Pneumatic tubes, 19th century
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Pneumatic tubes, 19th century
Pneumatic tubes. Historical artwork of a pneumatic messaging system at the Paris Post Office, France, in the 19th century. The tubes seen here are the start and end of a network of tubes along which messages are propelled by air differentials. This air differential is created using air compressors and a system of valves (operated using the wheels seen here). Speeds of around 40 kilometres an hour were possible. Pneumatic systems were first built to transmit telegraph messages to stock exchanges (London, 1853). The Paris system started in 1866, and covered most of the city by 1884. The system was closed in 1984. From La Telegraphie Historique (Alexis Belloc, 1888)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6431211
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1888 Air Pressure Apparatus Communicating Communication Communications Delivery Device France French La Telegraphie Historique Machine Post Office Room Sepia Sorting Tubes Vacuum Valve Valves Worker Working Belloc Postal Service
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable pneumatic messaging system that revolutionized communication in 19th century France. The intricate network of pneumatic tubes, depicted here at the Paris Post Office, propelled messages through air differentials with astonishing speeds of up to 40 kilometers an hour. Operated by air compressors and a complex valve system, this technological marvel enabled efficient delivery of telegraph messages to various destinations. Originally designed for stock exchanges in London back in 1853, pneumatic systems quickly spread across Europe. The Paris system was established in 1866 and expanded rapidly until it covered most parts of the city by 1884. This historical artwork from Alexis Belloc's "La Telegraphie Historique" captures a pivotal moment in human history when technology merged seamlessly with postal services. The sepia-toned illustration transports us back to an era where workers diligently operated these apparatuses, ensuring smooth communication flow within the bustling post office environment. Although this particular system ceased operations in 1984, its impact on shaping modern communication cannot be understated. As we admire this vintage depiction of French ingenuity and engineering prowess, let us appreciate how far we have come since those early days of vacuum-powered message transmission. This photograph serves as a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and reminds us that even seemingly archaic technologies played crucial roles in laying the foundations for our interconnected world today.
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