As regards the telegraph apparatus placed at the side, it is clearly unnecessary for the reproduction of tones, but it forms a very agreeable addition for convenient experimenting. By means of the same, it is possible to make oneself understood right well and certainly by the other party. This takes place somewhat in the following manner: After the apparatus has been completely arranged, one convinces oneself of the completeness of the connexion and the strength of the battery by opening and closing the circuit, whereby at A the stroke of the armature is heard, and at C a very distinct ticking.
By rapid alternate opening and closing at A it is asked at C whether one is ready for experimenting, whereupon C answers in the same manner.
Simple signals can by agreement be given from both stations by opening and closing the circuit one, two, three, or four times; for example:—
1 beat = Sing.
2 beats = Speak, &c.
I telegraph the words thus—that I number the letters of the alphabet and then transmit their numbers—
1 beat = a.
2 beats = b.
3 " = c.
4 " = d.
5 " = e, &c.
z would accordingly be designated by twenty-five beats.
This number of beats would, however, appear wasteful of time, and would be uncertain in counting, wherefore I employ for every five beats a dactyl-beat (Dactylusschlag), and there results
for e.