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.encounter.
In the process of inventing the telephone, Bell encountered many
difficulties, challenges, and ultimate success, such as sending messages (Russell
Bourne, �The Telephone,� in the Smithsonian Book of Inventors, 1st ed.). One night,
Alexander Graham Bell stumbled upon an accident that was actually a
breakthrough. "I have accidentally made a discovery of the very greatest
importance..." said Alexander Graham Bell (Webb 1992, 54). The first words on the
telephone were transmitted over wires on March 10, 1876: "Mr. Watson - come
here - I want to see you." While creating the phone, Bell had encountered much
competition from many will respected inventors (Robert Uhlig, �Mr. Watson, come
here!� in A History of Great Inventions, 1st ed.). One competitor, who was close to
success with devices similar to Bell's, was a man named Elisha Gray. Gray had
come very close to winning one of the most important races in scientific history
- the race to invent the telephone. He was only two hours behind Bell. He
encountered problems in getting people to trust the telephone(Encarta
Encyclopedia, 2001 ed., s.v. �Bell, Alexander Graham). Many wondered if the
people on the other line could hear them. Some people even thought that the
telephone might carry disease.
Bell often encountered challenging obstacles while exploring this
advancement in technology. He would find himself spending more time studying
and working, and less time eating and sleeping (Encarta Encyclopedia, 2001 ed.,
s.v. �Bell, Alexander Graham). Bell often felt as if he had no knowledge of
necessary to overcome the difficulties of inventing the telephone. | |
