The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

Transcription

Letterhead of Savoy Hotel, Berlin

<Answered May 2, 1903>

[TAE marginalia] Write & say – that as far as we can test it the iron electrode is mostly metallic iron when charged – on account of rapid oxidation in air when tested the assay is difficult = Zinc plates on Magnesium pale nicely but the second plating after discharge is poor & we have not yet got over it – Keep at the patents & fight for our claims – so that the patent will mean something when we get it –

Apr 24 1902

Mr Thos A. Edison
Orange, N. J.

Dear Sir:

Mr Dyer informs me that there has been appealed in the British case I think the patent may amended on several points, and I am writing Mr Dyer as well as the London correspondent on that subject

We have received several official informations in the German cases, - all more or less absurd.

I really do not know what to think about the office, but one thing is for sure: if all patent applications were given a treatment like yours have got, there would be rather few patents granted in Germany.

I am inclined to ascribe the stubbornness of the officials to pure chauvinism, but Dr. Sell denies this and says that the real reason is that the examiner in question (whom he knows personally) is such kind of a "democrat" that he feels satisfaction in tantalizing a famous inventor.

The last information in the combination case insist upon an authorized test of the cell. For that reason I have cabled you: send test cell is [nonpole?] metallic when "charged". The last question is of great importance for the argumentation in the combination – as well as iron case; knowing no absolute proof and presuming that such might have been produced since I left, I think it best to cable the question.

It is Dr Sell's intention to have a Dresden professor, Dr. Foerster, a clever electrochemist, perform the test, and Mr Seubel has given his consent hereto. The test will be made as soon as the cell arrives. At the same time we file a complaint, objecting to the demand of such test

We also give in a complaint to the president for the German patent organisation, explaining the case and pointing out, one by one, all the blunders, juridical and technical, made by the examiner. It is a known fact, however, that Prussian officials "stick together like putty", so there is little hope for getting right, officially – the president will surely corroborate his subordinate.

But it is more likely that the prospect of a scandal – caused by eventual publication from our side in some juridical paper, will frighten them and make them reasonable. – I have very good hope for the patents now – although it may take some months yet before we will get results.

During a verbal conference at the patent office this morning (concerning the iron patents) the examiner was quite reasonable and it appears that our latest arguments in those cases will save the patents.

He even consented to letting me demonstrate some of your claims regarding: the impracticability of the Pollack iron patent, the plating of magnesium electrodes, and the importance of the different temperature on the density of reduced copper; and I am now preparing to make such experiment.

I am going to Dresden, shortly, to confer with Prof. Foerster.

Seeing, lately, that it would last rather long before I should be needed anywhere here in Europe, I determined to arrange for going back to America, but having now got plenty of work, and being advised by Mr Dyer as well as by Mr Dick to stay and await the results I remain here till further.

As far as I understand, Mr Roos, your Swedish assistant, continued my work with the magnesium electrode, if good results have been obtained, I should like well to have a short rapport on those experiments and beg you, kindly have such one sent to me, as it may prove of great help in my demonstrations.

I send you today a statement of my expenditures up till Apr 21 and of the sums received.
The difference has gone to cover part of my private expenses and will be charged to my account by Mr. Randolph.

Hoping that you are in good health, I remain

Yours very respectfully
Rob. Rafn.

I have just received your cable, which was delayed on reason of insufficient address: Rafn. Berlin.
(Kindly use : Rafn, [Satisultra] Berlin)
Unfortunately the most important word has been changed on the way: "As far as possible to test its ao metallic when charged." It may be no or all, of which, I assume, all is the right one.