Ye olde high-tech; the facts behind fax show that this technological breakthrough is actually a century old. (facsimile transmission)

The facts behind fax show that this technological breakthrough is actually a century old

MY FRIEND Larry is the sort of librarian who is enamored with technology. He's installed a local area network to connect the microcomputers in his library's circulation system, has acquired several CD-ROM reference databases, and has labored over the selection of just the right microfilm reader/printer. I mean, he really enjoys this sort of thing. I'm sure you know the type.

Larry called the other day to proudly announce that his library had acquired a telefacsimile machine - a fax unit. "I'm joining the state's fax network. Pretty impressive, eh?" Larry was gloating.

"Did you know that fax technology is over a century old?" I inquired innocently. …