This folder contains correspondence and other documents relating to Edison's interest in obtaining metals such as lithium, magnesium, and bismuth for possible use in his alkaline storage battery. Many of the items consist of letters exchanged by Edison and E. Schaaf-Regelman, a dealer in ores and rare minerals. Also included is correspondence with smelting companies and individuals possessing information about bismuth mines.

Approximately 80 percent of the documents have been selected. The items not selected include letters offering aluminum and other metals in which Edison had no interest and letters concerning the shipment of lithia carbonate from E. Schaaf- Regelman to the West Orange laboratory.

Related material can be found in D-07-26 (Mining - Cobalt Search - General).