[D0106AAL], Letter from C A Gardner to Thomas Alva Edison, July 12th, 1901
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D0106AAL
Transcription
Sheffield, July 12th 1901 Dear Sir I take the liberty of writing to ask if you can assist me in making the enclosed article non-inflammable. Disappointment is the cause of my addressing you though I am aware that I cannot consider myself privileged to do so. I know there is a fortune in the secret of rendering this article, non-inflammable. I have no hesitation in saying that when you have solved the difficulty you may conscientiously expect the whole of the proceeds and I would not complain but leave the matter entirely in your hands. I am confident if it can be done you can do it. I can easily get several hundred pounds for the secret and if the matter be done in a businesslike manner as many thousands could be got for it. Without further comment I will give, in as concise a manner as possible, the necessary details on separate sheet. Should my letter be considered out of place please consign the loft to waste paper basket + forget Yours sincerely Ca Gardner trading as J. Clark + Co P.S. It would be a kindness to drop a line to end he miserable suspense + I enclose stamped envelope for this purpose +P.S. Mr. Herman Maxim attempted to solve the difficulty and was unsuccessful. He says it is impossible. Method of preparing enclosed article. Melt Sulphur in an air tight vessel to 240° F. Immerse a piece of cardboard + when bubbling ceases exhaust the air from vessel then allow air to rush in thus creating pressure. The article is then put under hydraulic pressure. It is inflammable + what is required is to force something into the article to make it fireproof. The more simpler the process the better. C.A.G.