There can only be a handful of inventors who changed the world and remain household names as a result. One of these, without doubt, is the creator of the telephone: Alexander Graham Bell.

Tomorrow, January 18, an online auction is offering an excellent ALS (autograph letter signed) concluding "Your loving son, Alec".

Running to eight pages on two adjoining sheets, and dated June 10, 1878, this is a rare and lengthy letter to his mother and father. In full: "Your letters dated May 25th were received this morning - but your proposed names for baby came too late.

"Mabel has been anxious to give baby a distinctive name of her own and finally has decided upon 'Elsie May.' Your little grand-daughter has acquiesced in this decision-so I shall register it shortly.

"Elsie has been improving rapidly and has now developed into a healthy-fat-nice-looking baby with tremendous eyes-and a clear a