General article on insulators

INSULATION.

The agitation of the subject of insulation in the last issue of The Telegrapher, is a cheering sign, and that this journal, through its correspondence, applies to that important subject a tithe of that weight which it deserves, speaks much in its praise. Almost in the infancy of experimental telegraphy, insulation arrived at its present perfection. It was early discovered that a bell, or umbrella shape, or its equivalent was necessary, the design of which was to shield the under surface from rain.

We are not now in possession of the name of the originator of the umbrella form, but he shall be remembered, as his was the first step toward perfection; and up to the present time, no other worthy of record has been made. In his form the comprehension of a certain trouble to be avoided, is shown, and it is excellent to that end. Regarded in connection with the fact that but little actual experience had then been had, no improvement suggests itself as proper to have been expected at his hands. Experience however, soon brought forth this fact, that while insulation was perfect against falling rain, it was almost useless against fogs and all rising dew and dampness.

It is now nearly twenty years since this fact was well understood, and here is the astonishing part of the whole matter, that while everybody has known precisely where the trouble lay, no improvement has been attempted that displayed that comprehension. Your correspondent "Electron," opens his article thus:

"In no department of telegraphic science has so much ingenuity been expended," &c. &c.

The eye searches in vain for evidence of the ingenuity referred to. Let the real trouble be looked at and direct means applied to avoid it. Let the plans for improvement show a comprehension of the facts. Present forms do insulate against falling rain. We need a form which will also insulate against rising dampness.

L'ECLAIR.