[LB007734], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Waterhouse and Winterbotham, July 20th, 1882
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Title
[LB007734], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Waterhouse and Winterbotham, July 20th, 1882
Editor's Notes
Referring to the cable [---] [confirmed] herewith I would call your asttention to the fact that in English Patent 2927 and U. S. Patent 213550 a machine is described where drawn characters were indented in paper and the character reproduced [within] from these indentations. This apparatus was exhibited in Pris and at old Crystal Palace and was seen by Mr W. H. Preece and Mr [Noher] in operation the day before they left America when they were over here.##This was the origin of the phonograph. You will notice in my Telephone Interference Case No [--] Exhibit [7-12] dated July 11th 1877 the top figure shows what is indicated in last paragraph of No 2907. This was the crude application of the phonographs principle to Telephone the wheels but on their surface the indentation of a [written] letter. On touching a particular key the contact spring was vibrated and transmitted the wares over the wires through the medium of the carbon Tension regulator, where it [was] rendered audible by a Telephone receiver Exhibit 115 12 dated August 17th 1878 shows the Phonograph more developed and used as a recorder in a Telephone Circuit It is the bottom figure.##I send you herewith the Nottage contract which is invalid as he refuses to sell any phonographs & only exhibits them. we had a great deal of trouble to get any money from him but I think that eventually $1000 were obtained Mr. Theo. Puskas 33 Avenue del Opera Paris will advise you fully as to this. For three or four years past I have not heard from Nottage. You will notice in the [---] the last clause in contract with Nottage that we are allowed to disclaim whatever is necessary. Please take great care of the agreement and return it at your convenience as I have no other copy##I am very sorry that there should have been so much delay in answering your cable but as I was away together with Mr Johnson & Mr Insull there was [none] here to reply
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1882-07-20
Type
Folder/Volume ID
LB007-F
Microfilm ID
80:739
Document ID
LB007734
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University