[D8958AAY], Letter from Julius H Block to Charles Batchelor, November 27th, 1889
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D8958AAY
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- 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
- Block, Julius H
- Recipient
- Batchelor, Charles
- Date
- 1889-11-27
- Type
- Letter
- Folder ID
- D8958-F
- Microfilm ID
- 127:623
- Document ID
- D8958AAY
- Publisher
- Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University
- Has Version
- Archive.org Viewer, Microfilm Series Reel 127