Ahead of Their Time

We could say Bell was ahead of his time in many ways. He invented the photophone which is similar to modern fibre-optic telecommunications. He also worked on a machine that was like early computers. He invented a machine for artificial breathing and was close to inventing the tape recorder.

He made this prediction in 1896: “I believe that it will be possible, in a very few years, for a person to take his dinner in New York at 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening and eat his breakfast in either Ireland or England the following morning.” Our technology today would not surprise Bell.

Mabel Bell could also see ahead of her time. She encouraged Bell’s work and kept all his letters and papers. Today the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck has these papers. It also has photographs and many things he owned and worked with. Go with your family and enjoy some of the many activities there. You may even get ideas for your own invention!

Comprehension Questions

1. What did Bell mean when he said “Leave the beaten track … and dive into the woods?” Write what you think he meant in your own words.
2. Can you find examples in the reading of how Bell invented one thing when he was working on something quite different?
3. Have you ever come up with the answer to a problem when you were thinking of something else? What was the problem and what were you doing when you thought of a solution?