Alps. Vélib. The Pneumatic Post of Paris. By J.D. Hayhurst O.B.E. Edited by C.S. Holder Prepared in digital format by Mark Hayhurst Copyright © 1974. Part 2 of 3Part 3 of 3 Part 1 Introduction The first half of the 19th century saw an unprecedented acceleration of communication through the introduction of the electric telegraph. Other cities followed and tube systems were opened not only for the transport of telegrams but also for individual letters and for letters in bulk. Today, the pneumatic post survives only in Paris and Italy. The Parisian Network The network in Paris was commenced in 1866 by the construction of an experimental line between the telegraph offices at Grand Hotel and place de la Bourse. Figure 1. In 1879, with the opening of the service to the public, there was a new motive for expansion and, in 1881 plans were approved to extend the network of tubes across the whole of Paris. For a long time the cylinders went from one office to the next where their contents were sorted for the next stages of their journeys.
La Cantine. 19.20.21. Turgot's 1739 View of Paris. Pages Jaunes: Paris en 3D.