IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING, SIGNALLING, AND TELEGRAPHING BY MEANS OF ELECTRICITY
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Isham Baggs, of Manchester Street, Argyle Square,
in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING, SIGNALLING, AND TELEGRAPHING BY MEANS OF
ELECTRICITY."
Sealed the 12th December 1856, and dated the 25th July 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Isham Baggs at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 25th July
1856.
I, ISHAM BAGGS, of Manchester Street, Argyle Square, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING, SIGNALLING, AND TELEGRAPHING BY
MEANS OF ELECTRICITY," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates, firstly, to the use and application of the electric flash
or discharge derived from the apparatus known to electricians as the Leyden
jar, or from any analogous combination of surfaces, to the ignition of coal, gas,
or other combustible substance or substances, either for the purposes of
illumination or for signals, such electric flash or discharge being caused to pass
through or traverse conductors properly arranged.
This Invention relates, secondly, to certain arrangements for turning on and
turning off the gas used in connection with or for the purposes of my improve-
ments, whenever necessary, by means of pneumatic or liquid pressure, or

page_text: electro-magnetism, or any other convenient moving power not hitherto
employed for such purpose.
This Invention relates, thirdly, to certain arrangements for using for the
purposes firstly above mentioned, or for the purposes of telegraphing, either
through the atmosphere, beneath the surface of the earth, or under water, one
or more Leyden jars, or other analogous combinations of surfaces, the same
being so arranged that the positive coating of one portion of the series shall
always be opposed to the negative coating of the other.
This Invention relates, fourthly, to a method of protecting persons who may
be engaged in operations connected therewith from the effects of accidental
discharges of the electric fluid by a proper and suitable disposition of conductors
and non-conductors about and in the vicinity of the person or persons so to be
protected
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Isham Baggs in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
24th January 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ISHAM
BAGGS, of Manchester Street, Argyll Square, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth 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
Isham Baggs, Her special licence that I, the said Isham Baggs, my execu-
tors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Isham Baggs,
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 APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING,
SIGNALLING, AND TELEGRAPHING BY MEANS OF ELECTRICITY," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Isham Baggs, my executors or adminis
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
and seals, should particularly 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.

page_text: NOW NOW YE, that I, the said Isham Baggs, 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,
reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and
letters marked thereon, that is to say:-
The improvements embraced by this Invention consist,―
Firstly, of arrangements for the instantaneous lighting and ignition of gas
when used for purposes of illumination, and for turning the same on and off,
when desired, and for effecting the ignition of other combustible substances.
Secondly, of certain arrangements and apparatus for signalling on railways,
extending to the communications between the drivers and guards of trains;
and also to signals for the purpose of notifying the dangerous proximity of
trains running on the same line of rails.
And, thirdly, of improvements in telegraphing generally, and in the appa-
ratus used for such purposes.
The chief or principal agency by which this Invention is carried into effect
is that of frictional or high tension electricity, by whatsoever means produced.
Having thus given a brief outline of the scope of these improvements, the
particulars and details thereof may now be given, and are contained in the
following observations and the several Drawings herein referred to.
First, as to the arrangements for the instantaneous lighting and ignition of
gas when used for the purposes of illumination, and for turning the same on
and off, and for effecting the ignition of other combustible substances. By way
of illustration, I will explain the arrangements which I use in the case of street
lamps, but it will be manifest that modifications of the same method will be
applicable to every variety of purpose for which this portion of the said Inven-
tion may be used.
Upon the burner of each lamp, and fitting tightly thereon and at right
angles thereto, I place a slip of glass, baked wood, bone, ivory, or other suitable
non-conducting substance; the same being fixed horizontally. Through each of
these slips or pieces of non-conducting material, and on each side of the burner,
is placed a small wire, the ends of the two wires being brought to within an
eighth part of an inch or other proper distance of each other, and at a distance
of about one inch or other proper and suitable distance above the burner, and
immediately above the aperture or apertures thereof. The lower ends of the
said wires terminate in rings, loops, or other convenient and suitable means of
attaching other wires thereto. The latter wires pass through the base or sides
of the lamp or lanterns, and are covered with gutta percha or other suitable
insulating and non-conducting material or materials, in such a manner as to

page_text: prevent a divergence of the electric spark or discharge to the metallic portion
of the lamp. The communication between the several lamps can be effected
and completed by suspended wires, so as to include all the lamps in a given
circuit; or the wires may be conducted through the hollow portion of the lamp
pillars or standards, and carried below the surface of the earth in any suitable
and effectual manner, in which case the wires should be coated or covered
with gutta percha or any other suitable non-conducting and insulating material.
In cases where the connecting wires are suspended openly from lamp to lamp,
it will only be necessary to insulate those portions thereof which pass through
the lantern and within a short distance thereof.
Figure 1 in the annexed Drawings represents three ordinary street lamps,
shewing the burners, having fixed thereon the before-mentioned horizontal slips
of glass or other non-conducting material, the object of which is only to serve
as a support to the wires a, a, a. The Drawing shews the manner in which
the latter are arranged, and also the mode in which the several lamps may be
connected together by means of the suspended wires marked b, b.
Having thus explained the arrangements for the connection of the several
lamps proposed to be lighted, I will now proceed to describe the methods
by which I intend that the gas shall be turned on when it is intendeed
to light the series of lamps, and also the arrangements by which the gas
shall be turned off and the lamps extinguished at any desired moment. For
these purposes I adopt various arrangements, amongst which are the three
following:-
In the first of these arrangements, taps are so placed in the line of circuit
as for each to command several burners, the taps being turned on for the
emission of gas by means of pneumatic pressure or vacuum, as herein-after
mentioned. To the exterior of each tap is placed a lever jointed to a con-
necting rod, which actuates a piston, the latter working in an air-tight
manner in a small cylinder, the lower portion of which communicates, by
means of tubes and properly arranged valves or stop-cocks, with a vacuum
chamber, from which the air can be exhausted or withdrawn at pleasure, and
also with a pressure chamber, which can be filled, when desired, with condensed
air. When the said cylinder is placed in communication with the vacuum
chamber, the piston working in the said cylinder will be depressed by the
weight of the external atmosphere, and when the cylinder is in like manner
placed in connection with the pressure chamber the piston will be impelled
upwards by the pressure of the condensed air upon the lower surface thereof,
in each case the tap being moved, but in contrary directions, in such a
manner as to turn the gas on and off, and thus permitting or obstructing the

page_text: flow and transmission thereof, as may be desired. The vacuum and pressure
chambers may be situated at any convenient distance and position, so as to
embrace within their operation any desired and convenient number of burners,
each chamber being provided with a stop-cock or valve placed on or near
thereto in such a manner that a connection may be established, whenever
required, between them and the tubes communicating with the various small
cylinders before mentioned. The said vacuum and pressure chambers may be
respectively exhausted and filled with condensed air by means of pumps
worked by hand or by steam, or any other power conveniently available for
such purposes.
Figure 2 in the annexed Drawings explains the last mentioned arrange-
ment. a is the tap, placed in the gas pipe; b is the lever, fixed to the exterio
thereof; c is the connecting rod, actuating the piston d, which works in the
small cylinder ; fis a tube, opening into the cylinder e, and communicating
with the vacuum and pressure chambers. According as the cylinder e is
placed in connection with either of these chambers, the piston d will be
depressed or elevated, in either case actuating the tap a, and permitting or
obstructing the flow of gas.
The
The second mode in which I effect the turning the gas on and off for the
purposes of lighting and extinguishing the same is by the use of a water or
fluid tap, which may be fixed so as to command several burners.
principal portion of this tap consists of a piece of bent tubing of glass, metal,
or any suitable material in the form of an inverted syphon, one limb of which
is divided by means of a diaphragm of the same or any suitable material into
two separate vertical chambers, one of which communicates with the gas
burner, and the other with the main or supply pipe. The other limb com-.
municates with a vacuum chamber, similar to that before described, and also,
by means of a valve or stop-cock situated in a convenient position, with the
external atmosphere. The bent tube is partially filled with water, which
under ordinary circumstances may be stated, for the purposes of illustration, to
stand at such a level that the diaphragm shall be covered therewith to the
height of two or three inches, or more, whereby the before mentioned
chambers are sealed or closed, so that no flow of gas can take place to the
burner. If, however, the other limb of the bent tubo be connected with the
vacuum chamber, the water will rise in that limb and fall in the other, and
upon sinking below the diaphragm will permit the gas to flow to the burner
or burners until the equilibrium of the water in the two limbs of the bent
tube is restored, which may readily be done by admitting the atmospheric air
into the same, whereupon the water will fall to its original level, and thus seal

page_text: the chambers as before. For these purposes any suitable liquid, other than
water, may be employed.
Figure 3 in the annexed Drawings represents the last mentioned apparatus.
a, a, is the bent tube, in the right limb of which is the diaphragm b, dividing
the same into two vertical chambers, one of which, marked c, communicates
with the gas burner, the other, marked d, with the main or supply pipe. The
dotted line shews the level of the water when the flow of gas is obstructed.
e is a continuation of the tube a, a, and communicates with the vacuum
chamber, and also having a suitable valve or stop-cock therein, for the purpose
of admitting the external air. The water or other liquid may be supplied to
the tube a, a, through the tube f, which should be of glass, and which also
serves as a guage for ascertaining the height of the water or other liquid in
the tube a, a.
The third method which I adopt, as above mentioned, for the purpose-of
turning the gas on and off is as follows:-In convenient proximity to each
lamp, and in the line of pipes or tubes laid horizontally for the transmission of
the gas, I place a short length of elastic tubing, composed of vulcanized india-
rubber or some other suitable elastic material, the same being substituted for
a corresponding length of the gas pipe or tube, and being properly united
thereto, and forming part of the line of transmission. Parallel to the said
gas tubes or pipes is placed a similar tube, which I will call the "air tube,"
having similar lengths of elastic tubing placed at the correspouding portions
in such manner as to cross the before mentioned elastic portions of the gas
tubing, at right angles, the adjacent portions of the "air tube" being bent or
turned at suitable angles, and continuing parallel to the gas tubing until the
next lamp is reached, and so on, the like contrivance being applied, if desired,
in the proximity of each lamp. The two clastic tubes are confined at the
point of crossing each other within a case constructed of metal or of some
other suitable rigid material, for the purpose of protecting the same from
injury, and also constructed in such a manner as to allow of one only of the
same elastic tubes being fully distended at the same time at the point of
crossing each other. The said "air tube" is so arranged as to be capable
of being placed at pleasure in communication with a pressure chamber similar
to those herein-before mentioned, and also with the external atmosphere.
When it is desired to transmit a supply of gas to the several lamps in a given
circuit, and the gas having been turned on at the main, the "air tube" is to
be placed in communication with the external atmosphere, whereby the elastic
portions of the gas tubing will be rendered capable of distention, and will
afford a free and uninterrupted passage for the transmission of the gas,

page_text: while, by placing the "air tube" in connection with the pressure chamber,
the same can be distended with condensed air, and thus causing the elastic
portions of the gas tubing to collapse by reason of the pressure exerted
thereon, and thus stopping or cutting off the supply of gas previously in
course of transmission. From the foregoing explanation it will be manifest
that the gas can be turned on and off by means of this apparatus whenever
desired, and that it can be so constructed and applied as to embrace within
the operation of one set of apparatus any convenient number of lamps or
burners.
Although I have in the preceding description and observations alluded to
pneumatic pressure as the agency to be used for actuating the taps and valves
herein-before mentioned and described, yet I do not confine myself to the use
of such agency, inasmuch as other methods, such as the employment of liquids
of different densities, the decomposition of water by means of voltaic batteries,
electro-magnetic arrangements, or any other easily transmissible power may
be employed. In fact, although I prefer the use of the arrangements herein-
before described, any other suitable method or methods may be adopted, the
main feature of this portion of my Invention, namely, the instantaneous and
simultaneous ignition of the gas issuing from any number of burners, remaining
unaltered and unaffected thereby.
Having thus shewn how the lamps or other analogous mechanisms are to be
arranged in electric circuit, and how the supply of gas is to be rendered and
discontinued at pleasure, I will now proceed to explain how the same is to be
fired or ignited by electricity.
For this purpose I make use of any machine or apparatus capable of pro-
ducing or evolving electricity of high tension, and in preference I use the
common and well known plate electrical machine for this purpose, and a Leyden
jar or combination of jars, or any other analagous arrangement of surfaces, for
the reception, accumulation, and retention of what is termed "latent," "dis-
guised," "condensed," or "accumulated" electricity.
In the following explanation, the use of jars will be presumed, and 'the cor-
responding terms and language used for the sake of conciseness. When the
number of lamps in the circuit is small, a single jar well charged with elec-
tricity will be sufficient for the purpose. Contact having been made between
one end of the circuit and the external surface of the jar through the niedium
of any suitable conductor, the discharge will be effected by bringing the other
extremity of the circuit within what is termed and known by electricians as
the "striking distance" of the terminal knob or ball of the jar. When, how
ever, the number of lamps to be lit is great, it is requisite to employ electricity

page_text: of higher intensity, and for this purpose the following arrangement may be
made use of: Any desired number of Leyden jars are mounted in a horizontal
position on insulating columns of glass or of any other suitable non-conducting
substance or material, the foot of each column being attached to a radial arm
of wood or other suitable material, all of such arms being jointed at the same
angle to a straight bar. This bar is furnished with a handle, and as all the
radial arms which carry the glass columns and jars turn upon centres by means
of the said handle, the jars are made to turn through a portion of a circle, the
motion of each being parallel to that of the others, the effect of which is that
the knob of each jar is brought into contact or approximation with the external
coating of that which precedes or is adjacent to it, so as to form an electrical
series of positive and negative surfaces. Upon the handle before mentioned
being pushed or moved in the opposite direction, the jars return to their original
positions. When it is desired to use this arrangement, the jars are first charged
separately or together, and when the charge of each is sufficient, as will
readily be known by means of the electrometer, and the conducting wires com-
municating with the circuit, through which it is desired to pass the electric
fluid, having been respectively connected with the knob or ball of one terminal
jar, and with the outer metallic coating of the jar forming the other extremity
of the said arrangement, the whole series of jars may then be suddenly brought
into contact with each other by means of the handle, as herein-before men-
tioned, whereupon a disruptive discharge of electricity of great intensity will be
passed through the circuit, causing the ignition of the gas issuing from the
several burners.
:
Figure 4 in the annexed Drawings représents the last-mentioned arrange-
ment of Leyden jars, the same being in position for the purpose of being
discharged.
Figure 5 is a plan of the arrangement, shewing the manner in which the jars
are moved by means of the handle.
Although, for the purpose of illustration, Leyden jars have been here spoken
of, yet it is not absolutely necessary that they should be employed, as any
other arrangements which admit of an accumulation of electricity, and an
approximation of positive and negative substances in consecutive order, may
be used to produce the like effects.
It should be observed, that in practice it will be generally found expedient
to allow a short interval to elapse between the time when the gas is turned on
and the discharge of electricity, in order to afford time for the gas to flow
through the tubes, and to drive out any portion of atmospheric air which may
have been préviously contained therein.

page_text: This portion of my Invention is applicable to the lighting of any extensive
series of gas lamps, such as those existing at railway stations, large factories,
and even those in entire districts of towns.
The observations which have been made as to the ignition of gas apply also
to the ignition of combustible substances or compounds generally, such as gun-
powder and detonating and explosive compositions. It may, however, be
observed, that in the ignition of some combustible and explosive substances and
compounds, it is sometimes necessary to retard the passage of the electric
discharge by interposing in the circuit a short length of an imperfectly con-
ducting body; as, for instance, in the case of gunpowder, a few inches of water
contained in a glass tube or otherwise. The necessity and modes of effecting
this retardation are well understood by persons conversant with electric science,
and form no part of this Invention.
The second part of my Invention, namely, that relating to signalling on
railways, including communications between the drivers and guards of trains,
and also to signals for notifying the dangerous proximity of trains running on
the same lines of rails, is as follows:-
On commencing the description of this portion of the Invention, the source
of electricity to be made use of may be explained, although I do not confine
myself to the method of obtaining electricity next herein-after mentioned, as
high tension electricity, however produced or obtained, may be employed.
In every guards' box or van thero should be placed a small plate or other
electrical machine, and also a sufficient number of Leyden jars or their
electrical analogies, the same being enclosed in such a manner as to be pre-
served from the effects of dust and damp as much as possible; and it will
in some cases be found most convenient to fix the said case at the top of the
guard's box or van in preference to the same being fixed or placed on the floor
thereof.
As it is desirable that the clectrical machine (when such a method of obtaining
electricity is adopted) shall always revolve in the same direction, whichever way
the train may be moving, I effect that object by means of a combination of
riggers or pulleys, or grooved wheels, straps or endless bands, and ratchet wheels
and clicks, or other suitable contrivances, arranged according to known mecha-
nical principles, for the purpose of obtaining uniformity of motion, such
principles being well understood by persons conversant with mechanism and
mechanical arrangements.
It may be here observed, that the series of jars or electrical surfaces may be
arranged, for the purposes of discharge, on the principle and in the manner
herein-before described, as applied to the ignition of gas and other combustible

page_text: substances, as shewn in Figures 4 and 5 in the annexed Drawings, the same
being actuated and controlled by the person or persons in charge of the appa-
ratus by means of a handle or other suitable contrivance passing through the
said box or case, such handle being properly insulated. One terminal of the
series of jars is connected, by means of a metal rod, or in some other convenient
and suitable manner, with one of the axle boxes of the van, the other terminating
in a brass ball, which projects through the case containing the machine and
other apparatus; the connecting wire being properly insulated by being passed
through a disc, plate, or tube of gutta percha, glass, or any other suitable
insulating material fitted in the side, top, or bottom of the box or case, as may
be most convenient. The connection between the guards' boxes or vans and
between them and the engine is effected by means of the ordinary couplings,
the couplings at the respective ends of each carriage being connected by a wire
or other conducting body, one end thereof being continued to within a short
distance of the said projecting ball, and the said wire being also provided with
a terminal knob or ball, so that, upon the carriages being coupled together in
the usual way, there is an unbroken line of conduction from one end of the train
or series of carriages to the other. In some cases it may be necessary, where
metal work may be in connection with the couplings under the carriages, which
would be likely to interfere with the direct passage of the electricity, to provide
for the proper conduction thereof by some of the means which are commonly
used for the purposes of insulation, and which are well known to electricians.
As the engine and tender are constructed almost entirely of metal, which would
consequently attract and divert the electric fluid from its intended course, it is
necessary to insulate that portion of the line of conduction which is in proximity
with the engine and tender until it has passed the point where the required
signal is to be produced. The communication between guard and driver, or
vice versâ is made by completing the circuit, which is effected by connecting
the brass ball projecting from the said box or case containing the apparatus,
and which is in communication with the source of electricity, with the knob or
ball at the end of the said conducting wire, thus causing a spark or flash to
occur; the discharge being made through the line of conduction, arranged as
herein-before mentioned, and the circuit being completed from the engine,
or other part of the train at which the signal is intended to be given back to
the van, by means of the metallic portion of the engine along the rails, and so
to the axle of the van, thus completing the circuit.
In cases where there are guards stationed at different parts of the train,
each should be provided with the apparatus herein-before described; and when
it is desired to transmit a signal from one extremity of the train to the other, all

page_text: inconvenience likely to arise from the discharge occurring in the intermediato
van or carriage can be avoided, upon the guard, or other person or persons in
charge thereof, receiving an intimation of a message or signal being about to
be transmitted by any suitable arrangement for conducting the electricity when
passing near to the signal apparatus by a different route.
For the purpose of indicating the transmission of a message to the person
or persons to whom the communication is desired to be made, a detonating
compound of any convenient character may be used, and in such cases I prefer
the use of detonating signals, which, upon exploding, will exhibit a colored
light. It may sometimes be desirable to use a bell as an alarum or signal, in
which case I adopt the following method of arranging the same.
At the point
at which the signal is to occur is placed an instrument well known to
electricians by the name of the "electrical mortar," the same being used in
demonstration of the powers of the electric fluid. The mortar should be con-
structed of ivory, or some other suitable non-conducting material, and should
be furnished with a ball of the same or of some other suitable substance, the
mortar being so constructed, that there shall be a small chamber or cavity at
the back of the ball, into which chamber or cavity the two conducting wires
are introduced. Upon the electric discharge taking place through the wires,
the effect would be to propel the ball, but in order to prevent the same from
being thrown out by the violence of the discharge, I place the end of a lever
over and within a proper distance of the mouth of the mortar, such lever being
so constructed that, upon being struck by the ball, it moves upon its fulcrum,
and thereby liberates a train of wheels or other suitable piece of mechanism,
whereby the bell may be struck or sounded for any desired length of time, the
ball falling back to its original position. The force with which the ball is
propelled may be, as is well known, much increased by introducing into the
said chamber or cavity bebind the ball a few drops of water, ether, or alcohol,
which, upon a discharge taking place, is decomposed, the gases thus evolved
assisting in the propulsion of the ball.
The engine may, if required, be furnished with a similar apparatus for
generating electricity, actuated in the same or in any other convenient manner.
In preference, however, for the use of the engine driver, a hydro-electric
apparatus for the production or evolution of electricity may be employed. This
should consist of a strong but light box or cylinder, made of iron, in which, and
upon the side furthest from the engine driver, or in any other convenient
position, there should be holes or short tubes or pipes, each of which should be
plugged tightly with perforated cylinders of box wood, or other suitable
substance capable of exciting electricity by such means.
This apparatus

page_text: should be supported by a stout hollow glass pillar, firmly fixed into a metal
boss, and attached to the top of the boiler, a communication being effected
between the above-mentioned apparatus and the boiler by means of a stop-
cock. When it is desired to generate electricity by these means, the cock
must be turned so as to admit the steam into the box or cylinder, when
electricity will be generated according to known principles, and sparks will fly
off in abundance to the jars or other analogous arrangement, which should
also be protected by a case properly fastened and closed, as before described.
It is manifest, that under these arrangements, a circuit can be completed by
the guard or the engine driver, or by any person or persons who may be
acting for them. The principle and system of conveying definite messages or
signals will be clearly understood by the perusal of the explanation of the
third division or portion of this Invention.
The mode of ascertaining the proximity of different trains, when travelling
on the same line of rails, is effected in the following manner :-It may be
mentioned that this portion of my Invention is especially applicable to those
parts of lines of railway at which there are sharp curves, particularly when
occurring in cuttings, and where it is essentially important that the position of
the respective trains running on the same rails should be readily ascertainable
by the persons respectively in charge thereof. A rod or wire, similar to those
used for telegraphic purposes, is supported in a perfect state of insulation from
the earth upon posts entirely round the curve, and for such a distance beyond
the same at each end as to ensure safety. Each engine is furnished with a
metallic radius rod, properly jointed to a standard fixed upon or near to the
foot plate of the engine, and properly insulated therefrom, and so as to be
readily within the reach and control of the engine driver. The rod is
terminated by a ball, and must be connected with the insulated, terminal,
positive, or negative surface of the series of jars or charged surfaces before
described. If the driver of a train, upon approaching the curve, desires to
know if the line is clear, the ball should be presented to the telegraphic wire
before mentioned, at about the distance of a foot, or other convenient distance
therefrom, when, if no discharge beyond a slight buzzing or brushing sound
takes place, which is especially likely to be the case in wet weather, the line is
clear; but if, on the contrary, a loud and unmistakeable flash occurs between
the ball and the wire, then there is an engine in advance within striking
distance of the wire. The last-mentioned engine receives the flash at the
same moment, and thus intimation of danger is simultaneously conveyed to
the drivers of the two trains, and thereby indicating the necessity of taking
proper precautions to avoid a collision. It will be evident to persons con-

page_text: versant with the principles of electric science, that if two "positive" or two
"negative" surfaces are presented to the wire at the same time, no disruptive
discharge will take place between them. It is necessary, therefore, that the
one should be "positive," and the other "negative," which can be easily
provided for by the adoption of proper regulations to be observed by the
drivers of the respective trains. It will also be observed, that the radius rod
should, whenever the trains are passing such a part of the railway as that
before alluded to, be kept constantly presented to the wire. It must further
be remarked that, although the instance of a sharp curve has been used by
way of illustration, yet this portion of my Invention is applicable for the like
purposes under various and different states of circumstances, and might, if
desired, be adopted throughout the length of an entire line of railway. In the
case, however, of sharp curves, when occurring in deep cuttings and in tunnels,
it will be found peculiarly advantageous.
Figure 6 in the accompanying Drawings represents a curved portion of a
line of railway, with two trains marked a, a, on the same line of rails; b, b,
is the line wire, to which the radius rods are presented.
It will be observed, that in all the arrangements herein-before detailed,
electricity of high tension is the agent employed, and that consequently small
or temporary interruptions in the line of conduction are unimportant, and do
not in any way interfere with the efficacy of the apparatus; whereas, in cases
in which ordinary voltaic arrangements are employed, the least interruption
in the line of the electric current prevents the communication from being
effected or made. Thus it will be seen, that absolute contact between the ball
at the end of the radius rod before mentioned and the suspended wire is not
necessary, or, indeed, desirable, the electric phenomena constituting the signals as
herein-before mentioned being developed whenever the ball is within "striking
distance" of the wire. In the case also of the intercommunication between
the several persons in charge of a train, the electric discharges will take placo
without interruption, notwithstanding the intervals of space which may occur
between the several parts of the coupling chains or irons, consequent upon the
irregularities in the motion of the carriages, or from any other cause. In fact,
the peculiarity of this portion of my Invention, and by which it is distinguished
from other Inventions for effecting similar objects, and in which electricity is
the agent employed, consists in using electricity of such a degree of intensity,
that absolute contact of the several parts of the line of conduction is not
necessary, and although I prefer the use of the mechanical arrangements herein-
before mentioned, or modifications thereof, for the production of electricity for
the purposes required, yet. I do not confine myself to such arrangements in

page_text: themselves and alone as constituting a necessary part of my Invention,
inasmuch as electricity produced or evolved in any other way may be employed,
provided a requisite degree of intensity be obtained.
The third division or portion of this Invention may be now described,
namely, the improvements in telegraphing generally, and in the apparatus used
for such purposes. The agency, by means of which this portion of my Inven-
tion is carried into effect is, as in the other divisions or branches thereof,
frictional or high tension electricity, from whatever source or by whatever means
produced.
Before commencing the description and explanation of the instruments
employed for telegraphing and the transmission of messages, it may be observed
that, under ordinary circumstances, two wires or rods extending from the
transmitting station to the receiving station are sufficient for the transmission
or communication of the electric flashes or discharges employed, although a
greater number of such wires or rods may in some cases be desirable, such
increase in number, however, will not in any way affect or alter the methods
herein-after mentioned and described as being employed, the only object of
such increase in the number being to obtain a greater facility for the simul-
taneous communication of an increased number of messages. The two wires
herein-after mentioned and referred to will be generally respectively designated
the "primary" wire, and the "secondary" wire. It may, however, be here
mentioned, that in the cases of the use of the single and duplex telegraphing
instruments herein-after described, one wire only will be required for the
purposes of telegraphic communications.
It may be here stated that the circuit of the electric discharges employed is
completed in the ordinary mode and in the manner well known to persons
conversant with electric science and with telegraphic apparatus.
The telegraphing instrument in its simplest form is as follows:-A jar
or tube constructed of glass, gutta percha, or any suitable non-conducting
material, is fitted and arranged so as to perform the office of a Leyden jar, a
wire being fixed therein furnished with a terminal brass knob or ball, and the
internal and external surfaces thereof being partially coated with tin foil, the
external coating being placed in connection with the earth by any suitable
means. The jar or tube is firmly secured or fixed in a socket, which turns
upon a fulcrum or centre, the same being capable of being moved by means of
a lever or finger key. This instrument should be so placed that the terminal
knob or ball thereof shall be situated between two other balls or knobs, one
being in communication with the source of electricity, and the other being in
electric communication with the telegraphic conducting wire where one such

page_text: wire only is used, and with the "primary" wire where two wires are employed;
and so that under ordinary circumstances, and when at rest, the terminal knob
or ball of the Leyden jar or tube is in contact or nearly so with the tube or ball
communicating with the source of electricity, and thus upon the electricity
being excited. or produced the said jar or tube becomes charged. If now the
finger key is depressed, the terminal knob or ball is thrown towards the knob
or ball communicating with the telegraphic.or "primary" wire, and the charge
communicated, the electric circuit being completed through the earth to the
external surface of the jar or tube, in accordance with the known laws of
electricity, while on liberating the finger key the jar or tube returns to its
original position, and receives a fresh charge. The use of a large jar or coated
surfaco, or combination of coated surfaces, in permanent connection with the
source of electricity is a preferable mode of effecting the charging of the jars or
tubes with rapidity.
Figure 7 in the annexed Drawings represents the last-mentioned instrument.
a is the Leyden jar or tube, having a wire fixed therein terminated by a knob
or ball. The external coating of tin foil communicates with the earth by means
of the support of the jar or tube, which may be of brass or of some other
suitable conducting material. b, is the knob or ball communicating with the
source of electricity. The before-mentioned finger key is shewn at c.
I will now proceed to describe the mode in which two transmitting in-
struments, and which combined may be termed the "duplex" telegraphing
instrument, may be used with one wire only, that is to say, the before-mentioned
telegraphic or the "primary" wire, as the case may be, the communicating and
receiving apparatus being so arranged that at certain moments of time only
'positive" electricity can traverse the wire, and, at other moments only
"negative" electricity. Two jars or tubes similar to those before mentioned
are fixed upon a horizontal revolving axis, such axis being partly constructed
of any suitable non-conducting material, or properly insulated so as to place the
two jars or tubes in electric disconnection with each other, and the jars or tubes
being mounted on the said axis at different angles with respect to each other.
The instrument is placed at a convenient distance from the knobs or balls or
other. mediums of communication with the telegraphic or "primary" wire,"
but not within striking distance thereof, the electric communication between
the jars or tubes and the wire being effected by means of knobs or balls
mounted on insulating rods, the same turning on fulcrums, and being actuated
by finger keys; or by any other suitable and convenient contrivance, although
for the purposes of this Specification finger keys will be herein spoken of and

page_text: "
referred to. Knobs or balls communicating with the respective sources of
positive" and "negative" electricity are so placed that the terminal knobs or
balls of the jars or tubes in the course of their revolution shall pass sufficiently
near thereto for the communication of a charge of electricity, the external
metallic coatings coming into convenient juxtaposition with knobs or balls
communicating with the earth. To the axis and respectively in the same planes
as the revolving jars or tubes, are attached two knobs or balls, which may be
called the "axial" knobs or balls, such knobs or balls being respectively in
connection with the external metallic coatings of the respective jars or tubes.
Two knobs or balls communicating with the earth are so placed that upon the
revolution of the axis, the "axial "knobs or balls approach sufficiently near
thereto for the purposes of electric discharge as herein-after mentioned. The
arrangement. of the instruments having been thus detailed, the mode of
operation may now be explained. The axis on which the jars or tubes are
mounted is caused to revolve by means of any convenient and suitable power
at any convenient and desired rate of speed, whereby the jars or tubes upon
passing the knobs or balls communicating with the sources of electricity will
become respectively charged, and continuing their revolution the terminal knobs
or balls will be presented towards the knobs or balls connected with the
telegraphic or "primary" wire, when, if the before-mentioned finger keys be
depressed by the operator, the knobs or balls in connection therewith will act
as conductors of the electric charge to the telegraphic or "primary" wire, the
electric circuit being at the same instant completed by the "axial" balls being
placed within striking distance of the knobs or balls communicating with the
earth. It will be obvious from what has been stated that in consequence of
the jars or tubes being mounted at different angles, the electric discharge
cannot take place from both at the same moment. The jars or tubes having
been thus discharged, it will be necessary to recharge them, which is done in
the course of their revolution in the manner before mentioned. It is evident
that, as long as the respective finger keys governing the connecting knobs or
balls are pressed down by the operator, discharges will take place at every revolu-
tion of the jars or tubes, the charges being immediately afterwards renewed
in manner before stated, so that a succession of sparks or flashes corre-
sponding to any prearranged code of signals may be made to follow each other
in regular intervals of time at will. It may be added that the communications
transmitted by the respective jars will be entirely distinct the one from the
other, inasmuch as from the jars or tubes being mounted on the revolving axis
at different angles they can only be discharged and recharged in consecutive

page_text: order of revolution. A large jar or reservoir of electricity may be used in
connection with this instrument, as well as in the case of the employment of
the single instrument herein-before described.
Figures 8 and 9 in the accompanying Drawings will more clearly explain
the particulars of the instrument lastly herein-before described, and its mode of
operation. a, a, (Figure 8) represents the revolving jars or tubes mounted
upon a common axis, but at different angles; b, b, are knobs or balls in com-
munication with the telegraphic or "primary" wire; c, c, are the said axial
balls; and d, d, are knobs or balls communicating with the earth. Figure 9
shews the manner in which the jars in revolving pass the balls (marked e)
respectively in communication with the sources of electricity, and the knob or
ball communicating with the telegraphic "primary" wire marked b. The
arrangement with respect to the charging and discharging of the two several.
jars or tubes are of course precisely similar, the only difference being that the
operations take place with reference to the two several jars at different times,
and that in the one case "positive" and in the other "negative" electricity
is employed.
I now proceed to explain how messages or communications are received at
the opposite terminus of the telegraphic arrangement. For the reception
of the electric discharge, two jars or tubes similar to those previously mentioned
and described must be so placed within "striking" distance of knobs or balls
in connection with the telegraphic or "primary" wire; as to receive a dischargé
from the opposite extremity whenever one occurs, but not so near as to
discharge themselves under any other circumstances. The receiving jars or
tubes should be mounted so as to be stationary and not revolving, and the
internal coating of one of such jars or tubes should be in communication with
a supply of "positive" electricity, and the other with a like supply of
"negative".electricity. The result of this arrangement will be that all the
discharges or flashes of "positive" electricity will enter the "negative" jar or
tube at the receiving station, while all the discharges or flashes of "negative"
electricity will enter the "positive "jar or tube, the communications being thus
preserved entirely distinct the one from the other. It may be here stated, that
where a single instrument is used similar to that herein-before described, the
arrangement at the receiving station will be precisely similar to the one used
with the duplex instrument, with the exception that one receiving jar or tube
instead of two will suffice, or if desired and considered advisable, the receiving
jar may be dispensed with, a simple conductor being placed at the receiving
station within "striking" distance of the telegraphic or "primary" wire, by

page_text: which means the signal is received, and the circuit completed by the usual and:
known means.
Having thus explained the methods by which telegraphic messages or com-
munications can be transmitted by means of the single and duplex instruments
herein-before mentioned and déscribed, I will now proceed to show by what
means, and by what modifications of the system herein-before detailed, several
persons may be enabled to work as many different instruments, and.to: com-
municate with as many different stations through the medium of. two wires
only, without the possibility of the messages or communications so forwarded
clashing or in any way interfering with each other. The telegraphic wires
will be herein-after respectively designated as the "primary" wire and the
"secondary" wire. In the following description an arrangement and coin-
bination of three communicating and three receiving instruments will be
referred to, although many more may be used if required; and for the sake of
simplicity, all details of the source of electricity, or of the machinery or appa-
ratus whereby it is obtained, will be avoided, inasmuch as the electricity may be
obtained from any source, provided its tension or intensity be sufficient for the
performance of the functions imposed.
:
On an axle, capable of being turned or caused to revolve with any desired
degree of velocity, are fixed; but at different angles, three jars or tubes similar
to those used in the instruments herein-before described, and similarly provided
with metallic coatings and terminal knobs or balls, the external metallic
coatings of such jars or tubes communicating with the earth by means of the
axle, which should be constructed of some suitable conducting material or
materials. In the course of revolution the internal surfaces of the jars áre
successively charged by approaching sufficiently near to a métallic rod or other
conductor connected with the source of electricity in manner herein-after
mentioned for the communication of a charge. Having received the electric
charge, the jars or tubes then respectively and in succession approach knobs
or balls, or some suitable conductor connected or susceptible of connection
with the "primary" wire, but not sufficiently near thereto for the purposes of
discharge, unless a conducting medium is interposed, which is effected by
means of knobs or balls mounted upon insulating pillars, and respectfully
actuated by finger keys, as herein-before mentioned. As long as the finge
keys are depressed by the operator, the jars will be respectively discharged in
the, course of each revolution; the electric spark or flash being communicated
to the "primary" wire and transmitted to the receiving station, the cir
cuit being completed according to known principles. If, however, no suc

page_text: medium of conduction is afforded, the jars pass on in their order of revolution,
and are discharged by passing very near to and within striking distance of
knobs or balls connected with the "secondary" wire, the circuit being completed
in manner herein-after mentioned. The last mentioned knobs or balls are so
arranged that the terminal knobs or balls of the several jars or tubes always
pass in their revolution within "striking "distance thereof. It will be observed
that, inasmuch as the several jars or tubes are respectively mounted upon the
axle at different angles, and so that no two of such jars or tubes can be placed
in connection with the "primary" wire at the same instant, there can be no
possibility of the several electric flashes or discharges interfering in any way
with each other. Each revolving jar or tube will present its terminal knob or
ball to the knob or ball, or other conductor in connection with the "primary"
wire, in distinct succession; and wherever the circuit is complete the electric
flash or discharge will pass through that particular telegraph, and in every
case where that does not occur by reason of the circuit being interrupted, the
discharge is effected by means of the "secondary " wire, with which the circuit
is always complete, the jar being immediately afterwards recharged when it
reaches the proper point of its revolution for such purpose as before described;
the same operation proceeding consecutively and in order with respect to each
of the revolving jars or tubes. It will be manifest that the arrangement and
combination of jars or tubes here described may be used for the transmission
of a single message or communication as well as for the transmission of a
greater number.
I will now explain how the electric flash or discharge is received at the
receiving station :-A number of jars or tubes are employed similar in con-
struction or principle to those herein-before described, but fixed and stationary,
the external metallic coatings thereof being in communication with the
earth, and the internal metallic coatings being in communication with a source
of "negative" electricity, as herein-after mentioned and described. Such jars
or tubes correspond in number to the jars or tubes at the transmitting station,
and are respectively placed within "striking" distance of knobs or balls, or other
conductor or conductors in connexion with the "primary" wire, the several
knobs or balls being, however, arranged at different and gradually increasing
distances therefrom from the first to the last of the series, the same principle
being applied to the arrangements of the receiving apparatus at the different
stations to be communicated with, having regard to their respective distances
from the transmitting station. Supposing the axle of the transmitting
apparatus to be put in revolution, and the first jaŕ or tube in its series to be
placed in communication with the "primary" wire by the means aforesaid,

page_text: an electric flash or discharge will take place, and as the first jar or tube
in the receiving series is situated nearest to the "primary" wire, or offers
otherwise the least amount of resistance, the discharge will pass at this
point in preference to any other. The same principle will also regulate the
reception of messages or communications at receiving stations at different
distances from the transmitting station. If, however, the circuit which
includes the two last-mentioned jars or tubes be not closed or completed, the
jar or tube at the transmitting station will then pass the knob or ball in con-
nection with the "secondary" wire, and the discharge of both the transmitting
and receiving jars or tubes will be effected by this means, and in manner
herein-after mentioned. Upon the second jar or tube in the transmitting
apparatus being presented to the conductor in connection with the "primary
wire," and the circuit there with being closed or completed, the like results will
follow, save that the discharge will take place at the second jar or tube in the
receiving series, the same being the nearest negatively charged and in electric
circuit with the "primary"wire. It should be here stated that in the con-
struction and arrangement of the multiple telegraph, it is necessary or
preferable to have the jars at the transmitting stations of the same size as, or
smaller than, those at the receiving stations, and containing no greater charge,
as otherwise a discharge might occur at two receiving stations simultaneously.
It is also occasionally preferable to increase the intensity of every successive
charge at the transmitting station during each revolution of the jars or charged
surfaces of the circle, in order to effect the discharge at the receiving stations
through gradually increasing distances and resistances.
For the purpose of completing the electric circuit when the "secondary"
wire is brought into requisition, the following arrangement is employed:-To
the knob or ball of each jar at the receiving station is attached a wire, such
wire being covered, save at the point of contact therewith, with gutta percha,
or with some other suitable insulating material, and being in preference so
arranged as to conduct the electric flashes or discharges received from the
"secondary "wire out of the apartment in which the receiving apparatus
is placed, the other extremity of each wire being provided with a terminal
knob or ball, the series of such knobs or balls being placed respectively
within "striking" distance of a conductor or conductors connected with the
"secondary" wire, but at different distances therefrom, in accordance with
the principle of arrangement before mentioned. By this arrangement those
discharges which are intended merely to relieve the jars or tubes and prevent
confusion, take place, if desired, in an apartment quite distinct from that
containing the receiving apparatus, such dischargés not being in the nature of

page_text: signals, but only for the purpose of relieving the jars or tubes, and preparing
them to receive another charge.
I will now explain how the jars or tubes both at the transmitting and at the
receiving stations are charged with "positive" and "negative" electricity:-The
conductor which is used for the supply of "positive" electricity to the jars or
tubes at the transmitting station is placed in communication with the knob of a
large Leyden jar or jars, the internal surface or surfaces of which is or are
always kept charged by any suitable means with "positive" electricity, the ex-
ternal metallic coating of such Leyden jar being in connection with the earth.
In convenient proximity with the telegraphing apparatus is placed another large
Leyden jar, the internal metallic coating of which is kept constantly charged
by any suitable means with "negative" electricity, the external metallic coating
thereof being in communication with the earth. Upon the axle of the series
of revolving jars or tubes is fixed a wire at right angles thereto, but insulated
from the same axle in any suitable and effectual manner, the same being pro-
vided with a metallic ball at each extremity (such balls being in different
planes), one of which in revolving passes very near the terminal knob or ball
of the before-mentioned "negative"jar, and the other of such knobs or balls
revolving near to and within "striking distance" of a knob or ball, or other
conductor in connection with the "secondary" wire, thus conveying by means
of the wires communicating with the internal surfaces of the receiving jars or
tubes, as before inentioned, a charge of "negative" electricity whenever
required. It is evident that the foregoing arrangements may be modified or
reversed, so as to use "negative" electricity at the transmitting stations, and
"positive" electricity at the receiving stations.
It will be manifest that as the working of this "multiple" telegraphic
series depends upon the revolution of one axle in manner herein-before men-
tioned, the whole may be worked for any length of time, and with any degree
of rapidity with which the operators can manipulate.
The arrangements connected with the said "multiple" telegraph apparatus
will, perhaps, be better understood and more clearly comprehended by refer-
ence to the accompanying Drawings.
Figure 10 represents the arrangements at the transmitting station. 1, 2, 3,
are the jars or tubes mounted upon the axle a, a, by which the external coat-
ings thereof communicate with the earth. P is the "positive". Leyden jar
before mentioned, the internal surface of which is connected with the source
of "positive" electricity, the external coating being in communication with
he earth; N is the before-mentioned "negative". Leyden jar, the internal
Soating thereof being connected with the source of "negative" electricity

page_text: e is a conductor in communication with the source of positive electricity;
b, b, b, are the supports of knobs or balls communicating with the primary
wire, and c, c, c, are knobs or balls in communication with the "secondary"
wire; .d is the said insulated wire (represented in dotted lines), placed at right
It will be observed that the
angles to the axis of the revolving jars or tubes.
revolving jars or tubes are placed at different angles upon the axle, and that
they successively approach in order of revolution the knobs or balls or other
conductors in communication with the source of electricity, thereby receiving
an internal charge of "positive" electricity, which is afterwards discharged in
manner herein-before mentioned.
Figure 11 is an end view of the revolving jars, shewing the manner in
which they are mounted on the axis at different angles.
Figure 12 represents the arrangement of the jars or tubes (1, 2, 3,) at the
receiving station, shewing conductors connected with the "primary" wire-at-
a, a, a, with the knobs or balls of the several jars or tubes capable of being
arranged respectively at different distances from the said last-mentioned con-
ductor, in accordance with the principle herein-before mentioned, by means of
screws, as shewn in the. Drawing.
11
.. Figure 13 shews the manner in which the relieving discharges are effected,
as herein-before mentioned. 1, 2, 3, are knobs or balls communicating by
means of the wires a, a, a, with the several corresponding jars or tubes at the
receiving station. b, b, b, are conductors in connection with the "secondary"
wire c, c, such conductors being capable of being arranged at different dis-
tances from the "secondary" wire by means of screws, as shewn in the
Drawing, and so as to correspond with the receiving jars or tubes.
.
Having thus described at length the apparatus to be used for the purposes
of telegraphing, it may be observed that the system herein detailed will admit
of various codes of signals being used, one of the most obvious of which is
formed by combinations of the sparks or flashes transmitted, by which distinct
messages or communications can be formed. Another mode of communi
eating, which I sometimes use, is by causing letters of the alphabet, numerals,
or symbols, constructed of tin foil or other suitable conducting substance o
substances upon surfaces of glass or other suitable non-conducting material
the tin foil or other conducting substance or substances being arranged in
separate pieces, with short intervals between them in the manner well under-
stood by electricians. This system of telegraphing is already known as
"Reizen's" telegraph.; but the novelty and superiority of my application and
use thereof consists in using two conducting wires; only, whereas in all previous
arrangements a separate wire has been used for each letter, numeral, character

page_text: or symbol. By the use of this system, as thus improved, the consecutive
resistances for each letter, numeral, character, or symbol may be graduated, so
that they shall respectively offer different degrees of resistance to the passage
of the electricity.
I now proceed to describe another part of my Invention, which consists of
certain apparatus for transmitting telegraphic, messages through a single line
of wire with very great rapidity. For this purpose I use two wheels which
may be respectively about four feet in diameter, having flanges or radiating
pins on the edges of the wheels to ensure the band herein after mentioned
coiling round the same. The said wheels may be placed about ten or twelve
feet, or any other suitable and convenient distance apart from each other,
having a band of gutta-percha attached thereto (as shewn in Figure 14, in
the accompanying Drawings) the same being of such a length as may be
necessary or convenient. In order to render this description more clear, the
said wheels may be respectively designated wheel No. 1, and wheel No. 2.
The said gutta percha band may be fastened to the wheels, having about two
or three feet of vulcanized india-rubber at one end thereof, in order to lessen
the shock in the event of the machinery being suddenly stopped. The said
last-mentioned band is about four inches wide, and a quarter of an inch thick
and perforated with small holes two inches and a quarter, or at some other
suitable distance from each other, such holes being placed in double holes (as
shewn in Figure 15), the distance between the two rows being one inch and a
half. I also place the said holes in sets of six, three on each side, leaving an
interval of about three inches and a half between each six, the holes included
in such sets not being placed immediately over each other, but as shewn at
Figure 15. The operator. commences by placing on the band and in the said
perforations brass pins similar in shape to that represented at Figure 16, and
which answer the purposes of moveable type, as will be shewn hereafter.
These pins are made so that the smaller ends thereof shall fit into the per-
forations in the gutta percha band (as represented at Figure 18), leaving about
a quarter of an inch below, so that the head projects about half an inch, and the
smaller part as I have mentioned. As these pins are arranged, an impetus
from time to time is given to the gutta percha band, by any suitable machinery
or means, for such a period as shall be found convenient until the message is
completed so that as the operator progresses; the band uncoils from one wheel
and coils round the other. Near to wheel No. 1, round which the message is
coiled, is placed a smaller wheel which may be called No. 3, and marked 3
in the Drawing, having attached thereto a thin band of gutta percha joined to
the perforated one, and which coils round wheel No. 1, at the same time, such

page_text: :
band being sufficiently thick to keep the pins from contact. When th
operator has composed his message, and wishes to transmit it to its destination
he puts what may be called the transmitting wheel or wheel No. 2, in motion
wheel No. 3 being regulated by a weight recoils around it the thin band c
gutta percha, as it is liberated by the message wheel No. 1. Between th
wheels Nos. 1 and 2, are placed two ordinary Leyden jars, or combination o
jars (represented. in Figure 18), or other analogous coated surfaces, the sam
being continually charged by any suitable means, the one with "positive
electricity, and the other with "negative" electricity, one of such jars or com
bination of jars being in proximity with the rows of pins on one side of the
perforated band, the other jar or combinations of jars being in proximity with
the rows of pins on the other side of the said band. As the band is being
coiled round the transmitting wheel No. 2, wherever pins are placed, the same
-in-the-course-of-its-revolution, come within striking distance of the knobs o
balls of the said Leyden jars or combination of jars, thus causing a series of
electric discharges to be transmitted to any desired place or station. The
discharge is transmitted to the line wire by means of a conductor marked a
in Figure 18, the line wire being indicated at b. The value of this part of my
Invention consists in transmitting messages or communications with a rapidity
hitherto unattainable, and also in rendering it necessary to occupy the line of
wire for as brief a period as possible. When the pins have answered the above
purpose, and the band is coiling round the wheel No. 2, the said pins coming
into contact with its periphery are pressed outwards and thrown by centrifugal
force into a basket or other receptacle placed for that purpose. As, however;
in the proceeds of coiling, the pins night in some instance happen to fit into
holes in the portion of the band immediately beneath, I make use of a fourth
wheel, marked 4 in Figure 14, which has a band of thin gutta percha attached
to it, and which is uncoiled therefrom as the before-mentioned perforated band
is coiled round wheel No. 2, such thin band passing thereto and being simul-
taneously coiled round wheel No. 2, thus being interposed between each coil of
the perforated band. The wheels may be caused to revolve by means of
steam power, or by any suitable motive power and arrangement of. machinery.
The 'message is received and recorded at the receiving station by.means of a
method already known, and which forms no part of my Invention, namely, by
the electric discharges causing perforations in a strip of paper, or any other suit-
able means may be employed for. recording the message at the receiving
station.
The apparatus lastly herein-before described is especially applicable to the
purposes of submarine communication, and particularly to all cases in which it

page_text: is desirable that a great amount of intelligence should be communicated by
means of a single wire in a given period of time..
In order to prevent accidents, and to protect the operators from the effects
of the electric discharges, I not only use for these purposes gloves.made of vul-
canized india-rubber, or other suitable non-conducting material or materials,
and which gloves are, as I believe, already well known, but I also protect
the feet of the operators, and also the stands for the electrical apparatus, by
means of contrivances founded upon similar principles. These may be used
either as insulating boots, or as insulating carpets or table covers, as may be
desired.
I also find it convenient sometimes to employ conductors instead of insu-
lators for these purposes; thus, for instance, I employ metallic gloves, or other
gloves covered with tinfoil, or some other suitable conducting material or ma-
terials, taking care that the gloves are in complete metallic communication by
means of a wire or strip of metal, which passes from one glove across the chest
or back of the operator to the other glove. In this case it is essential that the
communication be continued to the ground by a wire or strip of metal, and be
in perfect electric communication with a pair of boots or shoes, which should
bo either covered with metal or else provided with metal soles, as if these pre-
cautions be not taken, a part or the whole of the discharge might, by in-
advertence, pass through the body of the operater. In cases where the electricity
employed is very great in quantity, or very high in intensity, as when a large
series of jars or other analogous surfaces is used, it is essential that the face,
head, and other parts of the body of the operator at all likely to come within
the "striking" distance of the source of electricity, or conductors in coin-
munication therewith, should be guarded by means of metallic coverings of
thick wire gauze or other suitable material, taking care in every instance to
connect the several parts of such coverings together, and to maintain the whole
arrangement in permanent and unbroken communication with the earth.
It will be obvious that the several Drawings herein referred to are used for
the purposes of illustration only, and are not to be considered as representing
the actual and precise arrangements used in the practical working of this
Invention.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is or may be carried into effect, I would observe, in conclusion,
hat I do not confine or restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements
which I have described or referred to, as many variations may be made there-
rom without deviating from the principles or main features of the said

page_text: Invention; but what I consider novel and original, and therefore claim as my
Invention, are,-
Firstly, the application of frictional or high tension electricity, by whatsoever
means produced, to the ignition of gas and other combustible substances, in
the manner and in connection with the combination and arrangement of
apparatus and mechanism herein-before described for effecting such objects,
or any mere modifications thereof; and also the apparatus for the purpose of
turning the gas on and off, as herein-before mentioned and described, or any
mere modifications thereof.
Secondly, the application of frictional or high tension electricity, by whatso-
ever means produced, to signalling on railways and to signals for notifying the
dangerous proximity of trains running on the same line of rails in connection,
-save as herein-before mentioned, with the general arrangement and com-
bination of apparatus and mechanism employed for that purpose, as herein-
before in that behalf mentioned and described, or any mere modifications
thereof.
And, thirdly, the use and general arrangement and combination of appa-
ratus and mechanisin herein-before mentioned and described, or any mero
modifications thereof, for the purposes of telegraphing generally.
In witness whereof, I, the said Isham Baggs, hath hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-third day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
Witness,
E. P. H. VAUGHAN,
.59, Chancery Lane,
Agent for the Patentec.
ISHAM BAGGS. (L.S.)