First Telephone Message

The Virginia Telephone Museum
Richmond, Virginia
New Vision Bell Pioneers
Presentation

"Telegraphing" Speech
Invention of the Telephone

Charles Williams Shop
Boston

* * *
The Harmonic Telegraph
Experiments
-by-
Alexandra Graham Bell
-with-
Thomas A. Watson

* * *

Thomas A. Watson (Left)

Watson was tuning a harmonic telegraph device that produced a somewhat different sound. Bell heard the unusual sound and immediately alerted Watson to stop tuning.

The wiring of the harmonic telegraph device was examined by both Bell and Watson and determined that an adjustment was at fault. They were puzzled by the sound difference at first but became excited about the electrical effect it had on the circuit. That discovery lead to a very different approach for further experiments.

Both Bell and Watson agreed to move out the shop attic to a more suitable location.

* * *

The harmonic telegraph was redesigned based on the attic discovery. Experiments continued at a nearby rented boarding house in Boston.

The first understandable sentence heard by Watson over the modified harmonic telegraph device occurred when Bell experienced an accidental acid spill needing assistance from Watson. Bell shouted in a loud voice for Watson to come help him. That request was heard by Watson over that device. "I heard every word" Watson exclaimed with excitement when he entered the room.

In the spring of 1876, the telephone was patented.

* * *

The Story and Presentation
Shared by Pioneer Volunteers in the
Communications Industry

* * *

A story of technical challenges, family difficulties with setbacks
encased in passion, service to the disadvantaged, and love for a
girl that rewarded Alexander Graham Bell beyond all his expatiations.

Voice Over Wire
150th Year Celebration
The Telephone

Pioneers Network of Volunteers