1861
by Schaw, H.
1861. Very Good. Schaw, H. A.L.s. to Latimer Clark. Chatham, May 28, 1861. 3- pp. 182 x 114 mm. Split along center fold (not affecting text), small holes punched in upper margin, remains of mounting present. Provenance: Latimer Clark. "Pray accept my best thanks for your prompt & full reply to my question relative to submarine telegraph cables. "I had not imagined that so substantial a cable would be so short lived: but I presume that it is the shore end which is subject to the destructive action of oxidation owing to the alternate wetting, & partial drying & exposure to atmospheric influences which is so soon destroyed. This view of the question rather strengthens the opinion I had previously formed, that it would be preferable to adopt a more circuitous route by an air line rather than to trust to a submarine cable which would be constantly exposed to risk from the anchors of vessels & which is certain to become unserviceable within 12 or 15 years. . . ." Schaw was the author of a memoir on the electric telegraph, published in 1867 (see Wheeler Gift, no. 3560). Origins of Cyberspace 192. . (Inventory #: 40753)