The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

Transcription

[TAE Marginalia] Nov 9 '92 Say that first at present there is no opening in phono as it is commercially in a very bad way but we are trying to put it on its feet + then there may be an opening

2265 North 18th Street
Philadelphia, Penna., Nov. 4th, 1892
Thomas A. Edison,
Orange, New Jersey
Dear Sir:-
Pardon the apparent liberty I assume in addressing you. Though probably having passed from your recollection I was presented to you at the Electrical Exhibition of the Franklin Institute several years ago by your friend Mr. Heskin, whom I think was in charge of the exhibit made by your Company. At any rate I derived with pleasure from the explanation you gave me of your loud-speaking telephone.
By way of renewing our short acquaintance will say that I am a young married man of 38 years, and though not possessed of a technical college education I have had a very complete normal training in southern university and while I have always possessed an innate love of science and experiment, have never had the means to develop or cultivate it by a collegiate training. The knowledge I have acquired in chemistry and physics has been of a practical rather than of a technical nature. Have been engaged in this city for the past twelve moths with a very large concern on a modest salary, having more or less chemical and electrical work to do, but as there is not enough to keep me steadily employed in those capacities a further increase will not be considered. My chemical work consists mainly of assaying, analysis, melting and refining; and the electrical work in constructing and testing electric cables at our factory but, at my own private laboratory and workshop, the construction of instruments of precision for testing and all matter of fine experimental machine work.
About four years ago I left the people with whom I am at present employed to accept a position with the Ribbard Electric Man'fg and Supply Co., of Montreal, Canada, with most brilliant prospects and I thought to better myself. The Company went under in about five months, however, and I returned into my old berth. While there I occupied the position of superintendent of the instrument department and on the first one in the Dominion to install a central station for exclusively supplying electricity for a motive power. The Edison-figure system was used. 
More than a year ago I become an enthusiast on the phonograph and being in the losses of an instrument have made the subject a study, resulting in the development of several devices which, I feel confident, will be of value to the perfection of the instrument. 
For many years past it has been my one desire to be connected with your laboratory, more especially the phonograph department, and, while I do not for an instant delude myself with the thought that I will at once be favored with success, I write that in the event of a young man of my tastes and inclination should be required it would give me unbounded pleasure to be considered. Could come to you well endorsed-some of them being personal acquaintances of yours. Hoping to be favored with a reply when it may suit your conveniences, believe me,
Very sincerely yours,
Robt. H. Engle