Description of the American Electro Magnetic Telegraph: Now in Operation Between the Cities of Washington and Baltimore

Washington: J. & G. S. Gideon, 1845. Disbound. Octavo. 24 pages. Very Good. Lacking the original wraps. Mild browning and circular stains at fore edge of text.. Wood engravings. Vail was an engineer and inventor who collaborated with Samuel B. Morse in the development and practical application of the telegraph. Some have argued it was actually Vail who invented the telegraphic alphabet named after Morse, but Vail seems to put that to rest in this pamphlet, to wit: "This conventional alphabet was originated on board the packet Sully, by Prof. Morse..." (p. 23). Illustrated with 14 wood engravings showing the various components of the telegraphic system. Also includes one of the earliest printings of the 1844 revision of the telegraphic alphabet which, under the name "American Morse," became standard in the United States and Canada. SABIN 98292; HOWES V5. (Inventory #: 11568)