SO FEW It is not at all uncommon for most of us to have, at least, a basic understanding
of what we sometime “secret language” known as the Morse Code. Most kids are
thrilled to learn that the English letters “S.O.S” mean that danger threatens. Most of us are aware of the code because of some early association with boy scouting, military, or ham radio. Until recently a basic knowledge of code was part of the learning process of ham radio, but it has now been eliminated to stay in-line with our general educational tendency to lower standards to gain membership in an elite group called the educated.
Many of us accept the idea that we can transmit intelligent exchanges of information by sounds, visual manifestations ranging from Semaphore flags to huge antennae arrays. We even have units seeking a connection of some sort of with extra-terrestrial civilizations. We think of code as being useful in rescuing sailors lost on tropical islands in our films, TV shows and imagination. Code can be a handy to have in time of need.
Why don't we use it more often?
The mine accidents in West Virginia which killed eighteen people this past week, illustrate the potential benefits. At one point they spoke of a pipe leading to the disaster zone. If that report any convict in any prison can tell you a tap becomes a “dit” and scrape become a “dah”. “Tap-scrape” on the transmitting pipe becomes “dit-dah” and will be read as “A”. All right, it's slow! I know that but if reliable information can be exchanged we are way ahead.
One would think there would be a conscious effort on the part of safety program leaders of life saving groups that some members of that crew must have a working knowledge of Morris Code. We have many ways of bringing sub-surface sounds
to the surface and some of those can certainly be adapted to work the proper, prompt and pertinent trapped with a minimum equipment they might carry with them as safety
standbys.
There is yet another aspect of all of such concern for safety.
The Braille alphabet and numbers used by blind people are a simple system which uses two columns of three dots each arranged in a domino fashion and raised on the surface of a heavy paper. A working knowledge of “signing” would also enhance the chance of saving lives in times of disasters - natural or man made.
A.L.M. January 22, 2006 [c426wds]
