[D8828ACI], Letter from Henry Bergh, Jr., American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animalsls to Thomas Alva Edison, July 14th, 1888
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Title
[D8828ACI], Letter from Henry Bergh, Jr., American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animalsls to Thomas Alva Edison, July 14th, 1888
Editor's Notes
"Your communication of the 18th inst. Requesting me to inform you where you could obtain a number of dogs for experiment, with a view to determine how small an electric shock is required to destroy the lives of such animals was duly received. ### While it would afford one great pleasure to aid you in any possible way; for no one more than I has a greater admiration for a genius which has conferred such great and lasting benefits upon humanity-the nature of the experiments you propose is so antagonistic to the principle which govern this Institution, that I can not consistently lend myself to them. ### Neither do I consider that such data, when obtained, would be of any great pratical value, on account of the much greater electric force required to destroy human than animal life. ### I am in favor of the use of the electric current when applied in sufficient volume to produce instant [unclear] and merciful death, but you will recognize that there is a great difference between this and experiments which are calculated to inflict great suffering upon the animal." Very truly yours, Henry Bergh [TAEmarginalia:"Write to say that the Society wanted to change from drowning to killing dogs by E. as a more humane method, I simply wanted a few dogs which were to be drowned so I could ascertain the proper method, excuse me if I have misunderstood you."]
Recipient
Date
1888-07-14
Type
Subject
Folder/Volume ID
D8828-F
Microfilm ID
122:882
Document ID
D8828ACI
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University