200 DESCRIPTION OF A TELEGRAPH USED IN SWEDEN, 



view more than thofe of fmaller power, without diminifhing 

 the impreffion of the light on the eye in any confiderable de- 

 gree. 



Ufefulnefs of Opinions are divided on the utility of telegraphs, and fome 



e S ra P s > f t ne ; r opponents found their arguments on the alterations 

 to which the tranfparency of the air is liable, and which im- 

 pede their ufe. But the art of feeing through fogs and dark- 

 nefs will perhaps never be difcovered. It will fcarcely be 

 contended that navigation is a ufelefs fcience, becaufe winds 

 and tempefts fometimes impede it. Others confider the ex- 

 pence of telegraphs as too great in proportion to their utility. 



to goyemments. But independent of the advantages arifing to every govern- 

 ment, in being enabled to tranfmit its orders to the extremities 

 of the kingdom in lefs than a quarter of an hour, and to be 

 no lefs expeditioufly informed of what is paffing on the fron- 

 tiers, it is in time of war, when events occur on the know- 

 ledge of which the fafety of thoufands may depend, and which 

 require precautions as prompt as vigorous ; it is in fuch a pe- 

 riod that the value of telegraphs is incalculable, and their coft 

 bears no comparifon with their utility, particularly if the ex- 

 pence of couriers faved by their means is taken into the ac- 

 count. It may be added, that the ufe of thefe machines in 

 France during the late war furnifhed inconteftable proofs of 

 their utility. 



There are two ways in which this machine may be ufeful ; 

 the firft, when a quick communication between the two places 

 is required ; and the fecond, when this communication is not 

 practicable in any other way. The poft goes from Sweden to 

 Finland in five days, but if the diftance was divided into tele- 

 graphic ftations, intelligence might be conveyed in three or 

 four minutes. Should the poft be retarded or interrupted either 

 by the obftacles of the feafon, by the infecurity of the lakes, 

 or by contrary winds or tempefts, the communication may be 

 kept up with the cuftomary expedition of the poft, by form- 

 ing ftations in thofe places where the principal obftruclions are 

 met with, fuch for example as the fea of Aland ; or with the 

 greateft rapidity, by placing them along the whole road, 

 to fcience. From every appearance it is expe&ed that natural philofo- 



phy will acquire many important benefits from thefe eftablifh- 

 ments. Every telegraph is a real obfervatory, which, with 

 the affiftance of fome inftrument, and the requifite information 



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