Part Of: Notebook Series -- Notebooks by Other Experimenters -- Kinetophone and Kinetoscope Experiments -- A. M. Kennedy Books

[NB221-F] N-14-01-21 (1914)

This notebook was used by Absalom M. Kennedy during January-May 1914 as a record of experimental work on kinetophone and phonograph recordings. At the beginning of the book are notes on voice recording tests to determine optimal stage directions, positions for actors and props, backgrounds, costuming, and stage size, as well as to establish procedures for testing exposure, focus, sound, and lighting before filming. Also included are entries describing changes made to kinetophone parts or procedures, such as amplifier lever arms and film developing formulas. Near the end of the book is an entry bearing the title "Record of Recording Quality of Actors Voices from Mr. Edison's Record," followed by additional entries containing evaluations of male and female singers at the Century Opera House. Employees who participated in the evaluations include Kennedy, O. Bing, Clarence B. Hayes, and Alexander N. Pierman. Numerous instructions, comments, and suggestions by Edison appear throughout the book. The front cover is labeled "Kinetophone Studio Work." The pages are unnumbered. Approximately 25 pages have been used.

Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

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