Morse's Telegraph

This wonder of the age is likely to be used throughout the nation

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Editor's note: Who needs to type a message with two thumbs when you can use one finger? We celebrate Scientific American's 165th anniversary with the reproduction of this story, which appeared as text only on page 2 of the inaugural issue. The image is a 21st-century add-on.

This wonder of the age, which has for several months past been in operation between Washington and Baltimore, appears likely to come into general use through the length and breadth of our land. Arrangements are already made for extending the lines to Philadelphia, New York, Albany, Buffalo, Springfield, Boston, and various other cities and sections. Hon. Amos Kendall, Ex-Post-master General, has taken the management of the invention—whether as proprietor or agent we are not informed—while the inventor is on a tour to Russia. We shall take an early opportunity to give our readers a full and minute description of this invention, with explanations and illustrations of its principles; but in consequence of the press and variety of matter which presses on this our first number, we are constrained to defer it. We will add the remark, however, that it is contemplated by the merchants of our Western states, to communicate their orders for goods, etc., by means of the telegraph, instead of abiding the slow and tedious progress of rail-road cars.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American