Submarine telegraph cables, patents and electromagnetic field theory

Brian Spear

World Patent Information, 2003, vol. 25, issue 3, 203-209

Abstract: In the context of the scientific ideas and theories of the 19th century, the author explores the evolution of telegraphic cables for submarine use. The many technical hurdles that had to be overcome, both in the strength of the cables and in their capacity to transmit signals effectively are described. The account is illuminated by the contributions, personalities and, mainly UK, patents of the main players involved. Coming mainly from the UK, USA and Germany, they include Wheatstone, Morse, Siemens, Faraday, Thomson, Varley, Field and Whitehouse. The practical and commercial value of the patents is emphasised.

Keywords: Historical; context; Submarine; telegraphic; cables; Patent; value; Electromagnetic; field; theory; Wheatstone; Morse; Maxwell; Siemens; Faraday; Thomson; Kelvin; Varley; Field; Whitehouse (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2003
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