As I explained the hieroglyphics the announcement of the word, which they saw could have come to me only through the wire, would often create a deep sensation of delighted wonder; and much do I now regret that I did not take notes of these interviews, for it would be an interesting record of distinguished names and of valuable remarks." On the 10th of September, 1838, Morse enjoyed the greatest triumph of all, for it was on that day that, by invitation of M.Arago, the exhibition of his invention before the Institute of France, casually mentioned in one of his letters to his daughter, took place.

Writing of the occasion to Alfred Vail, he says:-- "I exhibited the Telegraph to the Institute and the sensation produced was as striking as at Washington.

It was evident that hitherto the assembled science of Europe had considered the plan of an Electric Telegraph as ingenious but visionary, and, like aeronautic navigation, practicable in little more than theory and destined to be useless.
"I cannot describe to you the scene at the Institute when your box with the registering-machine, just as it left Speedwell, was placed upon the table and surrounded by the most distinguished men of all Europe, celebrated in the various arts and sciences--Arago, Baron Humboldt, Gay-Lussac, and a host of others whose names are stars that shine in both hemispheres.

Arago described it to them, and I showed its action.

A buzz of admiration and approbation filled the whole hall and the exclamations '_Extraordinaire!' 'Tres bien!' 'Tres admirable!_' I heard on all sides.
The sentiment was universal." Another American at that time in Paris, the Honorable H.L.