The Practical Telegraphist

or electro-magnetic Telegraphy according to Morse's system

By Clemens Gerke
Translated by Chris Rutkowski, NW6V

Many think that Morse code was an invention by Samuel Morse, whilst others credit Alfred Vail. However, this is not the whole truth of the development Morse code and it was Clemens Gerke who codified what we know today as Morse code. In 1848 Gerke developed what we know as International Morse by introducing the 'Hamburg alphabet' which did away with the long dashes in the American Morse system and reduced Morse code to the dit and dah we know today. By 1865 the world had adopted International Morse Code and with it most of Gerke's work.

In 1851 Clemens Gerke published a book about the development of Telegraphy in his native German. This long forgotten this book has now been translated into English for the first time by Chris Rutkowski, NW6V. Gerke's book provides an overview of electromagnetic telegraphy in the mid-19th Century. It discusses the principles, components and practices of electromagnetic telegraphy, particularly focusing on batteries, wiring, writing apparatus, relays and operational practices.

Filled with original woodcuts The Practical Telegraphist provides a fascinating look at a long-gone era where so much was still new. From a discussion on the advantages of 'Daniel's battery' over 'Grove batteries' to the importance of using glass or gutta-percha insulators, the book is filled with useful (and obscure) tips for the telegraphist of yesteryear. Gerke also discusses the efficiency of telegraphic alphabets and how they significantly impact communication speed and accuracy. There is much more too.

The Practical Telegraphist is a fascinating look at the origins of telegraphy and what you needed to know in the 1850s. If you are interested in the development of communications in the Victorian age, this book is for you.

Size 275x215mm, 104 pages, ISBN: 9781913995843