In 1856 Dr. R. S. Storrs said:
Not a century has passed since Franklin first drew the lightning
from the skies; and yet already man prints with it, paints with
it, writes with it, engraves with it, talks with it, cures with
it, and is ever finding out new uses for its strength. The
cunning Hermes has himself come to earth, to run on errands for
men, and no more for the gods. His traveling-rod, enwreathed
with serpents, is now a wire, transmitting thoughts. His golden
sandals are sparks of lightning; and he forwards our commerce,
as he never could the ancient.
(887)