I have just finished reading the novel The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. it is a fascinating mix of science fact, fiction and\u00a0 mysticism. The painting\u00a0 by Brumidi (1805-1880), in the dome of the rotunda of the US capitol building, depicts the ascent of Washington to heaven, mythical gods and scientific inventors.\u00a0 I found a surprising reference to Samuel B. Morse, who was included in the painting\u00a0 along with\u00a0 Robert Fulton and Benjamin Franklin.\u00a0 Evidently Morse was revered as one of the great technical pioneers of the era.\u00a0 I think it may be the three of\u00a0 them in the lower left corner. Unlike today’s digital-mode-of-the-month, Morse code remained essentially the digital mode of choice for almost 100 years. Incidentally Morse was also quite a well known portrait painter.<\/p>\n
Ron W6WO<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Fame of Samuel F. B. Morse I have just finished reading the novel The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. it is a fascinating mix of science fact, fiction and\u00a0 mysticism. The painting\u00a0 by Brumidi (1805-1880), in the dome of …<\/p>\n