Morse code is an alphabet based on a series on short and long signals (dots and dashes), be they sonic (as in a telegraph system) or flashes from a heliograph.
The code was patented by Samuel Morse in 1840, to support his invention: the telegraph. In 1832, Morse had declared "If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any part of the circuit, I see no reason why intelligence may not be transmitted by electricity." He then set about working on his idea, which he successfully first used in 1844.
appears in:
further reading:
© 1998 Martin Monkman