TELEGRAPHY - SIGNALLING - BERGSTRÄSSER, J.A.B.

Uebersichten und Erweiterungen der Signal=Order und Zielschreiberei in die Ferne oder neue Synthematographie und Telegraphe.

Leipzig, Breitkopf, 1795. 8vo. Cont. hcalf. Titlelabel on back. A small tear to upper part of back, taped. Small stamp on title and verso of. XII,204 pp., texttables and 16 folded engraved plates (numb. 1-14 and A-B) showing signalling-houses, constructions, geometrical and optical features of signalling, symbols etc. etc. Plates with scattered brownspots, but a good copy.

Scarce first edition. In this work, Bergsträsser develops a synthematographic, or "whole communication" system, employing a telegraphic apparatus which uses both visual and auditory signals. The author is particularly anxious to demonstrate the difference between his own scheme for signaling, and that of the Frenchman Claude Chappe. Bergsträsser argues that Chappe merely modified an earlier optical system propsed by the English experimental philosopher Robert Hooke (1635-1703), while his own scheme is not subject to the limitations of sight. Bergsträsser sees his synthematograph as primarily suited to military uses.

Order-nr.: 31504