Bell transmitter
Date: 1898
Inventory Number: 8094
Classification: Telephone
Subject:
Manufacturer: Western Electric Company (1881 - 1995)
Owner: Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University (founded 1884)
Inventor: Alexander Graham Bell ? (1847 - 1922)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
8.2 × 8.2 × 9.8 cm (3 1/4 × 3 1/4 × 3 7/8 in.)
Material:
Description:
A Bell telephone transmitter, consisting of a short metal cylinder of nickel-plated brass, with flat front and rounded back. Centered on the front face of the cylinder are a bell-shaped hard rubber mouthpiece, and a curved, lozenge-shaped name plate. The back of the transmitter has a curved metal flange with screws, which functions as an adjustable mounting bracket.
Inside the transmitter, carbon granules are confined in a chamber.
See also, ringer boxes 8090a and 8090b.
Inside the transmitter, carbon granules are confined in a chamber.
See also, ringer boxes 8090a and 8090b.
Signedon mouthpiece plate: WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY / 229W
FunctionConversion of sound into electrical signals for transmission over a distance
ProvenanceJefferson Laboratory, Physics Department, Harvard University
Published ReferencesThis instrument is described in:
Thomas G. Hedberg, "Catalogue: Telephones, Phonographs and Related Instruments in The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at Harvard University." William Andrewes, Project Director (unpublished manuscript, President and Fellows of Harvard College and Thomas G. Hedberg, 1989. Fifth Draft), p. 89.
