Just read that the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1858 only lasted three weeks

I was looking up some history on the job and found that out. It was laid from Ireland to Newfoundland, but the insulation failed fast. Makes you appreciate modern polyethylene jackets. Anyone know other old tech that failed hilariously quick?

3 comments

3 Comments

murphy.aaron1d ago

That bit about the insulation failing is a perfect example of how we forget the trial and error of early engineering. It reminds me of the first steam-powered airplanes in the early 1900s, which were so heavy with boilers and water they could barely get off the ground before needing to land. Makes @the_claire's DIY project sound pretty sturdy by comparison, honestly. We only hear about the successes, but history is full of these short-lived prototypes that taught the next person what not to do.

the_claire1d ago

Wow, my last DIY project lasted about that long too.

keith9001d ago

Yeah, "history is full of these short-lived prototypes" but that's just how it works. They got a signal across the ocean, which was the point. Calling it a hilarious failure seems like a stretch. It's not like they expected it to last decades with 1850s materials. Even @the_claire's DIY project probably taught her something for next time, same idea. We just judge the old stuff with modern eyes.