1.1 - EVOLUTION OF COMMUNICATION - STONE AGE TO MODERN AGE

Summary

This video script takes us through the fascinating evolution of communication, from primitive cavemen gathering around fires to discuss daily life, akin to modern social networking, to the advent of long-distance communication methods like smoke signals and pigeons. It highlights the development of the Pony Express, semaphore flags, telegraphy with Morse code, and the pivotal role of radio waves in communication. The script culminates with the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell, marking the transition to real-time, person-to-person communication, and hints at the progression to wireless and global systems in future episodes.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The evolution of communication began with cavemen gathering around fires to discuss daily activities, similar to modern social networking sites like Facebook.
• 📜 Cavemen's transition to inscribing on caves for recording activities can be likened to contemporary blogging practices.
• 🌫 Smoke signals were the first long-distance communication method, used in Northern America and Ancient China, and still in use in the Vatican for Pope selection.
• 🕊 Pigeons were used for long-distance communication due to their homing abilities, with historical use by various civilizations and during World War 1.
• 📬 The Pony Express was an early courier service delivering messages across the American East and West Coasts via horseback relay stations.
• 🚢 The Semaphore flag system, used in maritime communication during the 19th century, is still utilized for emergency communication at sea.
• 💡 The invention of the telegraph marked a significant breakthrough in communication, with Morse code remaining a global mode of communication.
• 📡 The term 'Radio' originates from Latin, and the discovery of electromagnetic waves by Maxwell and Hertz laid the foundation for radio communication.
• 📞 The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized real-time communication, leading to the development of the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN).
• 🌐 The script suggests that the history of communication from cavemen to the telephone is just the beginning, with further evolution to be discussed in upcoming videos.
• 📈 The role of government in regulating wireless spectrum and private companies in developing 4G networks will be explored in future content.

Q & A

What distinguishes human communication from that of animals according to the script?

The script suggests that what differentiates human communication from animals is the complex and advanced way humans communicate with each other.

How did cavemen initially communicate according to the script?

Cavemen initially communicated by gathering around fires to discuss their day-to-day activities, which can be compared to modern-day social networking sites like Facebook.

What was the first method of long-distance communication mentioned in the script?

The first method of long-distance communication mentioned was smoke signals, which were used in Northern America and Ancient China.

How far could messages be transmitted using smoke signals along the Great Wall of China?

Using smoke signals, messages could be transmitted as far as 750km within a few hours along the Great Wall of China.

Which animal was used for long-distance communication due to their homing ability?

Pigeons were used for long-distance communication due to their natural homing ability.

Why was the pigeon named Cher Ami awarded the French War Cross?

Cher Ami was awarded the French War Cross for her services during World War 1, as she played a crucial role in delivering messages.

What was the Pony Express known for in the mid-19th Century?

The Pony Express was known as the first courier service, delivering messages, mails, newspapers, and small packages by horseback using small relay stations.

What does the term 'Semaphore Flag' mean and when was it used?

Semaphore Flag, derived from the Greek word 'sema' meaning sign and 'phereo' meaning bearer, was used in maritime during the late 19th century for conveying information at a distance using visual signals with hand-held flags, rods, and disks.

What was the significance of the invention of the electric telegraph in the field of communication?

The invention of the electric telegraph was a significant breakthrough in communication, as it allowed for the use of Morse code for global communication, making it the most popular form of long-distance communication for decades.

When did the United States discontinue the use of telegraphy?

The United States discontinued the use of telegraphy in 2006.

What role did Guglielmo Marconi play in the development of radio communication?

Guglielmo Marconi played a pioneering role in the development of radio communication by demonstrating that an electric bell could go off during lightning, marking the beginning of a new era in distant communication.

How did the invention of the telephone change one-to-one communication?

The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized one-to-one communication by providing a real-time communication method that was faster and more direct than the telegram.

What is the significance of the PSTN mentioned in the script?

The PSTN, or Public Switch Telephone Network, signifies the beginning of a networked system where telephones were connected to a local exchange and exchanges were interconnected, allowing communication to span cities, countries, and continents.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Evolution of Communication: From Cavemen to Telegraph

This paragraph outlines the historical progression of human communication, starting with cavemen gathering around fires to discuss daily life, akin to modern social networking sites like Facebook. It then describes the evolution to inscribing messages on caves, comparable to blogging. Long-distance communication methods such as smoke signals in Northern America and Ancient China, and the use of pigeons for homing abilities, are highlighted. The paragraph also touches on the Pony Express, a mail service delivering messages by horseback, and the semaphore flag system used in maritime communication. The advent of the telegraph, including Morse code, is noted as a significant breakthrough, with the US discontinuing its use in 2006 and India in 2013, marking the end of the electric telegraph era.

05:03

📞 The Telephone and the Dawn of Real-Time Communication

The second paragraph delves into the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 and its initial use as a luxury item leased in pairs. It discusses the development of telephone exchanges and the establishment of the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), which allowed for widespread communication across cities, countries, and continents. The paragraph emphasizes the major advancements in communication technology post-World War II and teases the next video, which will explore the transition from wired to wireless communication and the global impact of communication systems, including the role of government regulation and private companies in the development of 4G networks.

Keywords

💡Communication

Communication is the act of sharing information or ideas through various methods. In the video, it is the central theme, illustrating the evolution from primitive to modern methods. The script discusses how humans differentiate from animals through communication, starting from cavemen gathering around fires to discuss daily activities, which is likened to modern social networking sites like Facebook.

💡Cavemen

Cavemen, or early humans, are referenced as the starting point of the communication evolution depicted in the video. They are shown to gather around fires to discuss daily life, a rudimentary form of communication that parallels today's social media interactions, emphasizing the historical roots of our communication practices.

💡Smoke Signal

Smoke signals were an ancient form of long-distance communication, used notably in Northern America and Ancient China. The script explains their use for conveying messages such as danger, highlighting their significance in early warning systems. The Vatican still uses smoke signals to indicate the selection of a new Pope, showing the enduring legacy of this method.

💡Pigeons

Pigeons, due to their homing abilities, were used extensively for long-distance communication in various civilizations. The script mentions their use by Persians, Romans, Greeks, Mughals, and even in the 19th century for transmitting stock quotations. Cher Ami, a homing pigeon, is highlighted for her service during World War 1, exemplifying the role of pigeons in historical communication.

💡Pony Express

The Pony Express was a mail service delivering messages by horseback, noted in the script as the first of its kind and a precursor to modern courier services. It was used in the mid-19th century in America to connect the East Coast with the West Coast, illustrating the development of faster communication methods over long distances.

💡Semaphore Flag

Semaphore flags were used in maritime communication during the late 19th century. Derived from Greek words meaning 'sign' and 'bearer', the script describes this telegraphy system as a method of conveying information at a distance using visual signals with hand-held flags, rods, and disks. It is still used today in certain naval operations, showing its continued relevance.

💡Telegraph

The telegraph represents a significant breakthrough in communication, as detailed in the script. It harnessed electricity to enable long-distance messages, with Morse code being a globally recognized method even today. The script notes the discontinuation of telegraph services in the US and India, marking the end of an era in communication history.

💡Radio

Radio, derived from the Latin word for 'beam of light', is central to the script's narrative on the advancement of communication. The script discusses the theoretical and practical developments in radio communication, from Maxwell's equations to Hertz's experiments, and the commercial success of radio broadcasting post-World War 1.

💡Telephone

The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 is a pivotal moment in the script's history of communication. Initially a luxury for the rich, the telephone evolved with the establishment of telephone exchanges and networks, leading to the creation of the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The script emphasizes the telephone's role in real-time, one-to-one communication.

💡Evolution

Evolution, in the context of the video, refers to the development and progression of communication methods over time. The script outlines the evolution from cave paintings and smoke signals to the sophisticated systems of today, showcasing the continuous improvement and innovation in how humans share information.

💡Government Regulation

The script briefly mentions the role of government in regulating the wireless spectrum, indicating the importance of governance in the development and operation of communication systems. It sets the stage for the next video, which will delve into the transition from wired to wireless communication and the involvement of private companies.

Highlights

Introduction to the Evolution of Communication by Joy and Jennifer.

Communication differentiates humans from animals through its complexity.

Cavemen used fires for daily discussions, comparable to modern social networking sites like Facebook.

Cavemen's inscriptions on caves are likened to modern blogging.

Long-distance communication became crucial as humans moved out of caves.

Smoke signals were the first long-distance communication method, used in Northern America and Ancient China.

Smoke signals could transmit messages over 750km within hours along the Great Wall.

Smoke signals are still used in the Vatican for the selection of a new Pope.

Pigeons were used for long-distance communication due to their homing ability.

Cher Ami, a homing pigeon, was awarded the French War Cross for service in World War 1.

The use of ravens for long-distance communication was depicted in the TV series Game of Thrones.

Pony Express was the first courier service, delivering messages by horseback.

Semaphore flags were used in maritime communication during the late 19th century.

The invention of the electric telegraph marked a significant breakthrough in communication.

Morse code is still globally used and was a popular form of long-distance communication until recent decades.

The US discontinued the use of telegraph in 2006, and India's BSNL in 2013, marking the end of the electric telegraph era.

James Clerk Maxwell's work on electromagnetic waves laid the foundation for radio communication.

Heinrich Hertz's experiments confirmed the existence of electromagnetic waves, precursor to radio waves.

Jagadish Chandra Bose demonstrated microwave communication by igniting gunpowder at a distance.

Guglielmo Marconi's experiments with electric bells during lightning led to the development of radio communication.

Early 20th-century radio systems used continuous waves for message transmission.

World War 1 and 2 accelerated the development of radio for military and commercial purposes.

Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone revolutionized real-time communication.

The development of the public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) enabled widespread telephone use.

Major progress in communication systems occurred after World War 2, leading to the transition from wired to wireless and local to global communication.

Upcoming video promises to explore the evolution from wired to wireless communication and the role of government and private companies in network development.

Transcripts

Hi freinds, I am Joy and i am Jennifer. welcome to the world of communication. So today we

are going to show you the Evolution of Communication.

What differentiate us human from animals is the way we communicate with each other. Here

we will show you a brief history of how communication system evolved.

The whole journey of communication started with the caveman. The cavemen used to gather

around fire to discuss their day to day activities. We can compare this to modern day social networking

sites such as facebook. The one sudden day they decided to record their activities or

knowledge. The cavemen then started to inscribing on the the caves. We can compare this to modern day

blogging. The problem with this communication method was it was localised. When people started

moving out of the caves, long distance communication became very important.

Smoke Signal

This was the first long distance communication. It was used in Northern America

where each tribe has its own signalling system. A smoke from top of the hill signified danger.

Smoke signal was also used in Ancient China. The soldiers stationed at the Great Wall would

alert for danger using smoke signal from tower to tower. In this way they could transmit

message as far as 750km within a few hours. The smoke signal is still used in Vatican

to indicate the selection of new Pope.

Pigeons

Due to their natural homing ability pigeons were extensively used for long distance communication.

The Pigeons were used by Persians, Romans, Greeks, Mughals. In 19th Century Pigeons

were also used to transmit stock quotations from one city to another. Cher Ami, a homing

pigeon, was awarded the French War Cross for her services during world war 1.

TV series Game of Thrones has shown the use of Raven instead of pigeon for long distance

communication.

Pony Express

From ancient time Kings have been using human messenger to relay messages. Pony express

was a first of its kind mail service delivering messages, mails, newspapers and small packages

by horseback using small relay stations. It is regarded as the first courier service.

It was used in the mid 19th Century to communicate between East Coast and West Coast of America.

Semaphore Flag

Semaphore flag was used in maritime during the late 19th century. The word semaphore

is derived from greek word sema meaning sign and phero meaning bearer. It is the telegraphy

system conveying information at a distance by means of visual signals with hand-held

flags, rods and disk. It is still used during underway replenishment at sea and is acceptable

mode of communication for emergency.

Telegraph

Telegraphy was the greatest breakthrough in the field of communication. Although the smoke

signal and semaphore flags were different form of telegraphy but the harnessing of electricity

in the late 19th Century gave birth to electric telegraphy. Morse code is still used globally

as a mode of communication. Till a couple of decades ago Telegraphy was the most popular

form of long distance communication. The US discontinued the use of Telegraph in 2006.

India's BSNL owned telegraph service ended in 2013. It was reportedly the world's last

existing true electric commercial telegraph system.

RADIO - The term Radio in latin means Beam of light.

In 1864 James Clerk Maxwell showed mathematically that electromagnetic waves could propagate

through free space. The effects of electromagnetic waves were observed before and after Maxwell

but no one could detect its presence. In 1886 Heinrich Hertz established the existence of

Electromagnetic Waves. In 1888 he demonstrated that one could produce and detect electromagnetic

waves which we today call as radio waves. In November 1894 Jagadish Chandra Bose at

Town Hall of Kolkata ignited gunpowder and rang a bell kept at a distance using microwave.

During the same time an Italian Scientist Guglielmo Marconi made an electric bell which

went off during lightning. This was just the beginning of a whole new era of distant communication.

Early 20th century radio system transmitted message using continuous waves only. Amplitude

modulation was demonstrated for the transmission of voice and music but with little success.

World War 1 accelerated the development of radio for military communication. After the

war commercial radio broadcasting began in 1920 and was a big hit. World war 2 again

accelerated the development of wartime purposes for aircraft and land communication.

Telephone Until now real time communication was was

confined to diplomatic purposes or for broadcasting. Still telegram was the Fastest one to one

communication used by common people. In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.

At first, the benefits of a telephone exchange were not exploited. Instead telephones were

leased in pairs to a subscriber, who had to arrange for a telegraph contractor to construct

a line between them, for example between a home and a shop. It was a luxury that only

rich people could afford. Later telephones took advantage of the exchange principle already

employed in telegraph networks. Each telephone was wired to a local telephone exchange, and

the exchanges were wired together with trunks. Networks were connected in a hierarchical

manner until they spanned cities, countries, continents and oceans. This was the beginning

of the public Switch Telephone Network or PSTN.

The major progress took place after the second world war.

So friends,Here we have seen history of communication started from caveman to telephone. But this

is just a beginning of golden era in the field of communication,

in the next video we will talk about, how communication system evolved from wired to

wireless and local to global. Also we will see the role of government to regulate wireless

spectrum .and role of private companies to develop existing network of 4th Generation

So friends, don't forget to subscribe our channel and like our videos and Stay tuned

for upcoming videos.