a similar arrangement on
the other side would enable us to get similar beats to the left. A, B, C, D,
are four horse-shoe electro-magnets, around the coils of either of which a
current may be sent at pleasure by means of appropriate attached selecters;
a, b, c, d, are their armatures, facing them and attached to key pieces 1, 2, 3, 4,
which turn freely on the fixed circular shaft E. The shaft F is the axis of
the needle or indicator which is keyed to it, and turns freely on pivots. Upon
this shaft are keyed the pieces 5, 6, 7, 8, which are acted upon by the key
pieces 1, 2, 3, 4, when the armatures are attracted by the electro-magnets.
S is a spiral spring of recall, whose tendency is to keep the needle against the
stop g, or bring it back after it has been forced away, and to restrain its action
to the limit of any particular attraction.
As this system is arranged, if the electro-magnet D is brought into action,
the armature d is attracted, and the key 4 on which it is fixed is moved, and
its upper part presses against the piece 8, and carries round the shaft of the
needle or indicator, and the distance moved over is arranged to bring the
needle to point to the division No. 1. During this action the key pieces
1, 2, 3, which are free on the shaft E, are not affected. In like manner, the
attraction of C for c moves the indicator to the division No. 2, that of B for
.b to the division No. 3, and that of A for a to the division No. 4, and as the
transmitting agent has the power, by means of the selecters, to send the current
round A, B, C, or D, at pleasure, of course, thereby he can cause the indicator
to swing over any desired number of spaces. In Figure 5, the keys 1, 2, 3,
are not seen, being behind and hidden by the key 4.
My improvements in electro-magnets applicable to indicators, alarums, the

page_text: selecters I have described, and generally to any part of a telegraph where it is
desired to causė motion by means of temporary attractions, I will now describe.
The usual methods by which such movements are now caused is by an electro-
magnet of the horse-shoe form attracting an armature of soft iron.
I find that by different arrangements and proportions of the parts to those
now used, that as much attractive power can be produced with the same
current by means of coils containing one-half, one-third, or even with very
much less isolated wire, than is required in electro-magnets on the old plan,
whereby both the first cost and the amount of continuous resistance to the
current are proportionately diminished. My improvements in simple electro-
magnets consist partly in the use of a single coil in one portion of the magnet,
instead of a coil on each of two legs, still retaining the other advantages of the
horse-shoe form, partly in making the armature, as it were, a portion of the
electro-magnet, and partly in very much reducing the diameter and increasing
the length of that portion of the electro-magnet covered by the coil, or making
several shorter portions of such attenuated covered cores act conjointly to form
one pole.
Figure 7, Sheet 3, shews in section one form of these improved electro-
magnets; it consists of four parts, viz, the core A, surrounded by isolated
copper wire a; of the back B, whose cross section is shewn; of the square leg C,
whose cross section is also shewn; and of the moveable piece D, attached to C
by an easy moving joint; the whole of soft iron. It will be seen that the
core A has a very much smaller diameter than is usual, and that it is flanged
at both ends, and screwed into the part B, but that the other parts B and C
contain fully as much metal as it is now customary to put. I have found that
by these arrangements the quantity of covered wire coiled round the core here
shewn, when the current is passed through it, will cause an attractive closing
force between A and D, fully equal or superior, both in strength and distance,
to that of an ordinary electro-magnet having four or five times as much wire
coil. I do not find it advantageous to diminish the quantity of metal in any
part of the electro-magnet, except the covered core, which may vary in
diameter from an eighth of an inch, or even less, to a quarter, and of course
the form of the parts may be greatly varied.
Should the length of this electro-magnet be found inconvenient, Figure 8
shews in side view, and Figure 9 in cross section, a very effective arrange-
ment, in which the core A is divided into three parts, clustered to form one
pole, and then coiled with the isolated copper wire, whilst the other arrange-
These shorter
ments, except as to the length of the bar C, remain the same.
cores may be clustered in various ways, or flat bars, of which one shewn in

page_text: section at P, Figure 9, may be used, although not quite so efficacious; but in
order to take advantage of the principle to the utmost, where increased
strength is needed, I do not consider it advisable to increase the diameter of
the core, or thickness of the bar, much over one-eighth of an inch, nor to add
many convolutions of the coils, because, whatever is more than sufficient to
saturate the soft iron is lost, and the convolutions most distant from the centre,
although larger in diameter, and therefore offering more resistance to the
current, are not more efficacious for the purpose of magnetization than the
nearer ones. To get more strength, I prefer grouping together more pieces
of covered core and making them longer, and increasing the proportions of the
other parts.
Where it is wished to attract the armature or moveable bar a longer
distance, the arrangement shewn in section in Figure 10, Sheet 3, is very
efficacious, and even less wire coil is needed to produce a given effect. Here
the moveable bar D, when under the inductive influence of the electro-magnet,
acquires, as it is attracted, various consecutive poles, alternating with the cores
and plain poles; thus, if the covered cores A are made into north poles, the
square bars C, C¹, C3, become south poles, and in the moveable bar we get so
many opposite poles at the points that come in contact therewith. Another
advantage I find in the use of these attenuated covered cores is, that the
residuary magnetism is considerably less than where stouter iron is employed.
So far, in speaking of my improved electro-magnets, I have supposed all the
parts of soft iron, and that in whichever direction the current were passed,
attraction would take place; but in the apparatuses for moving one of
several needles, already described, where it is wished to ring one of two or
more alarums at pleasure, or indeed wherever. selection by the current is
required, either permanent magnets may be used, instead of the soft iron move-
able bar, with such precaution as I have already mentioned in describing the
selecters, to prevent demagnetization, and it (or soft iron magnetized by a local,
battery) may still be used, in connection with a special coil, in any of the modes
I shall now describe.
Figures 11, 12, and 13, shew three varieties. In Figure 11, the moveable
bar is surrounded by a coil of its own, in addition to the coil a of A, but it is
only the coil a which communicates with the earth and line wires, whilst the
cuil d round the core D receives its electricity from a small local battery,
which maintains D in a permanent state of magnetization, and it will be
according to the nature of the current sent round A, whether attraction or
repulsion takes place between A and D. In Figures 12 and 13, the local
battery only comes into action when the current is passed along the line, in a

page_text: manner I will explain when describing those Figures; but in Figure 12, the
moveable arm has a separate coil of its own, as in Figure 11, whereas, in
Figure 13, although there are still two coils, they are both round A, and the
moveable arm here remains a naked piece of soft iron. In all these Figures,
A is a circular iron core surrounded by the coil a, which in Figure 13 is
double; two wires, isolated alike from the core and from each other, being
coiled simultaneously round the core A. B is the back of the magnet; C, the
bottom piece, to which is jointed loosely the moveable piece D. In Figure 11,
it will be seen that this moveable piece is circular in section, and surrounded
with a coil, excepting at its extremities, the upper of which is square, and is
attracted by A, and the lower of which is formed of the proper shape for the
joint. This joint is so formed that when the magnet is closed the lower face
of D presses firmly on C, as its upper one does on A. It is not absolutely
necessary that D should be hinged to C, as if it were always kept by a spring,
or otherwise, in connexion at its lower edge, the same purpose would be
answered, but the joint is, perhaps, the most convenient. I have shewn at x, in
this Figure, a spring of recall and a stud s, to limit the action; but these parts,
and the connexion with the selecters, alarums, or whatever other instrument is
used for, of course must be adapted to the circumstances of the case.
The ends of the coil d are kept in constant connection with the poles of a
small local battery of the necessary force, and the ends of the coil a are
connected with the line and earth wires, therefore, when a current is passed
along them, it will depend upon its direction whether D is attracted or
repelled.
In this Figure, the coil d, as well as the metal D, must move whenever an
attraction takes place; but by the arrangement of coil shewn at d in Figure 12,
the moveable bar of soft iron alone moves, whilst the coil remains stationary.
The shape of this coil, whose case is screwed to the bottom bar C, is seen in
longitudinal and transverse section in Figure 12, and it will be perceived that
at the same time that it surrounds and magnetises D, D is free to move the
necessary amount within it. As in the last Figure, the ends of the coil d may
be permanently connected with the poles of a small local battery, whilst the
ends of a are connected with the earth and line wires; but in both these cases
the upper end of D must not be allowed to approach too near to A, and recall
springs, of sufficient force to overcome the magnetism caused by the electricity.
in the coil d, must be attached, so that when it is unsupported by the current
from the distant station, the moveable piece D may fall back; and as this con-.
siderably diminishes the useful force of the arrangement, I have devised a plan,
shewn in this Figure and in Figure 13, by which the current from the local

page_text: battery is only in play at the same time as that from the distant station is
circulating round a.
Before explaining this, however, I will describe how, in Figure 13, the
moveable bar D is attracted or not, at the pleasure of the sender. Here it will
be seen that D is not surrounded by a special coil, as in Figures 11 and 12,
but instead, round A are intertwined two coils a, perfectly isolated from each
other, as well as from the metal core. The ends of one of these coils may be
attached to the poles of the local battery, and those of the other to the line
and earth wires. In this case, when no current is passing along the line, we
have an electro-magnet formed, and a consequent attraction of D from the
current of the local battery, but if the recall spring is sufficiently strong, no
motion will take place. If now a current is sent along the line in one
direction, it will greatly increase the attractive force, and if in the other
direction will neutralize it, so that, by properly proportioning the force of the
recall spring, we can produce attraction or not at pleasure. But as in this
plan the same inconveniences I have already alluded to will exist, I will now
describe my method of bringing the local battery current into play only when
the line current is circulating.
As this arrangement is shewn both in Figures 12 and 13, the same letters
of reference apply to both Drawings. l, m, are two pieces of soft iron, screwed
through the back B of the general magnet. One or both, if desired, of these
pieces of soft iron, which are cylindrical in section, is surrounded by a coil n,
and, therefore, when a current is passed through it, I and m form, as it were,
the legs of a small horse-shoe magnet; p is a small piece of soft iron, supported
on a light spring q, and kept by it at a minute distance from the faces land m,
and attracted by them the instant they become magnetic; r is a stud of ivory,
also passed through a hole in the back B, through the centre of which a
platinum wires is inserted. The inner end of this platinum wire is brought as
near as possible to p, without actual contact, until p is attracted by l, m, when
that attraction causes it to press firmly on the platinum wire, and thus, as the
distance is very minute, establishes a contact practically at the same instant
that the current passes round the coil n. This current is the line current, and
the contact made between the platinum wire and p establishes the current from
the local battery in d, in Figure 12, and in one of the coils a, in Figure 13.
I will describe the direction of these currents in Figure 13, as in Figure 12
they are the same, except that the current from the local battery is made to
pass round d, instead of round one of the coils a.
The current from the distant station flows along the line to L, to the end of
one of the intertwined coils a, through it, and by a wire to one end of the coil

page_text: n, through it, and to E, and the earth wire. The moment, therefore, that a
current is passed in either direction, not only does A, B, C, become a magnet,
but also 1, B, m, and instantly attracts p, and makes contact with the
platinum wire. When that contact is established, the current from the local
battery flows round the second coil a, and acts simultaneously, either to
neutralize or fortify the current round the first coil a, from the line; for the
platinum wire s is connected at L, P, with the positive pole of the local
battery, then when contact is made with p, through it to the wire t, then round
the second coil a, to L, N, and the negative pole of the local battery. This
current, of course, never changes in direction, and if arranged to cause A to
become a north pole, when the line current also tends to make A a north pole,
D will be attracted with the double force from the two currents; but if, on the
other hand, the line current tends to make A a south pole, as the force of the
two coils a is made as nearly as possible equal, they neutralize one another, and
no attraction of D takes place. By having a pair of these magnets side by
side with the coils differently disposed, the moveable piece D of one would be
attracted when the current was sent in one direction, and of the other if sent
in the opposite direction, and thus an electrive attraction without any permanent
magnets be produced.
Electro-magnets, like Figure 13, with the adjuncts for bringing into action a
local battery just described, when used in opposed pairs, entirely do away with
all the evils from demagnetization so often produced by atmospheric electricity
and other causes, either in working a needle or indicator, a selecter, one of
two alarums, or any other part of the telegraph, and when the moveable piece
of soft iron is placed between two of these electro-magnets thus opposed, and
so arranged that when one has no action the other attracts, and vice versa.
The soft iron D moves right or left, according to the direction of the current
sent, and when placed on a shaft to which an indicator is attached, the move-
ments now produced by a permanent magnetic needle are perfectly reproduced
with soft iron, and thus permanent steel magnets, with their inconveniences,
are avoided.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention of "Improvements in Electric Telegraphs, and in Apparatuses
Employed therein," and the manner in which the same is or may be carried
out, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine or restrict myself to
the precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to describe or
refer to, as many variations may be made therein without deviating from
the principles or main features of the said Invention; but what I consider to

page_text: be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by
the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,―
First, the general arrangements and combinations of machinery which I
have shewn and described under the name of selecters, apparatuses having
for their object to enable the transmitting agent of a telegraph to work any
one or more of several needles, indicators, or recording instruments, that he
may desire, at a distant station or stations with one circuit.
Second, the arrangements shewn for supporting the magnetism of the
permanent magnets employed.
Third, the use of the back or returning action of the selected magnet or
armature to open and close circuits for the electric fluid, whether the arrange-
ments be precisely those shewn, or mere variations of the mode of using the
backward action.
Fourth, generally the arrangements of manipulators shewn in Sheet 2, and
in Figures 1, 2, 3, of Sheet 3, inclusive.
Fifth, the method of action and arrangement of the handle wheel and keys
for making both the backward and forward movement of the hand or finger
available for sending the required signals, whether the arrangements be pre-
cisely those shewn, or mere modifications thereof.
Sixth, the plan shewn in Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 2, and elsewhere, of causing
positive currents to flow down the line when the handle or key is turned in one
direction, and negative currents when turned in the other direction, whether
the particular arrangements shewn at p, o, n, be adopted, or any equivalent
mechanical variation thereof.
Seventh, the use of a commutator worked by the left hand, the foot, or
otherwise, in connection with a handle wheel or key, as explained, in order to
send the same variety of currents that would otherwise require two handle
wheels or keys.
Eighth, the plan shewn at Figures 10 to 14 inclusive, Sheet 2, for recording
mechanically the message at the time of sending it.
Ninth, the method shewn in Figures 15 to 18, Sheet 2, and in Figures
1, 2, 3, Sheet 3, for transmitting, with similar motions of the handle wheels
to those now generally used in the double-needle telegraph with two wires,
such sets of currents as will produce, with one wire and selecters, similar
beats of the needles to those now produced by such movements of the handle
wheels.
Tenth, the contrivance shewn at Figure 4, Sheet 3, for lessening the vibration
of a needle or indicator.

page_text: Eleventh, the arrangements shewn in Figures 5 and 6, Sheet 3, for causing
a. needle to swing different distances at the pleasure of the transmitting
agent.
Twelfth, generally the arrangements of electro-magnets shewn and described
in Sheet 3, Figures 7 to 13, inclusive.
Thirteenth, the use, for telegraphic purposes, of an attenuated core or cores
of soft iron varying in thickness from nearly an eigth of an inch to a quarter,
in lieu of the thicker cores now generally used, when such cores are used in
groups to form a single pole, or if used singly or doubly, when they have a
length exceeding ten times their diameter.
Fourteenth, the use, for telegraphic purposes, of such attenuated cores placed
at intervals to form compound electro-magnets with many poles, in order to
get a long stroke of the moveable arm.
Fifteenth, the use of double coils, as shewn in Figures 11, 12, and 13, in
one of which the electricity is supplied by the current from the line, and in the
other of which it is supplied by a local battery, to form electro-magnets capable
of attracting soft iron electively.
Sixteenth, the particular means shewn in Figures 12 and 13, Sheet 3, or
any mere variation thereof, for bringing the current of the local battery into
play only at the time that the current from the distant station is in action, so
that they may form conjointly electro-magnets capable of attracting soft iron
electively.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Hickling Burnett, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this First day of January, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-seven.