MORLAND SAMUEL (1625-1695). Diplomate anglais et inventeur.

Lot 149
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3000 - 4000 EUR
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Result : 5 850EUR
MORLAND SAMUEL (1625-1695). Diplomate anglais et inventeur.
Autograph MANUSCRIPT, with 5 original pen ILLUSTRATIONS [London, circa 1670], written in a fine clear hand (but with several erasures and additions); 3 pages in-fol. on 2 ff. ruled in red (fold; paper slightly frayed but generally in good condition); in English. Fine illustrated autograph manuscript describing his invention of the speaking trumpet (tuba stentoro-phonica) used by King Charles II in the Navy. The present manuscript is unpublished although Morland published in 1672 a brief description of his invention: Tuba stentoro-phonica, an instrument of excellent use, as well at sea, as at land; invented and variously experimented in the year 1670. And humbly presented to the Kings most excellent Majesty Charles II. In the year 1671. By S. Morland. The instruments (or speaking-trumpets) of all sizes and dimensions, are made and sold by Mr. Simon Beal, one of His Majesties trumps in Suffolk-street (London, 1672). This manuscript contains the only autograph account of Morland’s invention of the speaking trumpet, a different, but complementary text to his printed account published a year later. The illustrations also differ. The use of trumpets for giving signals is of great antiquity but Morland’s invention of a trumpet which could be spoken into is generally thought to be original. It was quickly adopted by Charles II for naval use and has proved of enormous value ever since. None of the other surviving Morland manuscripts mention this invention. Morland presents to “Your Highness” how he had the idea to invent, inspired by the trumpet that increases and amplifies a note, an instrument that would amplify in the same way the sound of syllables, words and speech. He first made a glass tube, but it was not wide enough to apply the mouth of the speaker. He then consulted a trumpet maker, to whom he gave the instructions for making a copper tube with a mouthpiece (fig. I), of which it gives the dimensions. He tells his first, very conclusive,
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