Invention of The Telephone

The telephone is the most popular and widely used means of communication, and has literally changed the world and made it smaller. There have been numerous modifications in the structure and design of the telephone and today you find it in attractive designs and colors. Even though cell phones and wireless technology are more applicable nowadays, a wired telephone can still be found in many households. The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell has proven a boon to the entire mankind. There is no clear evidence of the origin of the word 'telephone'. It is believed that the word telephone is from the two Greek words, 'tele' meaning 'far' and 'phone' meaning 'sound'.

Invention of The Telephone

The history of the invention of the telephone is quite interesting. Although Alexander Graham Bell actually created the model of the telephone, the invention of the telephone was based on many other inventions of famous scientists. Johann Philipp Reis, a German scientist, was the first to come up with the idea of the transmission of sound through electricity. He also built an apparatus that could transmit sound, which is known as the Reis Telephone. The apparatus had many shortcomings and was not developed further. Antonio Meucci, an Italian scientist, also made an early version of the telephone and demonstrated it in Havana. He even filed for a patent for his model. Even today, Meucci is credited with the invention of the telephone by many.

Alexander Graham Bell, a professor whose occupation included training instructors to teach deaf and mute people, was acquainted with the nuances of sound and its nature. Bell initially wanted to invent a modified telegraph that could send multiple messages or signals at the same time. During experimentation, the concept of making a device that could transmit speech through electricity, struck Bell's mind. In 1875, while experimenting, Bell heard the sound of a clock through the wire. This inspired him and along with his assistant and electrician, Thomas A. Watson, he continued experimenting tirelessly to build an apparatus that could transmit sound. Finally, on 10th March, 1876, Bell spoke the first words through a telephone, "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you", and they were clearly heard on the other side. These words have been immortalized in history and the above mentioned date is marked as the official date of the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell.

Alexander Graham Bell vs. Elisha Gray

Along with Bell, Elisha Gray, an American scientist, was working simultaneously on the same project. There has been a debate throughout the world about who invented the telephone. Although it is universally accepted and known that Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone; some people still believe that it was Elisha Gray who invented the telephone. According to historical evidence, it is said that there was only a difference of a few hours between the both of them applying for a patent for the telephone. It is still ambiguous as to whether Bell was inspired by Gray's ideas or vice versa. But Alexander Graham Bell filed his patent first and hence, has been commonly credited with the invention.

Alexander Graham Bell was decorated with various awards and honorary degrees in his lifetime for his remarkable feat. The most ironic thing about Bell's life is that although he invented the telephone, he never used it as he considered it as an intrusion in his work. Later in his life, Bell also made notable contributions to the fields of aeronautics and hydrofoils.

The Telephone

After the invention of the telephone, there were numerous public demos made to popularize the phone. The Bell Telephone Company was founded in 1877, and production of the telephone began on a large scale. Within a year, thousands of people in America owned telephones. In 1915, Bell made a telephone call from New York to San Fransisco, when he spoke to Watson. This was the first long distance call made on the telephone. Other remarkable inventions related to the telephone are the rotatory dial, invented in 1923, the cordless phone, invented in 1965, and the mobile phone, invented in 1983.

There is still a lot of dispute and debate about the invention of the telephone and all the scientists mentioned above are credited with its invention. Whatever may be the truth, we should be thankful to these great men who strove hard to make communication easier and convenient today.