The fax machine predates the telephone
The fax machine was invented in 1843, 33 years before the telephone, but didn't become widely used until the 1980s, highlighting a 140-year gap between invention and adoption.
Believe it or not, the fax machine was invented in 1843 by Alexander Bain, a full 33 years before Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone! Bain's "facsimile telegraph" could transmit images over wires using a pendulum and special ink. This early system was the first to scan and send images electronically.
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