Optical telegraphy, 1890
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Optical telegraphy, 1890
Optical telegraphy. 19th-century artwork of French soldiers using optical telegraphy. One such early device was the Mangin projector, invented by a colonel Mangin in the early 1880s. Optical telegraphy systems used a telescopic device for observing a distant signal. The range of visibility varied from 20-100 kilometres, depending on the weather. In the day, reflected sunlight was used to send the signal. The sequences of flashes was read out by the observer and recorded and decoded by the other soldiers. Artwork from the 6th volume (second period of 1890) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree
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Media ID 9200755
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1880s 1890 1890s Annual Volume Communicating Communication Communications France French Invention La Science Illustree Louis Figuier Magazine Military Observing Popular Science Signaling Signalling Soldier Soldiers Telescope Test Testing Viewing Weekly Telegrapher
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the use of optical telegraphy by French soldiers in 1890. The artwork showcases the innovative Mangin projector, an early device invented by Colonel Mangin in the 1880s. Optical telegraphy systems relied on telescopic devices to observe distant signals, with visibility ranging from 20-100 kilometers depending on weather conditions. During daylight hours, reflected sunlight was utilized to transmit signals through sequences of flashes. The observer would carefully read out these flashes and record them for decoding by other soldiers. This ingenious communication method played a crucial role in military operations during that era. The monochrome illustration, originally featured in La Science Illustree's sixth volume of 1890, evokes a sense of technological advancement and human ingenuity. It highlights how people harnessed scientific knowledge to develop groundbreaking solutions for long-distance communication. This historical artwork not only sheds light on the advancements made during the late 19th century but also pays tribute to the brave soldiers who employed this technology on the battlefield. It serves as a reminder of our ever-evolving quest for improved methods of communication and underscores the importance of innovation throughout history. Science Photo Library has once again provided us with a fascinating glimpse into our past, showcasing both technological progress and human resilience within one captivating image.
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