Changes

In 1866, after four attempts, the transatlantic cable established permanent communication with Europe based on laying a cable on the ocean floor.  This facilitated trade between the continents, and helped families communicate with grandparents back in Europe.

In 1866, after four attempts, the transatlantic cable established permanent communication with Europe based on laying a cable on the ocean floor.  This facilitated trade between the continents, and helped families communicate with grandparents back in Europe.

Then, in 1875, perhaps the greatest invention of all for communications occurred:  Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.  His motivation was to help his deaf mother hear.  He had been homeschooled by his mother in order to learn to read and write, and Alexander (called Aleck) wanted to repay the favor:<ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/telephone/peopleevents/mabell.html</ref>

Then, in 1876, the greatest invention of all for communications occurred:  Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.  His motivation was to help his deaf mother hear.  He had been homeschooled by his mother in order to learn to read and write, and Alexander (called Aleck) wanted to repay the favor:<ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/telephone/peopleevents/mabell.html</ref>

:Unlike others, who spoke to Mrs. Bell through her ear tube, Aleck chose to communicate with her by speaking in low, sonorous tones very close to her forehead. Young Aleck surmised that his mother would be able to "hear" him through the vibrations his vocal intonations would make. This early insight would prove significant as Alexander Graham Bell went on to develop more elaborate theories regarding the characteristics of sound waves. It would also lend rationale to Bell's opinions as to how the deaf could be assimilated into a world of sound.

:Unlike others, who spoke to Mrs. Bell through her ear tube, Aleck chose to communicate with her by speaking in low, sonorous tones very close to her forehead. Young Aleck surmised that his mother would be able to "hear" him through the vibrations his vocal intonations would make. This early insight would prove significant as Alexander Graham Bell went on to develop more elaborate theories regarding the characteristics of sound waves. It would also lend rationale to Bell's opinions as to how the deaf could be assimilated into a world of sound.

Legend says that the first sentence spoken over the telephone was by Bell to his assistant Watson:  "Watson, come here; I want you."

In Boston, 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, Bell spoke the first sentence over the telephone to his assistant Watson:  "Watson, come here; I want you."

[[Image:Edison and phonograph.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Edison and phonograph.jpg|right]]

But just as John the Baptist was immediately followed by someone far greater, Jesus, Alexander Graham Bell was immediately followed by someone far greater, Thomas Edison (pictured to the right with one of his inventions, the phonograph).  At the age of 7, Mrs. Edison sent her boy Thomas to the local public school. The public school teacher was irritated by Edison's curiosity and questions, and aggravated by his failure to follow directions like the rest of the class.  She concluded that Edison was incapable of learning,<ref>Specifically, the teacher concluded that Edison's brain had been "scrambled" or "addled".</ref> and after merely three months the teacher told young Edison's mother that her son was an idiot.

But just as John the Baptist was immediately followed by someone far greater, Jesus, Alexander Graham Bell was immediately followed by someone far greater, Thomas Edison (pictured to the right with one of his inventions, the phonograph).  At the age of 7, Mrs. Edison sent her boy Thomas to the local public school. The public school teacher was irritated by Edison's curiosity and questions, and aggravated by his failure to follow directions like the rest of the class.  She concluded that Edison was incapable of learning,<ref>Specifically, the teacher concluded that Edison's brain had been "scrambled" or "addled".</ref> and after merely three months the teacher told young Edison's mother that her son was an idiot.