The old phone name was the "speaking telegraph" or "sound telegraph".
Before the term "telephone" became standard, the device now known as a telephone was referred to by different names. In 1844, Innocenzo Manzetti first conceived the idea, initially calling it a "speaking telegraph." This term, along with the similar "sound telegraph," reflected the device's function of transmitting speech over distances, similar to how telegraphs transmitted coded messages.
Early Telephone Terminology
The evolution of the telephone's name is an interesting example of how technology is labeled as it develops. The initial descriptions, like:
- Speaking telegraph
- Sound telegraph
emphasized the device's ability to send audible communication over wires, akin to telegraph communication. As the technology progressed, the term "telephone" emerged as a unique descriptor, distinguishing it from the more established telegraph.
From Telegraph to Telephone
The transition from the "speaking telegraph" and "sound telegraph" to the now-ubiquitous "telephone" highlights how terminology adapts to reflect technological advancements. The change was not immediate; rather, it was a gradual shift as the "telephone" gained prominence due to its clarity and the development of the device itself.
It’s important to remember that the "speaking telegraph" and "sound telegraph" were early names, a step in the long history of communications. These terms came to be replaced by a new name more tailored to what the new invention was: a telephone.