They were trying to find a way to send more than one message at a time along a telegraph wire which was then one of the central technological problems of the day.

NEWYORKER: In the Air

The telegraph allowed a rudimentary wire service, relaying stories between cities at a faster pace.

CNN: Understanding The Role of the Media

In 1874, Edison invented the quadruplex telegraph, which allowed the transmission of two signals in each direction down one wire.

FORBES: How You Can Profit From Thomas Edison's Inventions

In the early days of FORBES magazine, which was founded 90 years ago, "network" referred to a chain of radio stations hooked up by wire--and, long before that, to intersecting roads, canals, railways and telegraph lines.

FORBES: Networks