Chappe Optical Telegraph

[David Morris]

Remember the system of communication the Jesuits were described as using in
MD?  I don't remember it in any detail, but this Chappe Optical Telegraph
reminds me of it:

http://atlasobscura.com/places/chappe-optical-telegraph

Chappe's chain of stone towers, topped by 10-ft. poles and 14-ft. pivoting
cross members, and spaced as far apart as the eye could see, was first
demonstrated to the public in March of 1791 on the Champs Elysees.

Chappe created a language of 9,999 words, each represented by a different
position of the swinging arms. When operated by well-trained optical
telegraphers, the system was extraordinarily quick. Messages could be
transmitted up to 150 miles in two minutes.
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