PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION
To the many thousands scattered over the country who are engaged or interested in the art of telegraphy, this book will probably need neither preface nor apology. Its object is to present articles from the pens of each of the principal telegraphic writers, as well as a few on telegraphic subjects from prominent litterateurs — all well worthy of preservation, and written in such a manner as to combine entertainment with instruction
Lightning Flashes as originally published appealed more particularly to the members of the telegraphic fraternity, from whom it has received a very hearty welcome. The demand for copies from persons outside of the profession, and the unanimity of the press in commendation of the work, have encouraged the compiler and publisher to prepare an edition that can be understood and appreciated by the non-professional reader as well as by telegraphists.
This edition is intended both for those connected with, telegraphy and also for the general reading public — for people who have no knowledge whatever of the art or business of telegraphy — and will be found free from technical terms and professional idioms not familiar to those unconnected with, the business.
The book has been entirely rearranged for the present edition, and a large amount of additional matter, as well as several new pictures, added. It is therefore hoped that Lightning Flashes in its present form will prove of very considerable interest to the general reader, and afford a comprehensive and instructive insight into the mysteries of the electric telegraph, and of the inner life of that great and growing fraternity, the telegraphists, in reference to whose highly interesting history so little is known to the outside world.