[LB030294], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Western Pennsylvania Phonograph Co, Louis S Clarke, June 11th, 1889
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Title
[LB030294], Letter from Thomas Alva Edison to Western Pennsylvania Phonograph Co, Louis S Clarke, June 11th, 1889
Editor's Notes
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 5th instant, in regard to new batteries. I am quite aware that the first batteries sent out with the phonograph are unsatisfactory, and it was never my intention that they should be adopted permanently. I have experimented for over a year to obtain a reliable battery with a long life for the phonograph, and you will be pleased to know that I have been successful. These experiments were not concluded in time to enable us to send the new batteries out with the first phonographs which we supplied, but we are making every effort to furnish them in the shortest possible space of time. We have erected a new factory for their manufactures and are equipping it, and the various Phonograph Companies will be notified by circular as soon as we are ready to supply new cells. We will make these cells in different [unclear], proportionate to the life required, the maximum being six months. The smallest size (4 cells to a battery) will run the phonograph [unclear] for 30 days, and then by [unclear] a little fresh water, will run 30 days longer. ### In regard to this question of motive power, something has occurred to me which may not have been thought of by yourself and others, and which I think you might find desirable to put into effect in Pittsburgh. I refer to establishing phonograph [unclear] for your customers. You could place a small dynamo at more convenient point and run it by means of a caloric or hot [unclear] engine, and from it run out telephone wires to your [unclear], putting 50 machines on each circuit and using as many circuits as the requirements of your business [unclear]. The investment would be very small and the maintenance very slight, as [unclear] a $1.50 a day, could take care of your [unclear] engine. [Unclear] probably mean that we can supply you with motors [unclear] for electric light circuits. These will probably be found most desirable by some of your customers.
Author
Date
1889-06-11
Type
Folder/Volume ID
LB030-F
Microfilm ID
139:314
Document ID
LB030294
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University