Philipp Reis's telephone in Aberdeen

Abstract

A telephone sender following the design of Johann Philipp Reis made by W Ladd, London 1863, in the Natural Philosophy Collection of the University of Aberdeen is illustrated and described. How Reis came to invent a telephone some 15 years before Graham Bell's patent is discussed, with 19th century illustrations. The method employed by Reis is outlined and contemporary letters by Reis are reproduced, including an extensive letter to the instrument maker William Ladd. The origin of the Aberdeen instrument is given and some of the reasons why Bell was granted his patent in spite of the existence of Reis's instrument are suggested. The monument to Reis erected after his early death is shown.