[LB086-F]

https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/folder/LB086-F

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Part Of: General Letterbook Series

[LB086-F] Letterbook, LB-086 (1911)

This letterbook covers the period March-June 1911. Most of the correspondence is by Edison and Harry F. Miller. There are also some letters by George A. Meister and William H. Meadowcroft. Many of the items relate to the commercial and technical development of Edison's alkaline storage battery and its use in locomotives, electric vehicles, and lamps for coal miners. Included is correspondence with business associates, such as Ralph H. Beach, Sigmund Bergmann, Henry M. Byllesby, Heinrich H. M. Kammerhoff, and representatives of the Baldwin Locomotive Works and the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Co., as well as J.P. Morgan & Co. Some of the letters concern Edison's disappointment with the development of the storage battery business in Germany. There are also documents pertaining to Edison's procurement of chemicals and minerals for experimental and production purposes, including purchases of electrolyte potash from Germany. Additional correspondence with Henry B. Clifford concerns his proposed application of Edison's ore milling technologies and the inventor's cooperation with the proposal. Among the selected items is a representative sample of replies to letters seeking information or Edison's advice and opinion on a variety of matters, including the commercial and technical development of his phonograph business and cement house. Included is a letter from Edison concerning the relationship between bankers and inventors, which he sent to engineer Robert Lozier of the Kountze Brothers' investment house. Among the letters pertaining to family and personal matters are items concerning Edison's homes in West Orange, New Jersey and Fort Myers, Florida; his attitudes on religion, immortality, and agnosticism; his prescriptions for good health and longevity; his collections of books and periodicals; and his charitable donations, including a contribution to the Young Men's Christian Association in Port Huron, Michigan.

The front cover is marked "TAE Letterbook From March-6-1911 to June 28-1911." The spine is marked with similar information, along with the number "25." The book contains 700 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 20 percent of the book has been selected.

Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

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