It is known that Charles Wheatstone carried out very limited experiments in the field of submarine telegraphy in 1843 and 1844. In June 1843 Prince Albert visited King's College to inaugurate the George III Collection of Scientific instruments which was displayed in a 'spacious and well-lit apartment'. After the formal opening and a tour of various demonstrations, the Prince was accompanied by Wheatstone to the terrace in front of Somerset House, where, according to The Times, 'it had been intended that some experiments should be tried by the electric fluid from the top of the shot manufactory across the river to the terrace, but the experiment was not exhibited, as it was understood that the string or wire had been cut or broken by which the communication was to be effected.' Wheatstone described this experiment in a lecture, delivered on 23rd May 1843 to the Society of Civil Engineers, which was reported in the Literary Gazette of the 3rd June 1843.

Inspec keywords: telegraphy; wires (electric); underwater vehicles; marine communication

Other keywords: electric fluid; submarine telegraphy; communication; wire; Wheatstone

Subjects: Telegraphy