[D9211ACU], Letter from Alfred Ord Tate to Mrs C H Bridge, August 30th, 1892
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D9211ACU
Transcription
August 30, 1892 Mrs. C.H. Bridge, Papanni, CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand Dear Madane,- Your letter to Mr. Edison under date 14th of June, was received here in due course. I regret exceedingly that Mr. Edison is unable to recommend to you any instrument the use of which would be likely to improve your sense of hearing, or to give you any advice as to treatment etc. Some time ago he conducted a series of experiments in connection with a device designed for the relief of the deaf, but unfortunately these had to be discontinued in favor of other important work which demanded his attention and he has never had an opportunity to resume them. He hopes to do so, however, some time in the future and to bring his investigations to a successful conclusion. As far as they went, the experiments were very encouraging, and Mr. Edison believes that if he succeeds in perfecting the instrument which he has in mind it will answer all the requirements of deaf people. It may interest you to learn that certain members of the medical profession in this country are experimenting with the phonograph with the idea of applying it to the relief of deafness, and I understand that from results already obtained they claim to be able to cure certain forms of deafness by that instrument. Mr. Edison has not investigated the matter and cannot therefore express an opinion as to the efficacy of the phonograph for the purpose mentioned. The subject is also being investigated by the Superintendent of the State of Indiana Institution for the Education of the Deaf, Indianapolis, and the experiments conducted there have been I understand more or less successful. Yours respectfully, Private Secretary