Page:Fifty years hence, or, What may be in 1943 - a prophecy supposed to be based on scientific deductions by an improved graphical method (IA fiftyyearshenceo00grim).pdf/56

 rarely seen as the wind-mill was in 1893.

Horology, as of old, is one of the exact sciences; but we find upon every street, electrically-driven clocks telling to the tenth of a second the time of day or night; the twenty-four hour system having come into general use about 1900, and London time being kept in every city in the civilized world.

The central stations of the telephone and other conveniences are worked by the subscribers themselves; the apparatus in each house enabling the subscriber to ascertain whether or not the person with whom he wishes to communicate is at liberty; and to connect with him if he is.

All cities on the Continent are connected in a universal telegraphic and telephonic exchange, so that San Francisco can write, print or talk in New Orleans or Montreal. The telephone is so improved that it can be worked across the Atlantic, although the Pacific as yet defies all attempts of inventors to produce a system that will work without fail under all conditions. By this wonderful improvement Patti, from her castle at Craig-y-Nos; Campanini, from his beloved Italy, and other celebrated artists, could