How Alexander Graham Bell’s Childhood Contributed to Him Changing the World of Communication

Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephone, circa 1915–1925. Everett Collection/ Shutterstock

The telegraph revolutionized communication in 1844, and inventors everywhere raced to improve upon it. In November 1874, Alexander Graham Bell wrote to his parents about his efforts to invent a machine that could transmit spoken words before his rival, Elisha Gray.

“It is a neck and neck race between Mr. Gray and myself who shall complete our apparatus first. He has the advantage over me in being a practical electrician—but I have reason to believe that I am better acquainted with the phenomena of sound than he is—so that I have an advantage there.”

A Curious Spirit

Bell’s background and inquisitive spirit prepared him well to undertake this endeavor. He had never been particularly interested in school, and by his own admission didn’t graduate from Edinburgh, Scotland’s Royal High School, with honors. However, he always loved inventing.