[D8958AAY], Letter from Julius H Block to Charles Batchelor, November 27th, 1889
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D8958AAY
→ View document with UniversalViewer
→ View document on Archive.org
→ Re-use this digital object via a IIIF manifest
Title
[D8958AAY], Letter from Julius H Block to Charles Batchelor, November 27th, 1889
Editor's Notes
On my way to Italy, but find a moment to report the "grand success" of the phonograph demonstration at St. Petersburg, which I hinted to TAE about in a cable; demonstation took place at palace at Gatchina. The Czar invited a number of friends. "I was asked to show & & explain the phonograph after dinner, which ended at 8 3/4. I had a branch tube for 8 to listen on a neat adjustable stand, had the old cylinders with me and a few new ones I had prepared for the occasion. After a short explanation I proceeded with one of your cornet solos, since the emperor is a cornet player himself. Miss Stewart was listened to with great attention & she well found approval." Reproducing different noises created, esp. "the falling off of the plank created quite a sensation--of which the papers were full the next day. Both the Emperor & the Empress expressed their great satisfaction & stated that they were surprised of the clearness & intensity of this phonograph compared with one they heard at the palace of the King of Denmark. He was greatly interested & asked a lot about Mr Edison & his laboratory, asking several times whether & how it were possible to purchase a phonograph." I couldn't say but explained that this particular apparatus was given as a special favor with the view that I would demonstrate it to scientific & musical societies in Russia. "With the accumulation of a new Russian system (Jablockkoff) I had more success in working the "Recorder"; Obtained good results in talking. "The Emperor would not speak into the phone--or I would have sent the cylinder to Mr Edison ere this. With great difficulties he persuaded the empress to say a few words & the
Author
Recipient
Date
1889-11-27
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8958-F
Microfilm ID
127:623
Document ID
D8958AAY
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University