One experimental microphone in sound box, 1878-1890

One experimental microphone in sound box, consisting of two small blocks of wood-charcoal pressed upon each other by a spring, probably made by David Edward Hughes, England, 1878-1890

The development of the microphone owes much to David Edward Hughes. In some of his experiments, Hughes accidentally reduced and detected Herzian waves such as are now used in radio communication. He detected the radiations with microphones. In this microphone, wood charcoal blocks were pressed together using a spring. Hughes did not patent his discoveries, meaning that subsequent inventors were able to make use of his work in the development of the carbon-granule type of microphone.

Details

Category:
Telecommunications
Object Number:
1922-142/1
Materials:
wood (unidentified), brass (copper, zinc alloy), paper (fibre product), wax and carbon
Measurements:
overall: 50 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm, .04 kg
type:
microphone
credit:
Executors of the late Anna C. Hughes

Parts

Round wooden box for experimental microphone

A round wooden box for experimental microphone, probably made by David Edward Hughes, England, 1878-1890

Materials:
wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
1922-142/1/2
type:
component - object
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum