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that we may talk by light to any visible distance — without any conducting wire between the speaker and the listener.

The Photophone we have been using — with papers giving descriptions of the apparatus and experiments made with it — are to be placed tomorrow in a tin box — and sealed up by us — and will then be deposited as a sealed package in the care of the Smithsonian Institution — to be opened only when permitted by me.

Some of the practical results to be obtained I clearly fore-see. When Electric Photophony is practiced in warfare the electric communications of an army could neither be cut nor tapped. On the ocean communication may be carried on by work of mouth between persons in different vessels when great distances apart — and light-houses may be identified by the sound of their lights.

In general science discoveries will be made by the Photophone that are undreamed of just now. Every variation of a light will produce a sound. The twinkling stars may yet be recognized by characteristic sounds — and storms and sun-spots be detected in the sun by noises produced by the Photophone. But let me leave prediction alone and conclude this letter. I have applications enough in my mind to have set me down as a madman if I could not give any better basis for my speculations than I have now. The necessary basis for sound reasoning must be demonstrated experimentally — by actually producing sounds in a distant place by the agency of light — before announcing the Photophone to the world. Therefore please consider this — for the recent — as a confidential communication. You are the grandfather of the Photophone and I want you to share my delight at my success.

Your loving son, Alec. Prof. A. Melville Bell, Brantford, Ont., Canada.

Manuscript/Mixed Material Letter from Alexander Graham Bell to Alexander Melville Bell, February 26, 1880

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Manuscript/Mixed Material
Letter from Alexander Graham Bell to Alexander Melville Bell, February 26, 1880