Machine tool and electrical telegraph: what they have in common

1. Step 1. Machine tool — is used in — Interchangeable parts. Identical parts can only be made on precise machine tools.
2. Step 2. Interchangeable parts — works like — Movable type. Movable type is an early case of interchangeable parts: identical letters move from line to line.
3. Step 3. Movable type — evolved into — Linotype. Mechanized typesetting.
4. Step 4. Linotype — uses — Tin. A line is cast from type metal (lead, tin, antimony).
5. Step 5. Tin — is material for — Phonograph. The recording is on tin foil.
6. Step 6. Phonograph — was inspired by — Electrical telegraph. Edison came to the phonograph while working on recording telegraph and telephone signals.

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