[LB047369], Letter from Alfred Ord Tate to Julius H Block, February 13th, 1891
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/LB047369
Transcription
February 13, 1891. Mr. J. H. Block, Moscow, Russia. My dear Sir:- Your letter of January 8th has been received, and I take much pleasure in replying to it. In regard to the absence of noise in phonograph reproductions, this improvement was effected first, by the substitution of sapphire points in the recording and reproducing diaphragms for the old steel ones which were formerly used; and second, because of the superior cylinders which are now in use, the wax being of a better quality and more suitable for the reception of phonographic records. The turning-off knives are now also made of sapphire, and they give a much smoother and more even surface than was possible with the steel knives. Your letter of 7th instant to Mr. Edison has come to hand in his absence; it will be placed before him immediately upon his return to the Laboratory. The cablegram from Prof. [Stoliefoff?] which you refer to was duly received by Mr. Edison and acknowledged by him to the Professor. Yours very truly, A. O. Tate Private Sec’y.