Items

[D8966-F] (D-89-66) Telegraph -- Phonoplex

Document File Series -- 1889

Title: [D8966-F] (D-89-66) Telegraph -- Phonoplex
Description: This folder contains correspondence and other documents pertaining to the Edison Phonoplex System of Telegraphy. Most of the documents relate to the installation of phonoplex circuits on various American and Canadian railroads. Some of the items deal with the problem of finding suitable batteries, condensers, and other components. There are also documents regarding the phonoplex in Germany. Much of the correspondence is by W.S. Logue, field agent for the phonoplex system. Most of Logue's letters are addressed to Edison's secretary, Alfred O. Tate. Tate served as the company's electrician and oversaw its daily business operations. Edison himself was only tangentially involved in phonoplex operations, and very few letters to or from him can be found in this folder.
Approximately 10 percent of the documents have been selected. The case study approach begun in 1887 continues for the Pennsylvania Railroad; substantive items relating to the operations of the phonoplex on that railroad have been selected. In addition, the following categories of documents have been selected: documents indicating Edison's own involvement in the phonoplex; documents regarding the acquisition of phonoplex instruments by the German Imperial Postal Museum; correspondence from Charles Selden of the Baltimore and Ohio Telegraph Co. regarding a special discount for his company's use of the phonoplex; and an undated summary statement issued by the Edison Phonoplex System.
The following categories of documents have not been selected: most documents dealing with phonoplex operations on other railroads; testimonials solicited by Tate in late May; correspondence regarding the exhibition of phonoplex equipment at the annual meeting of the Railway Telegraph Superintendents' Association; routine inquiries from railroad companies; Logue's accounts and personal correspondence.
Related material can be found in D-89-01 (Battery) and D-89-02 (Bergmann & Co.).
URL: https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/folder/D8966-F
Identifier: D8966-F
Type: Document File
Rights: Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
Is Part Of: Document File Series -- 1889
Alternative Title: (D-89-66) Telegraph -- Phonoplex
Has Version: Archive.org Viewer, Microfilm Series Reel 128

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