[D0104AAJ], Letter from Willis N Stewart to Thomas Alva Edison, July 5th, 1901
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D0104AAJ
Transcription
12 Osborne Terrace Clapham Road London S.W. July 5 1901 Dear Mr. Edison:- Returning from Sweden I find your letter of the 21st ult for which I thank you. It came to my knowledge that a powerful German Syndicate were in negotiation for the German and other patents of Pr. Jurgner. I therefore went to Sweden in a hurry and purchased the whole business, except for Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland on favorable terms. These patents cover a wide field in alkaline metal accumulations one of them, four years old, covering the use of graphite mixed with the active material. The experiments by Prof. Junger (who seems to be a most able chemist) cover a term of seven years, and are of great value. My action assures that these interests can be worked in connection with yours, if you are so inclined, while if they had fallen into German hands they would have been hostile to you. I had a long interview with Mr. Bolton Senior yesterday and he will be very glad to furnish all the capital necessary to keep the business in proper hands on this side, but is particularly anxious to join forces with yourself. I may say, also, that Prof Jurger has a very high opinion of your work in this field, and hat he makes no conditions of an embarrassing nature. But his Patents have value and their acquisition by us will help you on this side. Mr. Bolton thinks you ought to see me, and I will come over at once if you will cable. The firms cable address is "wiredrawn London" or you can wire me direct as previously indicated. Jurger has a lot of Patents in addition to those I have previously indicated but I have not yet for the dates and numbers. They cover all countries. In taking this action I have been governed by an earnest desire to serve your interests by eliminating an element which in the future would have caused comment and litigation, but which is now in such shape that you can hold a monopoly of the business. I therefore hope to get a cable from you at once. Sincerely yours, W.N. Stewart