HOW TO MAKE A TELEPHONE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 548, 2 February 1878, Page 1 (Supplement)

HOW TO MAKE A TELEPHONE.

We have had the pleasure of seeing and hearing a telephone made by Mr. Humphrey, watchmaker, of Lawrence. A. great deal has lately been said about the feats accomplished on this wonderful instrument, and its performances in Melbourne have been often described. The contrivance made by Mr. Humphrey, which evidently embodies the principle of the thing, is most simple, consisting as it does of two small round tin boxes-say mustard or pepper boxes—with the lida off and the bottom;! removed, thus leavingas it were two tubes. One end of each box or tube is then covered with a thin parchment or sheepskin, in the middle of each of which is fixed a cotton thread, the other end being loft open for sneaking through. The length of the thread is optional, being determined bj' the distance the performer may wish to converse, or sing, hi the one shown us by Mr. Humphrey, the distance between the two speakers or operators would be l>o or ,';.' feci; with a door intervening, all but. closed -. bur Mr. Humphrey tells me that he has proved its efficacy at 80 yards. Tn fact, distance does not appear to have anv influence in affecting the distinct sounds convoyed by the thread, - Tim gentir-;.c whimper is heard as distinctly as the loudest bawl. The power and efficacy of this simple contrivance is something altogether wonderful. Mr. Humphrey put one of his little girls at, one end. who saw' '"' P"l> goes the weasel." The elfect She was out in the back yard, while several persons were listening at the other end in the shop, and the mc-lody was as clear and the words as distinct as if she had been in the same l'ooin.' - — Tliiljicl.'H TiDir.l.