How A Dog Helped Create The Talk Phone

By Ann Schmidt


People have been using traditional and cellular technology for years. However, only more recently has there been an integration between computer applications and the telephone. For example, the first Smart Phones were not in circulation until 1995. While this is the case, the first talk phone with similar technology came into existence in 1992.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell created the first ever communications device. In doing so, the scientist spent a lot of hours researching elocution and speech. After which, the man became the first person ever to receive a United States patent for the research, development and design of the first working telephone.

The concept behind this research and development was originally inspired by Alexander's deaf wife. For, it was during a time that Alexander was working on research related to hearing devices that concept and design evolved into a two way communications device. Sadly, while Mr. Bell became quite famous for this discovery, it was removed from further research and development.

At this time, Alexander decided to work on other projects related to hydrofoil, aeronautic and communication systems. While not granted patents in these fields, there is no doubt that this research and development had an effect on society at large. In addition, the scientist had an extremely strong influence on the overall creation, design and distribution of the National Geographic Society magazine while serving as second president of the publication.

Mr. Bell first experimented with sound as encouraged by a loving father. A father who took his sons to see a unique automation created by Charles Wheatstone of the "mechanical man, " in 1863. The model included a simulated human voice which really grabbed Alexander's attention. After which, Mr. Bell translated a copy of the book into English. After which, the design was replicated with the help of his brother Melville, work that culminated into a working automaton.

The replica looked like a man made out of metal and had a simulated human voice just like the one at the exhibit. It was at this moment that Alexander and brother, Melville decided to become scientists. After which, Alexander met his wife and began research on hearing devices and other communications oriented systems. It was this research that would later provide Mr. Bell with the first United States patent for the first working model of a telephone.

While Alexander Graham Bell may have developed the first telephone with help from the family dog, it is clearly evident by human speech that sound can be transmitted. However, the resonance and volume seemed to lack stability or control, so Alexander continued research into changing these aspects while working with the family dog. After which, the ringer and volume levels on telephones were adjusted in a way to improve transmission rates, resonance and sound.

Talking dogs are nothing new as can be seen by many clips on television and YouTube videos. However, Alexander's was the first known to speak much less be involved with the overall design of sound transmission. In addition, it was through working with the family dog that Alexander discovered resonance and volume could be changed with tuning forks.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment