Essay/Term paper: The telephone

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Science Reports

The Telephone


The telephone itself is a rather simple appliance. A microphone, called
the transmitter, and an earphone, called the receiver, are contained in the
handset. The microphone converts speech into its direct electrical analog, which
is transmitted as an electrical signal; the earphone converts received
electrical signals back to sound. The switch hook determines whether current
flows to the telephone, thereby signaling the central office that the telephone
is in use. The ringer responds to a signal sent by the central office that
causes the telephone to ring. As simple a device as the telephone, had a
mighty big impact on society during the 30's. This was due to the fact that, it
was during the 30's when telephone service became economically feasible and also
reliable.
Men and women alike were captivated by the intrique and fascination of
talking to relatives and friends, miles and miles away. Not only did the
telephone pamper to individual woes, but it provided a very useful industrial
service. It allows commercial companies to expand their horizons infinitely
easier than ever before. It became possible to set up meetings and discuss
business matters with partners thousands of miles away. Companies that posessed
a telephone had a enormous advantage over the rest. And in a time as
economically troubled as the 30's depression, everyone was looking for a
competitive edge.
The telephone wasn't invented in the thirties, nor was the first
transatlantic line built then, but the thirties represents a time in history
when the world was changing incredible fast and much of that change was made
possible by the the telephone. Without the telephone, progress would have been
much slower and people might not have been so receptive to change. We owe a
great deal to Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, for his
invention has served mankind well and will continue to offer society a valuable
service for years to come.