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IGNORANCE AS TO THE ACTION OF

Steinheil, in 1837, used the same for telegraphic purposes,as did also Cooke and Wheatstone in 1842.

No one can then say that any one person is the inventor ofthe electric telegraph, as now generally in use in England ; inwhich galvanic batteries,—coils of wire,—moveable magnets,—electro-magnets,—wires on posts in the air,—wires underground,—earth plates,—and the counting of the signals tocompose the alphabet, form the entire telegraph.

Each one of the above-named persons has a right to claimthe discovery or invention of one of those parts, and numerousothers have an equal right to claim the invention of many ofthe combinations contained in such telegraph.

The same may be said of every telegraph now in usethroughout the world.

The complete telegraph is a joint invention. Each per-son has employed in building up his particular telegraph thediscoveries and inventions of many others.

Too great praise, however, cannot be bestowed on Mr. W.F. Cooke for his unwearied and energetic exertions in puttinginto practical operation the inventions of Professor Wheatstoneand himself.

It is owing to these exertions on the part of Mr. Cooke that this kingdom can now boast of having received the bene-fits of telegraphic communication as early as any othercountry.

PREVAILING IGNORANCE AS TO THE ACTION OF THEELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Many persons there are, even at this date, who have not themost remote idea as to the manner in which the electric tele-graph works.

Some firmly believe that the paper on which the message iswritten actually passes through the interior of the wireitself.

Others declare that on placing their ears against the posts,thev can hear the communications passing. But none of these