The magnetic record made in this manner is fairly permanent, and if desired it may be reproduced over and over again. In most cases, however, a permanent record is of no value, and so the magnetic impressions are obliterated in order that the ribbon may be used to take a new record. This can be done by passing a permanent magnet along the ribbon, but it is more convenient to have an automatic obliterating arrangement. This consists of another electro-magnet fixed close to the recording magnet, so that the ribbon passes over it before reaching the latter. The obliterating magnet is connected with a battery, and its unvarying magnetism destroys all traces of the previous record, and the ribbon passes forward to the recording magnet ready to receive new impressions. For recording telephone messages the telegraphone is attached to the telephone instrument, and by automatically operated switches it is set working by a distant speaker. It records all messages received during the absence of its owner, who, on his return, connects it to his receiver, and thus hears a faithful reproduction of every word. By speaking into his instrument before going out, the owner can leave a message stating the time at which he expects to return, and this message will be repeated by the telegraphone to anybody ringing up in the meantime. The most recent forms of telegraphone are capable of recording speeches over an hour in length, and their reproduction is as clear as that of any phonograph, indeed in many respects it is considerably more perfect.