Chappe L'Ainé - Histoire de la télégraphie - 1840

CHAPPE, Ignace, History of Telegraphy, Le Mans, Ch. Richelet, 1840. Octavo (approximately 8.7 x 5.7 inches), paperback.

Second enlarged edition of this fundamental work dedicated to the invention of the optical telegraph by Claude Chappe in 1791, a decisive step in the history of communication technologies.

It seems that something is added to one's existence by shortening time and reducing distances.

This 1840 edition is distinguished by the modifications made to the preface and introduction of Abraham Chappe compared to the original 1824 edition. The latter revisits the origin of the telegraph, the gradual sidelining of his family, and vigorously defends the paternity of the invention against the State and competing innovations. The text, enriched with correspondence addressed to the administration, offers a highly modern perspective on the issues of innovation, its institutional appropriation, and the fate of its inventors.

Paperback copy, in its waiting cover, as published, with small old restorations on the first three leaves and a light pale stain at the end of the volume. Some scattered foxing. Preserved in a modern protective case and sleeve.

A fine example of work, of real interest for the history of science and technology.