1842.] THE NATIONAL INSTITUTION. 155 



The first of which balls, attached to chain running to a single block, is termed 

 units. The second bull, which is attached to chain running to block attached to 

 quarter-circle or marker, is termed tens. Third ball, which is attached to chain 

 running to block attached to semi. circular board or marker, is termed hundreds. 

 Fourth ball, which is attached to chain running to block attached to thrae-quarter 

 circular board or marker, is termed thousands.* 



When the denominators are raised opposite to a numerator, they count thus : 

 Units, the number opposite the ball ; tons, ten times the number opposite the ball ; 

 and all other balls used to count in tenfold proportion. By this method, and using 

 more balls, any amount of numbers may be isignalled, to correspond with a " tele- 

 graph vocabulary." Within the " telegraph house," a dial is attached to each wind, 

 lass, with an index pointing when a certain ball or denominator is opposite a ccr. 

 tain numerator. I also use an index arm of eight or. ten f3et in length, attached 

 on a pivot, worked by rods, to make signals to converse, count, spell, &,c. 



For sea service, I substitute balls made of canvass, covering a light iron frame, 

 attached to cordage at equal distances apart, on ths same principle as for land ser- 

 vice. 



My system may be used at night by substituting for the balls of the marine tele- 

 graph, lanterns or transparent balls. 



Having thus described as well as I am able, the manner of constructing and using 

 my telegraph for land and Hoa service, and night signals, I will state what I claim 

 therein, and for what I desire to secure letters patent; namely, for the within 

 described manner of arranging and placing the circular boards, balls, lights, and 

 interstices, termed numerators, which number from one to ten inclusive. I also 

 claim for the application of the balls, termed denominators, counting as units, tens, 

 hundreds, thousands, and all additional balls, lights, &c., increasing in any propor- 

 tion. 



The signals for telegraph communications are variously btated, by fire signals, 

 flags, shutters, and arms ; the fiist of which can only be used at night widi success. 

 The second has objections during a calm, and while there is a shifting wind, cannot be 

 readily recognised, owing to the undulatory motion of the flag, whicli prevents the 

 different signals from being readily recognised, and causes delay and uncertainty. 

 Shutters and arms are objectionable, as they cannot be used at sea, or at night. 

 The advantages which my system of telegraph has over the others are : — 

 1st. Its simpiicity of numeration. 



2d. All the siginals denoting any number are up at the same time, and cannot 

 be mistaken for any other than thoes intended to be communicated, as each ball 

 expresses its appropriate figure. 



3d. It may be used in either calm or rough weaiher- 

 4th. By substituting lights, we have a systtm of numeration by night. 

 5th. The advantage over the system in present use, is numerating perpendicu- 

 larly, from one to ten inclusive. 



6th. Tho signals may be distinguished at a greater distance than those made by 

 either flags or shutters. 



I also submit for your perusal a " telegraph vocabulary," which, owing to the 



• Which balls read thus : Uuiu, tens, hundreds, thauianda. 



No. 2. 12 



