English scientist and inventor (1802-1875) whose diverse contributions included the development of the English concertina, the stereoscope, improvements in the electric telegraphy, and the Playfair cipher manual symmetric encryption technique. ALS signed “C. Wheatstone,” one page, 4.25 x 7, June 12, 1862. Handwritten letter to Lyon Playfair, in part: "Our sub-engineer attended the meeting of the Corporation at Edinburgh on Monday last. The…clerk had not, at that time, received any communication from you, but it will not be too late for you now to support our application. There were two opponents in the field, and the maker was referred to Piazzi Smyth." In fine condition. An interesting letter, given its notable recipient—the 'Playfair cipher' was the first cipher to encrypt pairs of letters in cryptologic history, invented by Wheatstone for secrecy in telegraphy. It carries the name of his friend Lord Playfair, who promoted its use.
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