Microphone
Inventor
Inventor David Edward Hughes
David Edward Hughes
Born16 May 1831
Corwen
Died22 January 1900 | Age 68
London


David Edward Hughes 1878


Hughes invented the first practical working carbon microphone in 1878.

David Edward Hughes was probably born in Corwen Wales in 1831. His family emigrated to the United States in 1838 but he moved back to London in 1857.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone

Hughes microphone technology became the principle way microphones work even today.
Hughes carbon microphone
Hughes carbon microphone

He demonstrated his apparatus to the Royal Society by magnifying the sound of insects scratching through a sound box and there were many other witnesses to his microphone's efficiency. Hughes decided not to patent his innovation; instead giving it as a gift to the world, a view that was contrary to Edison's.

It is worth noting that in the U.S. an idea could be patented and developed later.

Microphone Blue Plaque in Great Portland Street, London
Microphone Blue Plaque in Great Portland Street, London
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