Chapter 2. Codes and Combinations

Morse code was invented by Samuel Finley Breese Morse (1791–1872), whom we shall meet more properly later in this book. The invention of Morse code goes hand in hand with the invention of the telegraph, which we’ll also examine in more detail. Just as Morse code provides a good introduction to the nature of codes, the telegraph provides a good introduction to the hardware of the computer.

Most people find Morse code easier to send than to receive. Even if you don’t have Morse code memorized, you can simply use this table, conveniently arranged in alphabetical order:

The Morse code for each alphabet is tabulated.

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