This folder contains correspondence and other documents relating to Edison's interest in obtaining metals such as lithium, cobalt, and bismuth for possible use in his alkaline storage battery. The correspondents include American Smelting and Refining Co., E. Schaaf-Regelman, and Merck & Co. There are also letters from individuals possessing information about sources and prices of bismuth. Some of the letters contain marginal notations by Edison.

Approximately 40 percent of the documents have been selected. The items not selected consist primarily of letters offering metals in which Edison had no interest.