[D8807ABJ], Letter from Edwin M Fox to Thomas Alva Edison, July 6th, 1888
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Title
[D8807ABJ], Letter from Edwin M Fox to Thomas Alva Edison, July 6th, 1888
Editor's Notes
A large part of the ground embraced in my article having been covered by Meekers recent 3 column article in the Herald, Chambers the managing editor suggests that I hold it until later especially as he wants me to write up the receipt of the phonograms that are expected from Europe on the Servia which will be more newsy. He has appointed me special "Edisonian" critic at $15 per column for Edison matter which isn't bad for a struggling lawyer, as the regular rates on the paper are only $8 per column. # Brother Joe Clarke who was out to the lab recently and who you know is the Managing Editor of The Morning Journal, which is one of our leading dailies has requested me to write a special three column illustrated article for the Sunday Journal of July 14th. I have (with your permission) concluded to adopt as my theme the efforts that always have been and doubtless always will be made by the Goths and Vandals of so-called inventors to inroad upon your great works by alleged priority. History shows that the minute you perfect something great, scores of "scientists" loom up with convenient affidavits to show 1st that it cant be done and 2nd if it can be done they did it. I purpose showing that when you have the incandescent light perfect - so far as primordial principle was concerned - the whole world was proclaiming that practical incandescent electric lighting was a physical impossibility etc etc and then when your method of doing it became known the world of invention literally bristled with adverse claimants. I shall also go into the matter of the inadequacy of the protection afforded by the patent laws as at present existing, to original inventors and discoverers. I shall handle without gloves the future would be scientists who when you send the perfected phonograph to the world may endeavor to infringe by their alleged "improvements." Clarke agrees with me that this will be a good line of article. # If you will direct your secretary to send me word at any time something new transpires I will immediately go out to the Lab and write it up. As the Courts are all adjourned until next October I have abundant time on my hands for science, and literature. # PS - I have shown the "cylinder" you so kindly gave me on the occasion of my late visit, to nearly all the editorial staff of the Herald and it is regarded as a rare curiosity
Author
Recipient
Date
1888-07-06
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8807-F
Microfilm ID
121:723
Document ID
D8807ABJ
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University