1842.] 
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTION 
155 
The first of which balls, attached to chain running to a single block, is termed 
units. The second ball, 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 three-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; tens, 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 signalled, 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 cer¬ 
tain numerator. I also use an index arm of eight or ten feet 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 the 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 sea service, and night signals, I will state what I claim 
therein, and for what I desire to secure letters patentnamely, 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 stated, by fire signals, 
flags, shutters, and arms ; the first of which can only be used at night with 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, which 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 simplicity of numeration. 
2d. All the siginals denoting any number are up at the same time, and cannot 
be mistaken for any other than those intended to be communicated, as each ball- 
expresses its appropriate figure. 
3d. It may be used in either calm or rough weather. 
4th. By substituting lights, we have a system of numeration by night. 
5th. The advantage over the system in present use, is numerating perpendicu¬ 
larly, from one to ten inclusive. 
6th. The 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 
No. 2, 
* Which balls read thus : Units, tens, hundreds, thousands. 
12 
