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A Potion for Memory and Wisdom

In which we panic about new writing technologies. February 2019 - Adams Library Lobby

Western Union Ad

Though the first electrical telegraphs were invited in 1816, telegrams were still sent through 2013, when BSNL, India's state-owned telecommunications service, ended their services!

Most services ended with in the 1950s, during a fight for relevance between Western Union and Bell. Ads from the time are almost as snappy as a telegram!

Signs of the Times

Why do you think this documentary begins with:

The alphabet and writings seems to have lost its meaning. The loss of written communication as we know it is indeed a scary thought.

What technologies were changing writing in 1996?