used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading By these I hoped to make an instrument that would be the means of conversing with a Martian.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
without doubt or question
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
communicatingnounUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪtɪŋ/
the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
compositionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/
the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
conversingverbUS /kənˈvɜːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation
From this reading By these I hoped to make an instrument that would be the means of conversing with a Martian.
deterverbUS /dɪˈtɜːr/
try to prevent; show opposition to
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
formulatedadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmjəleɪtəd/
devised; developed according to an orderly plan
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading By these I hoped to make an instrument that would be the means of conversing with a Martian.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
jumblenounUS /ˈdʒʌmbəl/
a confused multitude of things
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
set down according to a plan
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
light-waves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
engage in
From this reading By these I hoped to make an instrument that would be the means of conversing with a Martian.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
MarsnounUS /mɑːrz/
a small reddish planet that is the 4th from the sun and is periodically visible to the naked eye; minerals rich in iron cover its surface and are responsible for its characteristic color
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
MartiannounUS /ˈmɑːrʃən/
imaginary people who live on the planet Mars
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading By these I hoped to make an instrument that would be the means of conversing with a Martian.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
absolutely essential
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
projectedadjectiveUS /prəˈdʒektəd/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
prolongedadjectiveUS /prəˈlɔːŋd/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
respondingverbUS /rɪˈspɑːndɪŋ/
-ing form of “respond” — show a response or a reaction to something
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/
responsive to physical stimuli
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
sound-waves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading By these I hoped to make an instrument that would be the means of conversing with a Martian.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
having come into contact
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
usingnounUS /ˈjuːzɪŋ/
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
verballyadverbUS /vərˈbæli/
as a verb
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
vibrateverbUS /ˈvaɪbreɪt/
shake, quiver, or throb; move back and forth rapidly, usually in an uncontrolled manner
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
vibrationnounUS /vaɪˈbreɪʃən/
the act of vibrating
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
vibrationsnounUS /vaɪˈbreɪʃənz/
plural of “vibration” — the act of vibrating
From this reading With light-waves it was necessary to have a highly sensitive surface of the composition, capable of responding to many different vibrations, according to the light or shade of the object projected.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
wiresnounUS /ˈwaɪərz/
plural of “wire” — ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading I had come to the conclusion that the jumble of sound was caused by the prolonged vibration of the wires after each distinct wave from Mars was received, as the wires of a piano will vibrate long after they have been touched.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Accordingly I gave the subject of sound-waves my best thought, and the next morning I had formulated clearly laid principles upon which to work.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading By these I hoped to make an instrument that would be the means of conversing with a Martian.
the act of creating written works
From this reading THE VOICE FROM ANOTHER WORLD This thought of communicating with the Martian by writing, did not deter me from using every effort to perfect my instrument, so that this might be done verbally, or that at least I might hear a voice and a language spoken on a world millions of miles away.
