National Geographic : 1913 Jul
Symbols of Protection Ancient Egyptians carved over their doorways and upon their temple walls the symbol of super natural protection; a winged disk. It typified the light and power of the sun, brought down from on high by the wings of a bird. Mediaeval Europe, in a more practi cal manner, sought protection behind the solid masonry of castle walls. In America we have approached the ideal of the Egyptians. Franklin drew electricity from the clouds and Bell harnessed it to the telephone. out the land, so that all are bound together for and freedom of each. the people the safety Today the telephone is of protection more potent sun disk fetish and more than castle walls. a means than the practical The Bell System has carried the telephone wires everywhere through- This telephone protection, with electric speed, reaches the most isolated homes. Such ease of com munication makes us a homogeneous people and thus fosters and protects our national ideals and political rights. AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES One Policy One System Universal Service "Mention the Geographic-It identifies you."