How A Dog Helped Create The Talk Phone

By Ann Schmidt


People have been using traditional and cellular technology for years. However, only more recently has there been an integration between computer applications and the telephone. For example, the first Smart Phones were not in circulation until 1995. While this is the case, the first talk phone with similar technology came into existence in 1992.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell created the first ever communications device. In doing so, the scientist spent a lot of hours researching elocution and speech. After which, the man became the first person ever to receive a United States patent for the research, development and design of the first working telephone.

The concept behind this research and development was originally inspired by Alexander's deaf wife. For, it was during a time that Alexander was working on research related to hearing devices that concept and design evolved into a two way communications device. Sadly, while Mr. Bell became quite famous for this discovery, it was removed from further research and development.

While the telephone is primarily Alexander Graham Bell's greatest accomplishment, the scientist also invented several other communication forms. These include, optical or visual communication, black box communication for aeronautics and hydrofoil systems. Although, it was not until much later in life that any of these other forms became valid modes of communication, or as popular as the scientist's initial invention.

The first experimentation with sound as encouraged by a loving father took place while the Bell children were quite young. For, it was this father who took two sons on the journey of a lifetime. When, in 1863, the three attended an exhibition which included a working "mechanical man." A model which included a simulated human voice that could talk to those attending the exhibit. After which, the two boys then created an Automaton in the garage of the family home, a project that would later lead to the first working telephone as a communications device.

Highly impressed and interested in the project, the boy's father offered to pay for all and expenses involved in the process. In addition, the project became more interesting to the boys after the father suggested a big prize when the process and project became successful. However, it was not until "Trouve, the family dog became involved that the project would see success.

While Alexander Graham Bell may have developed the first telephone with help from the family dog, it is clearly evident by human speech that sound can be transmitted. However, the resonance and volume seemed to lack stability or control, so Alexander continued research into changing these aspects while working with the family dog. After which, the ringer and volume levels on telephones were adjusted in a way to improve transmission rates, resonance and sound.

Talking dogs are nothing new as can be seen by many clips on television and YouTube videos. However, Alexander's was the first known to speak much less be involved with the overall design of sound transmission. In addition, it was through working with the family dog that Alexander discovered resonance and volume could be changed with tuning forks.




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