There are three set calculators on my desk, one pedestal printer, a telephone with one pedestal facsimile machine "because of those things all on the desk, so can put together to say."

“我的书桌上有三台计算机，一台打印机，一部电话和一台传真机”因为那些东西都在书桌上，所以可以放在一起说。

youdao

But there were precursors, such as the facsimile gizmo Scottish inventor Alexander Bain devised in 1842.

FORBES: Eerily Prescient