The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

This letterbook covers the period August 1895-December 1896. Most of the letters are by Edison and John F. Randolph. There is also correspondence by William E. Gilmore. Some of the correspondence relates to Edison's phonograph business and the operations of the National Phonograph Co., which was organized early in 1896. Other letters concern Edison's ore milling plant at Ogden, N.J. and the financial problems that led him to suspend operations for much of 1896. Included also are letters pertaining to the Llewellyn Park electrical system, Edison's work on a new lamp filament, his financial relations with the General Electric Co. and the Edison Illuminating Co. of New York, and his views on the future of electricity. In addition, there is material relating to the exhibition and sale of kinetoscopes, Edison's x-ray experiments and work on the fluoroscope, and the phonoplex system. Some of the letters refer to Edison's financial support of his daughter, Marion Edison Oeser, and other family matters. Beginning on page 142 is a two-page statement of Edison's financial assets and liabilities. Beginning on page 342 is a five-page formula for manufacturing phonograph wax. The front cover is marked "1895 189[6?]." The spine is stamped "Letters." The book contains 695 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 20 percent of the book has been selected.