632 EXHIBIT AT THE COTTON STATES EXPOSITION. 



the most important principles utilized in the modern motor, as described 

 by Franklin iu bis letter to Peter Collinston, London, dated that year, 

 and published on page 252 of his autobiography. Strangely enough no 

 prominence has been given to these ancient electrical machines in 

 subsequent scientific writings relating to the history of electricity. 



In the models and photographs of the apparatus designed in 1829 by 

 Joseph Henry, the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, are 

 found the instruments by which the electro-magnet was for the first 

 time utilized to convey a signal to a distance. In it is embodied the 

 principle upon which the modern electrical telegraph is based. The 

 first instrument to make a permanent record of words transmitted over 

 a wire by the agency of electro-magnet was designed and constructed 

 by Samuel F. B. Morse in 1837. A model — an exact reproduction of the 

 original machine, too precious to risk removal — which is now in the 

 custody of the Western Union Telegraph Company, has been obtained 

 through the courtesy of the president of that company. 



Actively associated with Morse from the date of his earlier experi- 

 ments was Alfred Vail, a man of great ingenuity and rare mechanical 

 ability. 



The original telegraphic instrument by which the historic message, 

 " What hath God wrought?" was received at Baltimore May 24, 1844, 

 and constructed under the direction of Vail. It is one of the valuable 

 treasures deposited in the United States National Museum, the removal 

 of which being prohibited on the ground of safety, is illustrated by a 

 model of full size. 



Limitations of space, unfortunately, prevent a more extended exhibit 

 of apparatus connected with the origin of the telephone, the dynamo, 

 and the application of the electrical current for producing light and the 

 transmission of power. 



Following is a brief outline of the apparatus exhibited: 



III. Early electrical apparatus (models only exhibited). 



1. Apparatus designed by Benjamin Franklin. 



2. Apparatus designed by Joseph Henry. 



3. Telegraphic apparatus invented by Morse and Vail. 



In the same alcove were shown the contributions of the Department 

 of History and Numismatics. These consisted of a series of coins and 

 medals, as follows : 



(a) Principal coins occurring in the North American Colonies from 

 1525 to the establishment of the United States Mint, in 1793. 



(b) Medals commemorative of the Revolutionary war. 



Among the most interesting coins are the "oak tree" shillings, 1652, 

 and the "Mark Newby" penny, the "rosa Americana" penny, the Con- 

 tinental dollar, of the coins issued by the Colonies before the Revolution. 

 Here also are shown three colored sketches of birds by John J. Audobon, 

 the most famous painter of birds who ever lived, who was born near 

 New Orleans in 1781. 



BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY. 



The exhibit of the Bureau of American Ethnology occupied Alcove O, 

 was prepared under the direction of Prof. W. J. McGee, who describes 

 it as follows : 



This exhibit illustrates three representative Indian tribes of North 

 America, viz, Cherokee, Papago, and Seri. The Cherokee Indians rep- 

 resent a large and important Iroquoian family or stock; the Papago 



