The invention of the telephone

BELL, Alexander Graham.

Researches in Telephony.

Boston: Press of John Wilson and son, 1877.

1st Edition. Soft cover. Near Fine. Item #002014

In: Proceedings of the American Academy of arts and science. pp. 1-10. New Series vol. IV, whole series vol. XII, from May 1876 to May 1877. Entire volume. 8vo (247x155 mm). iv, 351 [1] pp. Original publishers wrapper, minor soiling and tanning, paper at spine ends and edges somewhat chipped, untrimmed and unopened. Internally fresh and unspotted, cover and first 3 leaves with closed tear at lower margin not affecting text or Bell's paper. An outstanding copy in original wrappers, very uncommon in this unsophisticated state. ----

Dibner 69; PMM 365; Origins of Cyberspace 116; From Gutenberg to the Internet 5.3; Norman 164. - THE VERY RARE FIRST EDITION. Philipp Reis had produced the first telephone in 1861, but it was not capable of transmitting intelligible speech. In March 1876 Bell spoke the first words to be heard and understood over the telephone, patented his invention the same month, and on 10 May this paper was read to the American Academy The following year the first public telephone service was installed between Boston and New York.

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