Part Of: Notebook Series -- Pocket Notebooks

[NP085-F] PN-10-11-01 (1910)

The one dated entry in this pocket notebook is from November 1910. The book was used by Edison for notes regarding experimental work and other tasks to be performed at the laboratory. Most of the entries pertain to storage batteries and phonographs, but there are also notes about telephones, chemical researches, and various uses for the phenolic resin, condensite. The battery experiments include modifications of battery cans, trays, rubber parts, and tubes, as well as variations in electrolyte and methods of manufacture. The phonograph experiments involve the composition of phonograph record blanks, recording apparatus, and reproducers. Also included are ideas for marketing the batteries and phonographs, questions about infringement suits and patents, and data on labor. In one entry Edison plans to divide the laboratory's engineering department into several departments: "Battery -- Leland & Storage; Motors, Rectifiers; Kinetoscope; Phonoghs; Miscellaneous." In other entries he mentions the work of Leo H. Baekeland, proposes to have Paul H. Cromelin handle Edison products in Great Britain, plans to develop a $35 hornless phonograph model, decides to check on the progress of submarine batteries, and questions whether Ralph H. Beach should run his battery-powered streetcars in New Jersey. Among the employees mentioned in relation to individual experiments are Jonas Walter Aylsworth, Charles Dally, Frank L. Dyer, Miller Reese Hutchison, and George F. Scull. The pages are unnumbered. Approximately 120 pages have been used. One group of pages has been detached or removed. These pages have been arranged at the end of the book.

Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

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