Believe it or not, the basic technology behind faxing has been around for over 150 years. A Scottish mechanic and inventor named Alexander Bain created the first fax machine in 1843. He believed that the symbols used in Morse code could be implemented visually, instead of just by hearing, and therefore be used for sending of other types of information.

Bain, a clockmaker, used his knowledge to design and patent a basic concept that became the basis of the modern fax machine. The idea to use electric signals generated by a telegraph operator was a huge step in telecommunications. In Bain's device, these signals would pass through a type of paper that was soaked in a chemical. The signal would then cause the chemical to evaporate, leaving a long or short mark in Morse code. These marks allowed for a faster transmission of information and allowed him to create punched-hole tapes that allowed for automated transmissions and receptions. This device became known, although not nearly widely enough, as a "chemical telegraph."

The earliest days

Of course, in those days faxes could not be sent the way they are now. The original "signal telegraphs" were the first successful fax machines that could send messages by regulating electric currents. Continuing improvements in miniaturization, manufacturing and electric printing were the means of jump-starting the technology that today's fax machines use millions, even billions, of times every day.

Since the fax machine dates back farther than you may think, it really should be considered one of the greatest milestones in the history of communication. The technology of the fax machine was built upon then-current telegraph technology. Telegraph wires were used to transmit those first "chemical" faxes. Transmission over phone lines was not a possibility in 1843, due to the fact that the telephone was not even invented for another 30 or more years!

The basic concept behind the fax machine ("facsimile" document sender) was to send a facsimile, an "exact copy." Other technological advances and discoveries have led to the evolution of our modern fax machines, which still retain the original concept of Alexander Bain. His idea was that you could scan an image, picture or text, and that the scanned image could be interpreted as signals on a grid that are turned either on or off. That is, the information would appear as light (off) and dark (on) dots to the mechanical receiver in the receiving fax machine, which would then print the image.

Into the modern era

Fax machines started to become very popular in 1983 when the Committee Consultative International Telephonique et Telegraphique (or CCITT Group 3) set up the standard protocol for faxing. The CCITT is an organization that sets international communication standards, and faxing certainly became standard from that time forward. Fax machines quickly became commonplace in the business world. They were immediately favored strongly for sending legal documents and many businesses wouldn't have it any other way. Though use has lessened due to email and other technologies, many businesses depend on fax technology to this day.

Even as late as the 1990s, fax machines were big, bulky and hard to manage. Technology has allowed for compact, user-friendly and more inexpensive fax machines to emerge. Ten years ago, $500 was considered a bargain price for a fax machine. These days, you can easily find a good, plain-paper machine one for around $50. In addition, faxes are now part of the "all in one" printer technology, so devices starting at that same price point now come with the ability to fax, scan, print and copy, all for one low cost.

Faxing in cyberspace

Although the fax machine has been around for many years and is widely used, it seems that faxing over the Internet has swiftly become a very popular means of transmitting information. The fact that the Internet can transmit information at such a high rate of speed makes it more convenient and easier for people to utilize. These days, more and more offices and people are getting rid their fax machines in order to make use of the Internet faxing tools.

However, the fax machine is not a thing of the past just yet, and the ability for computers to both send and receive faxes means people with fax machines can connect with both computer users and fax users. Many people still use fax machines everyday and it is easy to see why. They offer a very fast transfer of information and more accurate communication between people and businesses.

Fax machines have certainly come a long way. It was once considered to be the center of modern technology because it was able to transmit and replicate reams of important documents from anywhere in the world. Although increasing numbers of people have turned to Internet faxing, the fax machine is still considered to be a very important piece of technology.

Seeing how far we've come with the way we send and transmit information, it's very interesting to note how the fax machine has taken us this far. It has been an essential element in all aspects of international communication, both business and personal. Without it, and the Internet-enabled versions, we might as well send our documents via Pony Express. Faxing helps the world go 'round, literally!