Here, however, it must not be overlooked that the preceding apparatus reproduces, indeed, the original vibrations in equal number, but that equal strength in the reproduced vibrations has not yet been attained, and the production of these is reserved for a completion of the apparatus.
One consequence of this temporary incompleteness of the apparatus, is that the slighter differences of the original vibrations are more difficult to discern: that is to say, the vowel appears more or less indistinct, the more so since each tone is dependent, not only on the number of vibrations of the medium, but also on the condensation or rarefaction of the same.
By this it is also explained, that, in the practical investigations heretofore carried on, chords, melodies, etc., were transmitted with marvellous fidelity; while single words uttered as in reading, speaking, and the like, were perceptible more indistinctly. Nevertheless, here also the inflexions of the voice, the modulations of interrogation, exclamation, wonder, command, &c., attained distinct expression.
There remains no doubt, that before expecting a practical utilisation with serviceable results (praktische Verwerthung mit Nutzen), that which has been here spoken of will require still considerable improvement, and in particular mechanical science must complete the apparatus to be used; yet I am convinced by repeated practical experiments that the prosecution of the subject here explained is of the highest theoretical interest, and that our intelligent century will not miss the practical utilisation (Verwerthung) of it.
[This article was also reprinted verbatim in Dingler’s Polytechnisches Journal, vol. clxix. p. 29, 1863.]
[A peculiar interest is attached to the foregoing article, partly on account of the unique nature of the instruments therein described, partly because of the mystery attaching to the author of the article. Wilhelm von Legat was Inspector of the Royal Prussian Telegraphs at Cassel. How or when he became acquainted with Philipp Reis is not known—possibly whilst the latter was performing his year of military service at Cassel in 1855. None of Reis’s intimate friends or colleagues now surviving can give any information as to the nature of von Legat’s relations with Reis, as not even his name is known to them, save from this Report. Yet he was for one year only (1862), the year in which this Report was made, a member of the Physical Society of Frankfort-on-the-Main. It is possible that he may have been present at Reis’s discourse in the preceding October. It is probable that he was present at Reis’s subsequent discourse in May, 1862, to the Freies Deutsches Hochstift. Dr. Brix, then editor of the ‘Journal of the Telegraph Union,’ informs me that Inspector von Legat based his article upon information derived direct from Reis, whom he knew, and that the article was submitted to Reis before being committed to the ‘Journal.’ The particular form of transmitter described in von Legat’s Report (see also p. 25, ante) has also some important points in common with that believed to have been used by Reis at the Hochstift. Neither of the specific forms described by Inspector von Legat are now known to be extant. Inquiries made in Frankfort and in Cassel have failed to find any trace of them. Neither at the local Naturalists’ Society, nor anywhere else in Cassel, did von Legat describe the invention. He met with a tragic end during the Bavarian War in 1866, in the battle near Aschaffenburg, having, according to some, been shot, or, according to others, fallen from his horse.]