Lot 30: BELL, Alexander Graham (1847-1922). "Researches in telephony." In: Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences , new series vol. IV, whole series vol. XII (May 1876 to May 1877), pp.1-10. Boston: John Wilson & Son, 1877.

BELL, Alexander Graham (1847-1922). "Researches in telephony." In: Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, new series vol. IV, whole series vol. XII (May 1876 to May 1877), pp.1-10. Boston: John Wilson & Son, 1877.

8o (245 x 155 mm). Original gray printed wrappers, uncut and unopened (some light discoloration, minor chipping along edges, lower right corner of front wrapper clipped).

FIRST EDITION OF BELL'S FIRST REPORT OF THE TELEPHONE. Although Philip Reis had produced the first telephone in 1861, it was not capable of transmitting intelligible speech. In March 1876 Bell spoke the first words to be heard and understood over the telephone through the use of what he called an "undulating" current. He patented his invention the same month, and on 10 May this paper was read to the American Academy. The Bell Telephone Company was created in 1877, and in April of that year the first telephone service was installed between Boston and New York. Dibner Heralds of Science 69; Norman 164; Origins of Cyberspace 116; PMM 365.