The system of sound-reading in telegraphy, universally used in the Morse
system. The direct stroke of the armature of the electro-magnet and its
“back stroke” disclose to the ear the long and short strokes, dots and
lines, and long and short spaces as produced by the dispatcher of the
message. In the Morse system a special magnet and armature is used to
produce the sound called the “sounder;” in other systems, e. g.,
Steinheil’s and Bright’s apparatus, bells are used. (See Alphabets,
Telegraphic.)