Semaphore station

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Semaphore station

Semaphore station. Historical artwork of a semaphore station in Algeria. Semaphore is a system of communication based on visual signals. The station has a pair of wooden arms on its roof. These could form 196 different arrangements, each representing a letter, number, or other meaning. Messages were passed from one station to another by operators in the stations, who duplicated the signals they observed from the station preceding them in the line. The last operational semaphore station closed in 1860 in Algeria. Published in La Telegraphie Historique (History of Telegraphy) by Alexis Belloc in 1888

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Media ID 6441773

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1888 Africa African Alexis Belloc Algeria Algerian Building Communication Communications Country Side Desert Drawing La Telegraphie Historique Out Side Outdoors Painting Telegraphy

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of a bygone era, showcasing a historical artwork of a semaphore station in Algeria. The image transports us to the 19th century African countryside, where this remarkable system of communication based on visual signals once thrived. Standing proudly amidst the desert landscape, the semaphore station features a pair of wooden arms adorning its roof. These seemingly simple yet intricate arms could be arranged in an astonishing 196 different configurations, each representing letters, numbers, or other meaningful symbols. In this technological masterpiece captured by Alexis Belloc and published in La Telegraphie Historique (History of Telegraphy) in 1888, we witness how messages were relayed from one station to another through diligent operators who meticulously duplicated the signals they observed from their preceding stations along the line. This ingenious method allowed for efficient long-distance communication across vast distances. As we delve into this mesmerizing illustration that seamlessly blends artistry with history and technology, it is fascinating to note that this particular semaphore station ceased operations in 1860. However, its legacy lives on as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of advancements in communication throughout time. Through Science Photo Library's lens and expertise, we are granted access to relish not only the beauty but also unravel the significance behind such architectural marvels that shaped our world's interconnectedness centuries ago.

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