The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

This notebook was used by Edison, probably during the period November 1917-January 1918, to record information taken from naval intelligence reports. Scattered throughout the book are numerous entries with dates ranging from 1915 through 1918, but the dates appear to refer to the date of the event described or the intelligence report consulted, rather than the day on which the information was entered into the notebook. Included are accounts and observations pertaining to wartime shipping and naval operations, along with occasional suggestions for strategic or technological improvements. There are numerous references to submarine warfare and to the equipment of submarines, both German and Allied. Also included are notes on torpedo detection, naval communications, ordinance, storage batteries, and the use of airplanes, zeppelins, and balloons. Specific battles and naval engagements are frequently mentioned. The cover is marked "War" and "4." The pages are unnumbered. Approximately 160 pages have been used.