This notebook was used by Edison during November 1916-March 1917 for notes on experiments to improve the surface quality of disc records. There are also notes by William Walter Dinwiddie, Archie D. Hoffman, and possibly other experimenters. The entries describe a sequence of experiments numbered from 1389E through 1471E. Included are tests of experimental lots of record blanks constructed by different methods or prepared with different ingredients, including rosin, wood flour, various metallic "resonates," china clay, and a white clay provided by Charles Edison. Some tests involve variations in varnish preparations, their method of application, and the molding processes involved in disc record manufacture. Flaws and successful results are both noted. The first entry is dated "Thanksgiving Day -- 1916 Nov." Several entries indicate that Edison was "deaf today" and temporarily unable to judge test records for surface noise. Some notes are in the form of instructions to Dinwiddie, Hoffman, or other employees. In one entry Edison scolds his two assistants, complaining that "this kind of exptg is d--d poor." The front cover is labeled "Disc Records" and "20"; the back cover is marked "Records & Scratch." The pages are unnumbered. Approximately 120 pages have been used.
