April-June 1877
Edison and the laboratory staff—minus machinist Charles Wurth, who left in April1—worked intensively on two projects under his new contract with Western Union—telephone technology and his sextuplex system of multiple telegraphy. By the end of June, Edison had a musical telephone instrument that had been publicly exhibited, he had developed a new research program for a telephone transmitter, and he was coming to the conclusion that his sextuplex telegraph was a failure. He and his staff also briefly investigated a few other avenues of research and, in late June, considered some variant designs for his embossing recorder, six of which Joseph Murray was making.
The telephone research involved improvements to both transmitters and receivers. Earlier work with carbon as a medium for varying resistance led to the development in April of a “pressure relay,” an electromagnet that varied the current in a local circuit by squeezing a block of plumbago between its core and armature. In late May, having settled on plumbago as the best form of carbon to use in the telephone transmitter, the staff started extensive tests to determine the best material for binding it into a block. At the same time, they were testing various diaphragm materials and found that mica in the place of a metallic diaphragm reduced unwanted vocal harmonics. They also tried to enhance the transmitter’s ability to convey sibilant sounds, testing several different mouthpiece configurations and circuit designs.
Laboratory work on the receiver produced refinements of the electromotograph instrument first devised in March. At the end of April, Edison demonstrated this “musical telephone” Page 288at the Newark Opera House for a week, transmitting several pieces of music to an electromotograph receiver.2 In May, Charles Edison and electric pen agent George Caldwell attempted to exhibit the musical telephone commercially but within a short time gave up the enterprise. News of the instrument prompted an inquiry from Boston telegraph entrepreneur Peter Dowd, who would later become associated with Edison’s telephones through the Gold and Stock Telegraph Company. The next month Edward Johnson arranged for a demonstration to be held in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July. The staff continued their development work and by mid-June had designed a combined transmitter/receiver that used the electromotograph.
At the end of March, Edison had started development of a sextuplex telegraph system, and the staff spent much time on the project during the next three months. Although this work initially involved searching for a way to use acoustic instruments as a third “side” for the quadruplex, Edison soon was exploring six-way transmission on principles entirely different from either his standard four-message or acoustic telegraph systems. He filed four sextuplex patent applications in May and early June. He also considered some of his new ideas as bases for alternative quadruplex methods, filing one such patent application in May and another in August. Western Union gave Edison the use of a New York-Boston line to try the sextuplex in early June, but the tests seem to have proved unsatisfactory, and a month later he dropped this line of research.
The manufacture and sale of the electric pen moved entirely from Edison’s and Batchelor’s hands. The Western Electric Manufacturing Company was already producing and marketing the pen domestically. George Bliss, who managed the North American market, and his associate Charles Holland assumed responsibility for the foreign pen business in late April, leaving Batchelor with “nothing whatever to do for it except receive [his] share of Royalty.”3 Ezra Gilliland, who had been the general agent for the pen in the eastern states, left the company in June. In Britain, “the . . . public—with its usual stupidity—did not take kindly to the apparatus as it was,” according to Frederic Ireland, who outfitted the pen with a new battery and press. Edison executed two alternative copying pen patent applications in April, and he and Batchelor briefly investigated other copying technologies in June and July, but that marked the end of their interest in the subject.Page 289
The American Novelty Company, which had earlier seemed promising as an outlet for Edison’s minor inventions, failed. The company changed its name to the Electro-Chemical Manufacturing Company, hoping to generate more interest in its products, but George Bliss and Charles Holland took over the duplicating ink business in early June, leaving the company with little but its new name. 4 Edison briefly continued his research into a waterproofing compound for paper containers and, at the request of a glass ornamenting concern, worked on modifying his electric pen to etch metal foil laid on glass. He also had Batchelor and Kruesi work up an address label machine at the end of April.5
Edison spent more than a week in New York City at the end of April testifying about his quadruplex inventions and patent rights in Atlantic & Pacific v. Prescott & others. The British telegraph engineer William Preece, who witnessed some of Edison’s testimony concerning George Prescott, declared that he “would not for £50,000 have my name bespattered as Prescott’s was.”6 (He also quoted William Orton as having once told him that Edison had “a vacuum where his conscience ought to be.”)7 Preece visited Menlo Park on 18 May and spent the day “experimenting and examining apparatus,”8 enjoying himself enough to return on three subsequent occasions before leaving for England on 4 July.9
Samuel Edison, who had come to Menlo Park in late March, left on 2 July. 10 The staff’s pet bear “got loose at Laboratory” on 6 April and, Charles Batchelor noted, “we caught him and afterwards killed him.”11 Finally, two small personal details of Edison’s life appeared in print. A letter in a local newspaper described Edison’s compassion for a seriously ill tramp:12
Mr. Edison coming to the station to take a train for NewYork, learning of the circumstances, gave Mr. Stryker a dollar to pay for a telegram to the Overseer of the Poor, whose duty it is to attend to such matters, and to use the remainder of the funds for the benefit of the tramp.
And an item in the Operator noted that “T. A. Edison is gray as a badger, and rapidly growing old.”13
1. “Charles Nicholaus Wurth,” Pioneers Bio.
2. See Doc. 889 n. 1.
3. Doc. 922.
4. On 14 April, Batchelor noted “a conversation with Johnson, Edison & [James] James about selling James some stock in the E.C. Mfg Page 290Co we agreed to let him have (4500) forty five hundred shares for (1500) fifteen hundred dollars he will think about it.” On 21 May, Batchelor “Saw James who wanted to advance money to carry on the carbon experiments but I told him we could not take it in that way, if he put his money into the company and the company advanced it it would be all right.” Cat. 1233:104, 141, Batchelor (TAEM 90:105,123).
5. Cat. 1233:120, 122, Batchelor (TAEM 90:113,114); Cat. 1171:74, Lab. (TAEM 6:294); U.S. Pat. 217, 781.
6. Quoted in Baker 1976, 157.
7. Quoted in ibid.
8. Ibid., 162.
9. See Doc. 976.
10. Cat. 1233:183, Batchelor (TAEM 90:144).
11. Cat. 1233:96, Batchelor (TAEM 90:101).
12. New Brunswick Weekly Fredonian, 7 June 1877, Cat. 1240, item 183, Batchelor ( TAEM 94:56).
13. “Echoes from 197,” 15 June 1877, p. 9; cf. Docs. 77 and 89.
Technical Note: Telephony
Page 291X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibit 42-11 (TAEM 11:252).
1. Figure labels are “Plumbago or other inferior conductor,” “stiff,” “Line,” “Speak”; and “spk” on lower drawing. Edison later testified that he made a telephone incorporating the design shown in the first sketch. He described it as
a telephone having a diaphragm; in front of this diaphragm were several springs similar to those shown in patent No. 203,014. On the extreme end of these springs were brass cups or shells; in these shells were cylinders of plumbago; the ends of the cylinders were all adjusted so as to be in contact with each other, and with the diaphragm of the speaking instrument, the circuit passing up one spring to the extremity holding the plumbago passed through it to the next plumbago, and so on through the rest of the cylinders to the spring furthest from the diaphragm, thence to the other pole of the circuit; the lower end of these springs were secured to blocks of brass, provided with slots, and these were all secured to a block of insulating material by screws, which passed through the slots, which admitted of adjustment of the springs up or down and to or from the diaphragm or the adjacent springs. I have a drawing of this instrument; it was made and used, and worked well. This was done within one or two days, I think, of April 1, 1877. [TI 1:50 (TAEM 11:46)]
Batchelor recalled that he and James Adams made and experimented with the device as a transmitter in a telephone circuit within the next two or three days and that it “transmitted ordinary speech perfectly.” He also described its construction.
The springs were made of steel, about 2 inches long and 1-50 of an inch thick, and about 3-8 of an inch long; the bottom end of these springs was fastened to brass about 5-16 of an inch square and 3-4 of an inch long, with an elongated hole in them, so that the spring could be screwed to an insulating bar and adjusted to position. The other end of the spring carried a brass sleeve projecting about 1-8 of an inch from each side, in which was pressed tightly a hard pressed button of plumbago. This was afterwards filed down on each side so as to project about 1-16 from each end of the sleeve. There were five of these springs in the instrument. The diaphragm of the instrument was 3 and 1-2 inches and the speaking case was turned from wood. The diaphragm being held to the case by a brass ring. This whole apparatus was placed on a base with the springs upright. The electric circuit passed in at the bottom of the spring nearest the diaphragm, thence through all the plumbagos and passed out at the bottom of the furtherest spring from the diaphragm. The springs themselves were made by Adams. [TI 1:248-49 ( TAEM 11:101)]
The springs were introduced as evidence in the telephone interferences (TI 2:519 [TAEM 11:647]), but Batchelor noted that “most of the parts of that instrument have been used in other experiments, only a few of them being able to be found at present.” He went on to explain Page 292that, “After an experiment is tried in the laboratory it is usual with us to use as much of the instrument as can be used in making the next experiment” (TI 1:249 [TAEM 11:101]).
A close variation of this device is shown in Edison’s Exhibit 99-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:274) and also in Prescott 1879 (534).
The next year Edison used this device as evidence in a priority dispute with inventor David Hughes over the invention of the microphone.
The lower sketch is similar to a drawing of the following day (Edison’s Exhibit 43-11, TI 2 [ TAEM 11:253]). That drawing shows a series of contacts switching resistances in and out of the main circuit. At the end of May, Edison made an instrument that used batteries in place of the resistances (Edison’s Exhibit 106-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:278]).
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] April 4 1877
Quadruplex
Increase & decrease with acoustic
Page 293Reversals with acoustic2
Sextuplex
Object of x is to cause even signalling because the vibrations weaken the current and when they cease it strengthens it hence when I stop I throw in a resistance=.
Octuplex3 is made by inserting another tuning fork at n before it is connected to the earth & this is connected exactly Page 294like the one shewn but has a different vibrating rate and other forks may be inserted as long as they can be arranged so as not to interfere with the regular polarized & increased current Morse instruments If interrupting the continuity is bad & it is not found requisite to use m it may be arranged thus4
EMG relay5
Differential Sextuplex
Reed worked by induction6
Quadruplex & Sextuplex devices7
differentialPage 298
Relays for increase & dec in Quadruplex
Plumbago coal or manganese blk ox point8
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:464, 460-61, 459, 458, 463, 462, 465). Document multiply signed and dated.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Figure label in preceding and following drawings is “Line.”
3. See Docs. 773 and 795. In the fall of 1876 Elisha Gray had exhibited his octruplex system between New York and Philadelphia. Gray 1977, 86.
4. The drawing that follows this text is on a separate page but appears Page 299to be the modification described in the text because it preserves the continuity of the incoming signal.
5. One week later Edison drew a motor-driven electromotograph coupled to a reed and another “wkd by induction.” NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:475).
Edison’s idea for sextuplex relay incorporating a motor-driven electromotograph and an acoustic reed.
6. Figure label is “to reverser increase & acoustic vibrator.”
7. The resistances (rectangles) in the second sketch are each labeled “1000.”
8. Figure label is “small cell intensity battery.” See Doc. 882.
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] April 4 18771
Speaking Telegh=
We can get everything perfect except the lisps & hissing parts of speach such as ‘Sh’ in shall = get only .0. in coach2 I propose in addition to the regular diaphram to have an additional diaphrama adjusted very delicately to [resp]ondb to these lisping or hissing sounds = I propose that it either cut in and out resistance or act in the same manner as the regular diaphram—3 I have just been listing Substancesa for imperfect contact points.4 I found that good BLumps of black oxide of Manganese have Anthracite & Bituminous Coal only give a moderate resistance somewhat higher than plumbago and that enormous difference of resistance is obtained on by Varying the pressure for instance Anthracite Coal having a resistance with light pressure of 1700 ohms is reduced to 300 ohms by pressure, Manganese Oxide, from 1500 to 600. I propose to employ these substances as Contact points=
BCombination of resonant boxes in one: iec 1 large box & several partitions to reinforce the sound communicated to back of larger box
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., Vol. 11:50 (TAEM 3:933). Document multiply signed and dated. aObscured overwritten letters. bDocument damaged. cCircled.
1. The previous night Marcus Hussey had brought his cornet to the laboratory and played it over the wires to New York. Batchelor noted that “we got it very perfect.” Cat. 1233:93, Batchelor ( TAEM 90:99).
2. This is the first mention of problems with the transmission and reproduction of specific vocal sounds.
3. In U.S. Patent 203,014, executed 16 July 1877, Edison claimed the Page 301use of a separate diaphragm designed to respond to hissing speech sounds by switching a resistor in and out of the circuit.
4. The list of substances mentioned here has not been located. See Doc. 887 n. 2.
From George Bliss
Chicago. Ill.a Apl 9. 1877
Dear Sir:
I expected to have started for the east the first of this week but unexpected matters have detained me here and it will be some days before I can leave.
About the Foreign Pen business I have been unable to force matters to a conclusion.
Gen’l Stager is adverse to putting in any money unless some one who has money to invest also can be found who is willing to invest & go to Europe to represent the interest there.
The man must also be a first class business man.
The Gen’l then does not care to put in a large sum of money but he will give his influence & the backing of the W.E.M. Co. to such a move. This of course is a good deal but as matters stand I do not feel like going outside of the Gen’l & the W.E. people for the means to carry out this project.
Several of my friends have expressed a willingness to go in but before anything can be closed I must have a written proposition open for 30 days. This cannot be arranged till we meet as I have some new ideas on the subject.
Now if you have a good opportunity to arrange with other parties for Europe my advice is to complete the same.
I have been extremely anxious to control this Pen business but the obstacles which have come up unforeseen make me unwilling to stand in the way of a friends success.
You will see me the last of this or the first of next week I hope. Respectfully
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:376). Letterhead of Electric Pen. a“Chicago. Ill.” preprinted.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] April 10, 1877—2
Sextruplex
[A]3
[B]4
[C]
[D]
[E]5
[F]
[G]
Try this6
[H]7
[I]
[j]
[K]
[L]
[M]
[N]
[O]
[P]8
This makes it less sensitive to weak currentsPage 305
[Q]
no
[R]9
[S]
[T]
[U]
goodPage 306
[V]10
only send waves over wire
[W]11
[X]
[Y]
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:467, 468, 466, 470, 473, 471, 474, 472). Document multiply signed and dated. a“the shit” appears on one page under Adams’s signature; “the [gut?]” appears under his signature on another.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Edison continued his experiments and tests with the sextuplex during the following weeks. On 22 April, Batchelor noted that “we made sextuplex work very successfully.” Cat. 1233:112, Batchelor ( TAEM 90:109).
3. The right side of this sketch is a transmitting circuit, with only one key shown (at center).
4. Sketches B, C, and D are ideas for receiving circuits. These drawings, like most others in this document, focus on particular parts or aspects of sextuplex design, and their exact operation is uncertain without such information as current intensity, spring strengths, and circuit arrangements.
5. The instrument design shown in drawings E and F—a relay that could activate or cut out different receiving circuits depending on the strength of the incoming current—was central to much of Edison’s sextuplex work (F is a top view of the relay). In the diagram (p. 308), A is the end of the armature lever (seen more fully in drawing E) for magnet MM; the magnet is in the main line circuit. A local circuit (not shown) is connected to A, which is held back against contact point B by spring S” when no current runs through MM. A weak current passing over Page 308the main line and through MM will pull A against lever L, which is held back against C by spring S. Current can then pass from A through L and C to binding post (terminal) 1. A stronger current through MM will pull A hard enough to overcome S, and move L to touch L′. Then current will pass through A, the points at the end of L, L′, and C′ to binding post 2. Finally, a still stronger single current (or a combination of the two weaker currents) will pull A, L, and L′ against F, and the current will flow to binding post 3. Edison tried many variations on this design over the next three months (for example, drawings R, S, and T in this document), with different mechanical and electrical arrangements depending on how he set up the local and line circuits.
6. This text appears in the midst of sketches E, F, and H; it is unclear to which it refers.
7. Figure labels are “plumbago point” and “no sp[rin]g.” See Doc. 885.
8. This horseshoe magnet is an alternative to the double-magnet devices in Doc. 881 (immediately above the text “differential”). Figure labels are “S,” “steel,” and “N.”
9. The numeric labels (“50,” “100”) on these sketches indicate the relative strengths of the currents to which the relays respond.
10. Figure labels are “line” and “same tother end.” The tuning fork at lower left is an acoustic transmitter. The rapid pulses it sends are interrupted by the key just below it and are received by the (horizontal) reed at center right.
11. In sketches V, W, and X, Edison uses his acoustic transfer technology. In each case the transmitters are on the left (with a tuning fork at the bottom) and the receiving circuit is on the right. Sketch V has two polarity-reversing transmitters and two that increase and decrease the current, and actually appears to be an octruplex design. Sketches W and X have only one pole-changing transmitter each (at top), and the tuning fork switches the other two transmitters alternately on and off the line. See Doc. 754, fig. 8.
TechnicalNote: Relay and Telephony
[Menlo Park,] April 10 1877
Pressure Relay1
manganese bl[ac]k ox[ide] or other inferior conducting material may be used2
Spkg Telegh wkg by pressure Relay Principle Batch & Jim Making it 3
T A Edison
Page 310X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 58-11, 57-11 (TAEM 11:262, 261). Document multiply signed and dated.
1. These sketches are the first that show the pressure relay. Six days earlier Edison had made a list of substances whose resistance varied under pressure (see Doc. 882), and on 16 April the shop delivered a finished instrument (Edison’s Exhibit 60-11, TI2 [TAEM 11:263]; see also Doc. 887). Although Batchelor stated in testimony that he thought they “had it working much longer than two months when it was illustrated in the Journal of the Telegraph, June 1,1877” (TI 1:261 [TAEM 11:107]), these documents indicate otherwise.
The significance of the pressure relay lay in its potential as a telephone relay: it could transfer into a second circuit the fluctuating, relative strength of an incoming signal (although even as a telegraph relay this device had the advantage of needing no adjustment for varying line conditions). As the main current passed through the electromagnet coils, the changing attractive force on the armature variably compressed the plumbago. This altered the resistance in the local circuit, which passed through the electromagnet cores, plumbago, and armature. The pressure relay was used “on a regular telegraph line to Washington” from the laboratory, but whether with telephone or telegraph instruments is not clear (Batchelor’s testimony, TI 1:232 [TAEM 11:93]). Several drawings of the relay, dated 10 May 1877, constitute Edison’s Exhibit 86-11 (TI 2 [TAEM 11:271]).
Apparently six of these instruments were made (Edison’s testimony, TI 1 :98 [TAEM 11:70]). None survives, but one with two armatures like those pictured here (the first with a solid bar of plumbago, the other with plumbago only over the electromagnet cores) was entered as an exhibit in the Telephone Interferences (Edison’s Exhibit 58-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:651]). The 1 June 1877 Journal of the Telegraph article (“Edison’s Pressure Relay”) referred to by Batchelor was entered in evidence as well (TI 2:629 [TAEM 11:731]).
Edison executed a patent application for the pressure relay on 29 July 1880 (U.S. Pat. 434,585); it issued 19 August 1890 after substantial alteration of the claims. Although Edison had earlier patented a device that passed a current through two needles that approached and receded from each other in a liquid (U.S. Pat. 141,777), it functioned solely as a switch, not a variable resistance.
A drawing for the Telephone Interferences of Edison’s pressure relay.
2. Figure label is “plumbago.” The meaning of the bottom sketch is not clear; Batchelor could not identify it in testimony. TI 1:261 (TAEM 11:107).
3. Figure labels are (clockwise from bottom) “speak,” “pen spools,” and “Listen.” This design is illustrated and discussed in Prescott 1879 (530). For a slightly different version of this configuration, see Doc. 889. A copy of this drawing is in Vol. 11:57, Lab. ( TAEM 3:937).
From Josiah Reiff
New York, Apl 132th 1877a
Confidentialb
My dear T. A.
I have offered everything possible to meet the views of L[owrey]. who of influence O[rton]. but he (L) has insisted Page 311only within past few days, that we shall absolutely transfer as prerequisite, “Case H,” leaving the contest still to go on as to whether Case H & 99 are the same etc—& whether we have the title etc as against Prescott.1
I of course proposed to agree to deliver, but as it was necessary to get the signatures of all our people for an actualc transfer it was impracticable unless I could shew them they were to get it something sure.2 But they insist on having it now say we have nothing else they care for & that there is no way we can assist them— They also admit that case H involves the whole case & hence their anxiety to get the actual title but without real consideration— The fact is they gained almost all they wanted when they induced you to sign your contract for the future, without insisting as a consideration that all our matters certainly with Quad should be fixed—
I feared it & told you so. I see no other course than to shew our case in court in the A&P suit against WU—3 They will then see that L is not altogether right & they will want to make the arrangement with us. I have sincerely tried to come together but they simply spurn us for the past, being in possession of Quad & also having your cooperation which they value very highly. I will not give up yet but you will see my difficulty— Yrs
They will respect R.W.R[ussell]. before many days.
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:650). Letterhead of J. C. Reiff. a“New York,” “187” preprinted. bIn top left margin. cObscured overwritten letters.
Notebook Entry: Relay
[Menlo Park,] April 16th 1877
Chemical Repeating Magnet
Edison made a relay1 on the principle of the difference of resistance on Plumbago2 when under pressure of different degrees.
Fig. 40
Page 312By taking a magnet (Electro) as in Fig 40 and placing the small cakes of Plumbago on the cores and letting the armature rest on these. When circuit A is open the armature does not press down and consequently circuit B is such a resistance that it is practically open, but when A is closed the magnet pulls the armature down with force, and the circuit B is worked with a force that is at all times regulated by the circuit A.3
X, NjWOE, Batchelor, Cat. 1317:34 (TAEM 90:674). Written by Charles Batchelor.
1. The shop delivered a pressure relay on this date. Edison’s Exhibit 60-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:263).
2. On this same date Edison’s Exhibit 61-11 (TI 2 [TAEM 11:264]) shows a list of substances besides plumbago that Adams tested with the pressure relay in a telephone circuit.
3. A laboratory sketch indicates that Edison contemplated or actually experimented with the pressure relay on this day. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:484).
Technical Note: Telephony
Page 313X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibit 62-11 (TAEM 11:265).
1. In this electromotograph telephone receiver a lever rests near the edge of a rotating horizontal disk that is coated with a chemical.
In the second sketch, the rotating disk arrangement is replaced by Edison’s standard chemically treated paper tape.
Batchelor’s diary entry for this day noted “that the Electromotograph principle applied to singing telegraph makes it much better.” Cat. 1233:108, Batchelor (TAEM 90:107).
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] April 19 1877
Spkg Telgh1
Speaker
Try this2
10 cells of Carbon at B
20 cells of Carbon at B
30 cells of Carbon at B
Make Motograph [re]ceivera & try at C
T A Edison
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 65-11, 71-11 (TAEM 11:266-67). Document multiply signed and dated. “Spkg Telgh” and following drawings in Edison’s hand; “Speaker . .. C” in Batchelor’s hand. aObscured by ink blot.
1. Although Edison labeled almost all of his telephone drawings “speaking telegraph,” the electromotograph receiver shown here was used publicly only to receive music. On 28 April, Edison began a week of musical telephone demonstrations at the Newark Opera House that included the successful transmission of a duet and several compositions for wind instruments.
According to a newspaper report of the demonstration, “The transmitting apparatus consists simply of a long tube, having one end covered with a thin sheet-brass diaphragm, which is kept tight by a stretching ring. In the center of the brass diaphragm is soldered a thin disk of platina, and immediately in front of this disk is an adjustable platinapointed screw secured to a rigid pillar.” Newark Daily Advertiser, 2 and 4 May 1877; New York Daily Tribune, 6 May 1877; all Cat. 1240, items 147-48, 150, Batchelor (TAEM 94:46-47).
On 19 April, Edison drew a sketch of the electromotograph receiver that appears to be the instrument used in the demonstration and wrote John Kruesi’s name next to it (Vol. 11:63, Lab. [TAEM 3:939]). A shop order of the same day shows an electromotograph receiver with a much larger resonant box; it was delivered on 28 April (Vol. 11:70, 74, Lab. [TAEM 3:947, 952]).
A newspaper illustration of the Edison musical telephone on display at the Newark Opera House.
2. This shows a variation on the pressure relay used in a telephone transmitter.
From Albert Chandler
[New York,] Monday Apr. 23. [1877]1
As you address me Rev.2 I address you, Prof.—or, to be more affectionate,
Dear Professor:—
I had an opportunity to-day for the first time, to present your suggestion for payment on a/c of salary, to Mr. G[ould].—3
He asked me to say to you that he will be very busy for two or three days, now,—but that, afterwards he would like to see you personally and have a good long talk.—4 I think you would find such an interview useful.— In a hurry.—
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 13:1203).
1. The reference to Edison’s salary indicates that this letter could only have been sent in 1876 or 1877; 23 April fell on a Monday in 1877. Edison was officially appointed electrician of Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Co. in June 1875 (see Doc. 585) and Western Union gained control of Atlantic and Pacific in August 1877.
2. Reference unknown.
3. Nothing is known of Edison’s “suggestion.”
4. It is unknown if this meeting occurred.
Technkal Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] April 23— 1877
Spkg Telegraph
We get the best speaking from shield brass diaphram about 2 inches diam with ¾ inch surface round point of pressed black lead fastened to a 3/64 thick steel spring with screw with 1 ½ inches of centre of plumbago1 & Receive on Emg iea Resonant box with Sp[rin]g in centre Leading to & resting upon Chem paper moved by drum & belt & wheel The singing with rigid platina point instead of plumbago is simply perfect = It is quite probably that for speaking Telegh something can be found better than plumbago2
T A Edison
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibit 78-11 (TAEM 11:269). aCircled.Page 316
And Charles Batchelor and James Adams Agreement with Charles Holland and George Bliss
April 24, 1877a
This Agreement 1 entered into this 24th day of April, 1877, by and between Thomas A. Edison, Charles Batchelor, and James Adams all of Menlo Park, Middlesex County, State of New Jersey, parties of the first part; and Chas E Holland2 of Hancock, Houghton Co, State of Michigan, and George H. Bliss of Chicago, Cook County, State of Illinois parties of the Second part witnesseth that:—
Whereas, the said parties of the first part are the sole owners of all the right title and interest of and in certain patents granted in the Kingdom of Austria October the sixth 1876 and numbered (26935), in the Kingdom of Italy September 15th 1876 and numbered (8733), in the Kingdom of Belgium May 31st 1876 and numbered 39502 and in the Republic of France July 10 1876 and numbered (112,719) for an Electric Pen and duplicating press, with accessories and
Whereas the said parties of the first part have established a trade in such articles through certain agencies in various countries of the world and in some countries where patents cannot be obtained and,
Whereas the said parties of the second part are desirous of obtaining the business, goodwill, and rights already established by the said parties of the first part and the sole right to manufacture and sell, under the patents already granted in the countries aforesaid and under the patents to be obtained in other countries, for their sole use and benefit for a period of five 5b years from date hereof
Therefore be it Agreed that for and in consideration of the sum of one 1b dollar paid by the parties of the second part to each of the said parties of the first part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and for other valuable considerations hereinafter mentioned, the said parties of the first part do hereby transfer to the parties of the second part the business goodwill and rights as now established, and the sole right to manufacture and sell within all countries except the United States of America, Canada, and the Kingdom of Gt Britain and Ireland; the articles covered by the above recited patents Page 317 It is also agreed that the said parties of the second part shall pay to the parties of the first part 3b three dollars royalty on each and every complete machine sold within, or sent to, any country (whether a patent exists in such country or not) except the aforesaid United States, Canada and Great Britain and Ireland, and proportionately on the parts thereof, and also 15b fifteen per cent of the selling price of all supplies connected therewith, which payment shall continue for a period of 5b five years from the date of this agreement
It is also agreed that the said partyies of the second part shall guarantee and bind themselves and do hereby guarantee and bind themselves to use diligence and energy in introducing the said apparatus in the various parts of the world
It is further agreed that if six months first previous to the expiration of the five years, the said party of the second part shall notify the said parties of the first part that they desire to continue this contract they may do so upon the same terms, providing they give such notice in each and every year they desire its continuance
It is also agreed that should the parties of the second part desire at any time to discontinue this contract they may do so by giving to the parties of the first part six months previous notice and retransferring the business, good will, and rights, herein specified.
It is also agreed that upon the first day of January in each and every year the said parties of the second part shall make full and true returns to the parties of the first part under oath, in the usual manner, and that the said royalty shall after the expiration of four months after date hereof be paid monthly to the said parties of the first part in the proportion of 67½b sixty seven and one half per cent to Edison, 22½b twenty two and one half per cent to Batchelor and 10b ten per cent to Adams
It is also agreed that the said parties of the first part take out patents in such other countries as is necessary for protecting the trade of the party of the second part
It is also agreed that the said parties of the second part will cause to be manufactured in the Republic of France and Kingdom of Austria before October the first 1877 the said apparatus as called for by the law under which the patents in such countries were granted, and will place on sale in the Kingdom of Belgium the said apparatus before the first day of June 1877 so as to comply with the law regarding the working of inventions under the Belgian patent lawPage 318
It is also agreed that should the said parties of the second part desire to purchase outright the patent for the said Electric pen and duplicating press in any foreign country they may do so at any time during the continuance of this contract for the sums named in Schedule A annexed, which sums must be paid in gold and upon payment of which all royalty on apparatus or supplies sold in such countries shall cease
It is further agreed that all improvements upon the apparatus covered by the above recited patents shall be included in this contract, and any Duplicating Apparatus which the said parties of the first part may invent and which is capable of performing the same work as the Electric pen and which would be a competetor if introduced shall also be included in this contract subject however to an equitable arrangement of Royalty should the new system or any part of it be adopted in place of the Electric pen and Duplicating press or any part thereof.
It is also agreed that this contract is not transferable on the said parties of the second part without the written consent of the said Edison.
It is further agreed that the said Edison shall transfer and he does hereby transfer during the continuance of this contract the priviledges granted to him by the Western Electric Manufacturing company under a contract dated 18763 of purchasing each complete duplicating apparatus at 12 50/100b twelve dollars and fifty cents each and the parts of such apparatus at the price named in a schedule to such contract marked C a copy of which is hereto annexed and marked Schedule B
It is further agreed that the said parties of the first part will accept 1 75/100b one dollar and seventy five cents as full royalty on each and every complete apparatus sold to Messrs Fogg and Co for shipment to China and Japan during two 2b years from the date hereof, providing that the said parties of the second part are compelled to carry out an agreement entered into by & between the Edison Electrical pen and Duplicating press Company and H. Fogg and Co dated Feb 1st 1876 a copy of which is hereto annexed and marked schedule C.4
It is also agreed that in case a new arrangement with the Messrs Fogg and Co. is entered into whereby they release their rights under said contract then the said parties of the first part shall receive their full royalty of 3b three dollars as in all other sales.
In witness whereof all the said parties of the first and second part have hereunto set their hands and seals Page 319
Thos. A. Edisonc
Witnessed by John Kruesi Chas. P. Edisond
Chas E. Hollandc
Witnesses to the signaturese E. T. Gilliland G. A Mason 5
Schedule A:—
-
For the French Patent (7000) Seven thousand dollars
-
For the Austrian Patent (5000) Five thousand dollars
-
For the Prussian Patent (4000) Four thousand dollars
-
For the Russian Patent (4000) Four thousand dollars
-
For the Italian Patent (3000) Three thousand dollars
-
For the Australian Patent (5000) Five thousand dollars
-
For the Spanish Patent (3000) Three thousand dollars
-
For the India Patent (5000) Five thousand dollars
-
For the Belgian Patent (3000) Three thousand dollars.f
Schedule B.
| Prices of parts and supplies | |
| 7 x 11 press | $3-50 |
| Roller | .80 |
| Pen | 4.00 |
| Battery | 3-84 |
| Pen stand | .25 |
| Pen cord | .14 |
| Watch oil | .04 |
| Screwdriver | .04 |
| File | .10 |
| Pair Zincs | .16 |
| Bottle of Ink | .26f |
Schedule C:—6
Messrs H. Fogg and Co
Gentlemen,
We hereby appoint you our agents for the sale of Edisons Electrical Pen and Duplicating press in China and Japan for a period of 3b three years, after the first shipment has arrived at its destination.
We shall protect you from intrusion on your territory as far as lays in our power so to do. We agree on the first order to deliver them in any part of New York for the sum of 16b sixteen dollars each and that in the event of the machines not being sold in China or Japan or elsewhere we will take them Page 320back at the same price, and pay you the freight and charges, provided they be returned in good order and that we shall have received the money within 30b thirty days after delivery in New York City
If these terms are satisfactory to you please send order and where to deliver Respectfully yours
DS (letterpress copy), NjWOE, Miller (TAEM 28:1038). Written by Batchelor; signatures are not letterpress copy. aDate taken from text, form altered. bCircled. cFollowed by representation of a seal. dBrace spans signatures of Edison, Batchelor, and Adams, indicating they were witnessed by Kruesi and Charles Edison. eBrace spans signatures of Holland and Bliss, indicating they were witnessed by Gilliland and Mason. fFollowed by centered, horizontal line.
1. Edison used a printed copy of the Articles of Association and By-Laws of the American Automatic Telegraph Co. to make what appears to be an earlier draft of an agreement regarding his foreign electric pen patents. 75-012, DF (TAEM 13:489).
2. Nothing is known of Charles Holland apart from his association with George Bliss in promoting Edison’s electric pen.
3. Doc. 817, dated 28 November 1876.
4. See also TAEM-G1, s.vv. “Fogg, (W. H.) & Co.”
5. Nothing is known of G. A. Mason apart from his role as general manager of the American Telephone Co., Ltd., of London in the mid-1880s. TAEM-G2, s.v. “Mason, G. A.”
6. A somewhat more detailed letter of 28 January 1876, appointing Fogg and Co. agents for China and Japan, is in Lbk. 2:22 (TAEM 28:359).
To John Breckon
[New York,] April 25 [187]7
Dear Sir,
Your last note in regard to our contract received.1 I shall hold myself responsible and shall see that our contract is carried out to the letter.
I have placed the manufacture of the ‘Pen’ into the Western Electric Co hands simply because they have so much better facilities for turning out large quantities.
The delay experienced in shipping the last lot of pens was unavoidable and cannot possibly occur again.2
I have made some improvements lately and have a new pen operatesa simpler and not likely to get out of order I am having a few made and shall send you one3 Page 321
I have not received your telegram in regard to shipment. We have notice of 50 pens 50 stands & 50 Rollers on the way here for London and the others to follow before the month is out
Hoping you will not be inconvenienced by this arrangment4 I am Very respectfully Yours
A patent drawing of an electric pen driven by a vibrating reed.
L (letterpress copy), NjWOE, Lbk. 3:178 (TAEM 28:644). aObscured overwritten letters.
1. Doc. 879.
2. The delay was probably caused by production problems resulting from the change in manufacturers. On 12 March, after discovering “that there had been no platina on any of the batteries sent out by W E Mfg Co,” Charles Batchelor had written Western Electric to complain about the poor quality of their output, which necessitated repairs at the Menlo Park laboratory. At the beginning of April he wrote that although the quality had improved there were still problems, and he had spent two nights fixing pens for one of Breckon’s orders. Batchelor therefore suggested a number of alterations intended to improve manufacturing. Although still finding problems at the beginning of May, Batchelor indicated that the “work generally is greatly improving.” Cat. 1233:71, 92-93, Batchelor (TAEM 90:88, 99); Batchelor to George Bliss and Western Electric, 12 Mar. and 4 Apr. 1877, Lbk. 3:97, 136 ( TAEM 28:572,609); Batchelor to Bliss, 6 Apr. 1877, and Batchelor to Western Electric, 2 May 1877, Cat. 1238:93,108, Batchelor (TAEM 93:96,107).
3. Besides working to develop a rotary power press (see Docs. 843, 852, and 854), Edison also applied for patents on several improvements, although there is no evidence that these were ever introduced commercially. The patents included a pen worked by a universal joint attached through a shaft to a foot-pedal or other motive force (U.S. Pat. 203,329) and a pen driven by air or water (U.S. Pat. 205,370). The simple pen design mentioned here is probably a pen driven by a vibrating reed (U.S. Pat. 196,747, executed on 18 April), which Batchelor drew in his diary for 7 April, when he noted, “Kruesi started on Reed pen He was to make 2 one for Bliss and the other for Patent office” (Cat. 1233:97, Batchelor [TAEM 90:101]). In the reed pen Edison moved the weight of the electromagnets from the side of the pen to the top. The competing, pneumatic pen was of this design and Breckon’s assistant Frederic Ireland thought it an important improvement. Ireland to TAE, 11 May 1877, DF ( TAEM 14:390).
4. On 10 May, Breckon responded that if Edison would see that Western Electric provided pens “with as good a finish upon them as those we received from you a few months ago that we shall be perfectly satisfied.” DF (TAEM 14:388).
From Pitt Edison
[Port Huron,] May 1st 1877
Dear Bro
I have not received any letter from you, since you left here1 did you get a letter from me the RR chaps are having a little trouble among themselves. Just at present thay have not Elected a Supt yet Cole Wastell & Beard are all after it and it is hard for anyone of them to get a majority of the Board of Directors but thay will have to do something soom for the road is getting out of repair and some one will have to bea putting it in order soon thay have not made theb connection of the two roads yet2 thay are running the new road down to the Huron House3 and the old road from the huron House to C[hicago]&L[ake] H[uron] Depot and change passengers at the office.
have thay sent you any statements of the earnings & disbursements let me know what thay are if thay have4 I am Keeping a record of the changes in any property thay dispose of Wastell made me a propposition to get him elected Supt and than for me to do the work and draw the pay but I hardley think that mec him could get along smoothly after so much trouble and I told him so but he has no confidence in his ability to handle the road5 if I could look over thair books I could keep you posted and had any stock I could attend thair Directors meetings and know all that was agoing on Stewart will not attend any meetings so thay have it all thair own way the Sarnia road is picking up I will send you a statement up to first of May6
Now Al I owe J D Carleton about thirteen hundred dollars and he has got 2000. in stock and he is a crowding me on it I went to Symington and asked him if he would lend me the amt on the same trm that hed did the $1500. that was two years and he said if I would give him 3000 in stock he would now what I want is for you to send me 1000 stock and I will let them havea the 3000 take a rec[eip]t for it in your name and send it to you than you will hold thair rectns for $10,000.00 in stock the stock with the 1000 you willl hold will more than pay the amt before it is due and that will make me feel easy for I would rather owe Symington $3000.00 than to owe J D Carleton $3.00 I would here less about it now Al dont fail to do this for I want to get out of his clutches now and forever I have got rid of Stewart and now I want to get rid of Carleton and than I think I can sleep easy so dont fail to send stock and I will send you their rect for the 3000 so no Page 323more at present how is Charley and dad and all the rest of the folks we are all well Y—
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:548). aInterlined above. bObscured overwritten letters. cFollowed by “over” to indicate page turn.
1. See Doc. 871.
2. That is, the lines of the old Port Huron and Gratiot Street Railway and the City Railroad.
3. A large hotel in Port Huron. History of St. Clair County 1883, 492.
4. Edison began to receive regular statements of earnings and disbursement in May 1877. DF 77-016, passim ( TAEM 14:519-634).
5. According to Jenks (n.d., 14), John Sanborn was elected president and Pitt Edison was elected superintendent, filling that role until he retired in 1883, at which time the Edison interest in the road was sold.
6. Not found.
From Josiah Reiff
[New York,] 9:20 am May 3/77
Dear Tom—
I have a certified copy of the Welch paper,1 which I want to show you, at once. It contains acknowledgements & promises which you have probably forgotten— Still I think it is absolutely worthless— yet WU have doubtless considered it & probably own it—
The evident intent now is to either to win or break the Patent2 by proving (or trying to do so) that is nothing new in anything you have done—
This would not only be safe & profitable for WU, but nuts to 3 Ashley, Pope & all the others ywho have envied your ability & failed in their own efforts to discover or invent
This morning I feel as much interest in preserving your reputation as an Electrician as in getting money thru the suit—
Friend Dickinson4 saw he had touched on tender ground & hence told you yesterday he did not want to reflect on your ability, or belittle the Patents etc—5
It is too late— tHe has shewn his hand— B.F.B[utler]. 6 is not yet through with him
Will be at my office until ¼ of 11— Trly
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:667).
1. Doc. 61.
2. This refers to Case 99 (Doc. 472), which was the main quadruplex Page 324patent application and the subject of Edward Dickerson’s cross-examination of Edison on 2 May. Quad. 70.7, pp. 360-82 (TAEM 9:547-58).
3. That is, a source of pleasure to. OED, s.v. “Nut.”
4. Edward Dickerson, one of the attorneys for Western Union in Atlantic & Pacific v. Prescott & others. Quad. 70, 71, 73 (TAEM 9:288-10:797).
5. Reiff is probably referring to Dickerson’s statement to Edison, “I am not asking you about the merits of your invention; I have no doubt but that it is a new and valuable one.” Quad. 70.7, p. 361 (TAEM9:547).
6. The controversial congressman, lawyer, and former general Benjamin Butler was one of the attorneys for Jay Gould’s Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Co. in its suit against Western Union over control of patent rights for Edison’s quadruplex telegraph designs (see note 4). In previous years he had appeared on Edison’s behalf in related actions. See TAEB 2:374,491, 806.
From William Orton
New York May 3d 1877a
I want to see you tomorrow (Friday) ten o’clock without fail. I sent for you only a minute after you had left.1
L (telegram), NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:54). Message form of Western Union Telegraph Co. a“187” preprinted.
1. Edison had just completed his primary testimony (begun on 26 April) in Atlantic & Pacific v. Prescott & others at the New York Superior Court (Quad. 70.7, pp. 221-430 [ TAEM 9:477-583]). It is not known whether Edison saw Orton the next day.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] May 3rd 18772
Sextuplex
Plans of working 3 messages in the same direction for QuSextuplex working=3
| 1 Reversalsa | Polarized relay 50 perm |
| 2 Increase & d[ecrease] | Common relay 75 inc |
| 3 Increase & db | Common relay 150 inc |
| Reversalsa | Polarized relay 5075 perm |
| Increase & d | Com relay 100 inc |
| Acoustic—b | Acoustic relay breaks total |
| Reversalsa | Polarized relay 50 perm |
| Very Small reversals of the 1 st long reversals | Polarized or acoustic same |
| Increase & db | Com Relayc |
Page 325
| 1 Increase & d | Com relay | 75 |
| 2 Increase & d & Ex4 relayd | Com relay | 150 |
| 3 Acousticb | Acoustic | 50 perm |
3 increases 50 — 1500 — 200 —
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:521). aFollowed by horizontal line leading to “Polarized”. bThis and preceding two lines spanned by brace in left margin. cFollowed by centered horizontal line. dFollowed by brace spanning “Com relay 75” and “Com relay 150”.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. On this day he also sketched multiple-contact polarized relays for his sextuplex system, and he drew various circuit arrangements employing multiple-contact levers. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:522-26, 663).
The work-order drawing for a multiple-contact polarized sextuplex relay made in the laboratory machine shop.
3. In the rightmost column the numbers “50,” “75,” “100,” and “150” refer to relative current strength; “perm” indicates a current that is always on the line except for instantaneous interruptions when its polarity changes; “inc” means increase above the permanent current; and “breaks total” indicates that the acoustic transmitter is interrupting rather than modulating a current.
4. Perhaps “Extra,” as in a bug trap.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] May 6 1877
Improvement on the Quad2
The permanent Current from X is kept keeps B from contact with .N. by reason of a constant magnetism but at the moment of reversal all magnetism disappears and B touches n through g. thus going from point to point keeps sounder closed=
Sextuplex3
T A Edison
Page 327X, NjWOE, Supp. II, 1877 (TAEM 97:581, 580). Document multiply signed and dated.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Here Edison appears to be adapting his sextuplex multiple-contact lever as a quadruplex bug trap, although the advantage of this arrangement is not clear. The same day he drew other versions of multiple-lever contacts. NS-74-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:527-31).
3. This drawing shows receiving instruments arranged in a bridge circuit. Different current strengths (and springs) would pull or release the armature lever of the central electromagnet to make or break various connections with the two levers above it. The design here is incomplete but was probably intended to operate in a manner similar to the sextuplex circuit in his U.S. Patent 452,913 (executed 31 May), in which one of the signals was made by either of two levels of current while another signal was made by either a much weaker or the strongest level of current. However, the relay in the center instead could be the basis for yet another alternative bug trap for the quadruplex, if the two sounders shown worked jointly to control another instrument.
From Frederic Ireland
[London,]a May 7. 1877
My dear Sir
I have had very little time or opportunity to write you lately for I have been so much from home— have been so busy in forming the E W. Co into to Electric Writing Co Limited 1 and have had so much worry with respect to the change of apparatus that I have hardly known which way to turn—
The fact is the British public—with its usual stupidity— did not take kindly to the apparatus as it was and it has had to be practically revolutionized— I sent you two of the Fuller batteries—2 How do you like them?— with us they answer spendidly lasting two or three months and then only requiring that the inner jar should be emptied and refilled with water and a little acid:—
I cannot tell how you travellers can possibly get on with the open batteries— We now cover our jars with an india rubber cap so that they are perfectly portable without any chance of spilling
—Our present press—after giving us a lot of trouble is, I think a great success—costs us 17/-3 would you like to have one?—
I see that some new press has been invented in America— should like to have particulars
French Patent
I have worked hard at this but the unsettled state of Continental Page 328politics—which as you see has ended in War 4—has clogged my operations and prevented my friends from coming to a decision—
I feel that I have now got England satisfactorily organized and if you are inclined to let me work France on a Royalty for two or three years on condition that I complete purchase at the end of the time I will take up the organization there— My experience here will be of immense service and I shall have every inducement to complete as otherwise all my labor would simply pass to you— Let me hear from you on this early.
American Novelties Co
I have hardly had time even to think of this— The idea seems good— do you care to have anything from this side— I have two patents that would pay—
Waiting for your reply I am Yours faithfully
I dont think the new pens quite as good as yours.
Ckarles Batchelor to Robert Gilliland
[Menlo Park,] May 8th [187]7
Dear Sir
Yours of the 3rd to hand.1 Enclosed find statement 2 of your account with the Edison Electrical Pen and Duplicating press Co.. Dec 30th, as you see, it was $203 44/100, but Ed3 has had on your account $27 79/100 and he has also accepted for you Barnard’s4 bill of $48 45/100 which of course leaves a balance of $127 20/100. The company owes me about $90 00/100 owing to Edison giving me instructions to pay one of Ed’s bills for castings for $193— he also told me to pay Ed’s bills whenever I could, to save him trouble. I told Ed that your account was to be paid next, and as you see $76 24/100 has been paid him and if it had not have been for this note5 of his the rest would have been paid. The money for the old bills comes in slow but I suppose it is pretty sure.Page 329
In regard to the royalty from the W.E. Mfg. Co. it ought to have been paid promptly. When Bliss was here last, Edison got out of patience & told him about it, & he had them send him $200—then, and he promised the rest immediately he got home.6 If you speak about it I think they would settle immediately.
Edison is continually getting up new things connected with the apparatus. We have just brought up outa a new pen, which will cost only about ⅓ of the cost of the present one, and numerous other improvements, which are being patented to secure the ‘pen complete .7
The infringements of Stuart and Hix are in a fair way of being speedily knocked on the head.8 My time is spent freely on all this sort of work, which as you know accrues for your benefit instead of mine, and therefore I think you ought to try and fix up my note9 at as early a date as possible for I can assure you I need the money badly.
Edison and I went up to the Papyrograph10 office today, as so much had been said about it, & we investigated it thoroughly. Edison wrote a sample as a test (of course they did not know who we were) and he wrote one line very heavy and the next line very small and light and the consequence was that the man tried to get a copy off it, but could not get a good one although it took him 29 minutes to manipulate it before it was ready.
We have an ink now that you write on ordinary paper with, and after writing you can use it in the press as a stencil, and roll the roller overb it and take as many copies as you please.11 In talking over this sometimes Edison and myself have almost come to the conclusion to give away a bottle of this ink with every ‘pen.’ By that means you see when a man buys an ‘Electric pen’ he would also get a better process besides, than the Papyrograph What do you think of that idea? Yours Respy
P.S. Try and do something for me. C.B
ALS (letterpress copy), NjWOE, Batchelor, Cat. 1238:113 (TAEM 93:111). aInterlined above. bObscured overwritten letters.
1. Not found.
2. Not found.
3. Ezra Gilliland.
4. William Barnard was the electric pen agent for Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. TAEB 2:598 n. 11.Page 330
5. This may refer to one of the promissory notes held by Edison against Ezra Gilliland. See Doc. 834 n. 1.
6. The $200 check was credited on 6 May and another $250 was credited on 21 May. The total royalty due on 30 April for both March and April was $630.75. Cat. 1185:88, Accts. (TAEM 22:595).
7. See Doc. 893 n. 3.
8. On 12 May the Patent Office held that claim three of Edward Stewart’s U.S. Patent 183,720 (issued in 1876) was in interference with one of Edison’s applications. A ruling in Edison’s favor on 12 December 1877 led to the issuance of U.S. Patent 203,329 (Pat. App. 203,329). Writing to Bliss on 26 February 1877 Batchelor noted that A. E. Hix’s invention was an infringement of Edison’s U.S. Patent 180,857, notwithstanding a letter of Hix’s to the contrary (Cat. 1238:85, Batchelor [ TAEM 93:89]). An undated note in Edison’s hand indicates that Hix’s invention was for a “cloth hand stamp” (Vol. 15:53, Lab. [TAEM 4:375]). On 10 September, Edison and Batchelor went into New York to give evidence in the Hix interference on “Hand stamp (Ink soaked pad on stencil sheet)” (Cat. 1233:253, Batchelor [TAEM 90:174]).
9. Nothing is known of this note.
10. The New York papyrograph office was W. F. Adams & Co. at 59 Murray St. See circular in Cat. 593 and letterhead in Cat. 1031:12, both Scraps. (TAEM 27:648, 738).
11. Batchelor spent 30 April and 2 May on copying experiments, and mentioned a “new composition” in diary entries of 4 and 7 May. There are also 30 April notes by Batchelor and Adams about a substitute for Edison’s duplicating ink. Cat. 1233:120, 121, 124, 127, Batchelor ( TAEM 90:113, 115, 116); Cat. 1317:37, Batchelor (TAEM 90:675); NS-77-002, Lab. (TAEM 7:431).
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] SMay 9 1877
Sextuplex2
Mistake Receivng insts either in brdge or Difrential
[A]3
[B]4
[C]
[D]
This5 works about same as the singlea lever in front6 perhaps not quite so well.7
Perhaps this will replace= Works well, perhaps better than lever relays 8 Page 333
Hooplah
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:538-41). Document multiply signed and dated. aInterlined above.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Figure labels are “100” and “500” (on battery at upper left), “Reverser battery 15 carbon,” and “Line.” These drawings are representative of two days’ work on multiple-contact relays (including working sketches for building one) and other aspects of sextuplex circuits. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:532-37, 542-46).
3. Figure labels are “closes on 000” and “closes on 100 & 00 but not on 150.”Page 334
4. The scribbling says, “Boston Boston Boston [----] are coming to Boston Boston Boston Morning Boston” and “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this son of york yok.”
5. Sketch D.
6. Sketch B.
7. Figure labels are “back [point]” and “front [point].”
8. Figure labels for the following drawings are “150” and “line or bridge differential.”
From Edward Johnson
New York, May 10th 1877.a
My Dear Edison
The W.U. have attacked Reiff in a low mean cowardly manner—after Orton & Lowrey almost professing to Love him— They are producing all sorts of scraps & letters to destroy his creditability by putting upon them false constructions1
They have already made it appear that you & he have contradicted each other about some payments— Reiff was taken very sick in Phil= Sunday & only got back to N.Y. last yesterday = & went on the stand today in a miserable condition— to be subjected to this sort of thing—2
It becomes now your imperative duty to come over & see him & not longer absent yourself to the great advantage of the W.U. & consequent disadvantage of the man who has been a better friend to you than the W.U. Ever has or ever will be. to y 3
Your desire for neutrality is commendable within certain limits—beyond those limits you will be compelled to take sides whether you will it or not— Your absenting yourself at all times except when called for by some W.U. party has already placed you in their Ranks If Reiff suffers at your hands you will never earn enough from the W.U. to compensate you for it— If it was simply a question of his losing or winning this suitb—that would be one thing—but it has got beyond that Yours Very Truly
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:669). Letterhead of Electro Chemical Manufacturing Co. a“New York,” and “187” preprinted. bObscured overwritten letters.
1. See Josiah Reiff’s testimony, Quad. 70.7, pp. 439-87, 682-736 (TAEM 9:587-613, 711-38).
2. Reiff’s testimony began on Friday, 4 May, but was suspended until 10 May because of his illness.
3. On either 4 or 11 May (the note is dated only “Friday”) Norman Miller wrote Edison concerning the cross-examination of Reiff, noting Page 335 that “the papers introduced are such that you .. . would not like to be called to the stand to either identify dispute or explain— Keep away from court and every one —except [Western Union treasurer] Mr Rochester—if you come to City—” (DF [ TAEM 14:740]). Nevertheless, on 12 May, Edison, Batchelor, and Johnson went to see Reiff (Cat. 1233:132, Batchelor [TAEM 90:119]).
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] May 10 18772
Sextuplex.
good bug Trap for reversals for Quad
Bug trap for “Sexty”3
Boog TrahopPage 337
this relay weakened so it wont work on the 50.4
I5 think this is good
Correct
Correct
E.M.G6
irregular dont work well=7
T A Edison
A drawing of the receiving circuit for a sextuplex patent model.
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:549, 548, 558, 557, 559, 555). Document multiply signed and dated.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. The same day Edison drew other arrangements of continuity-preserving and reversing levers for sextuplex transmitters. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:547, 551-52, 554, 556, 560).
3. The next day Edison drew bug trap variations that incorporated the principle of his pressure relay. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:563).
5. Figure labels of drawing above are “500” and “10,000.” Figure labels of drawing below are “10 000,” “500,” and “only to 150.”
5. Figure label above is “wing con[nection].” Edison labeled a 30 April drawing of a sextuplex receiving circuit “wing for model.” NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:662).
6. Figure label is “or b on this side.” This refers to the upper vertical lever b, labeled at top. Drawings of 14 May show the electromotograph in a receiver circuit. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:585).
7. This electromotograph design includes Edison’s standard small motor (see Doc. 908 n. 5). Another drawing from 14 May shows a similar electromotograph design (NS-77-004, Lab. [TAEM 7:584]).
From George Ward
[New York,]1 14 May 77.
Friend Edison
Preece was here this morning he has fixed Friday next he wants a good day with you. What trains had we better start & return by. Tell me the times of all the trains. In haste. Yrs truly
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:55).
1. Ward wrote from 16 Broad St., the Direct U.S. Cable Co. office in New York. Wilson 1877, 340.
Patent Model Specification: Multiple Telegraphy 1
Page 341X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:583).
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. This patent model drawing for Case 139, which shows one end of a sextuplex circuit with differentially wound relay coils, reflects much of Edison’s work for several weeks around this date (see his almost identical 30 April sketch in NS-77-004, Lab. [TAEM 7:660]). A precise, complete explanation of the circuit is given in the patent (U.S. Pat. 512,872), but a general description follows.
Transmitter C (in the diagram) reverses the polarity of the entire system’s base current, which is always on line. This affects the distant station’s polarized relay corresponding to D (which lacks a sounder in the drawing). Transmitter A puts a powerful battery into the circuit, affecting the distant receiving relay corresponding to F, which will not respond to weaker signals. Transmitter B adds less power than A and affects the remote counterpart to E, which is sensitive enough to respond. The current reversals must not disrupt the other signals, the sensitive relay (E) must not respond to the strong signals, and the constant dynamic changes must not mutilate the signals on any of the relays. Relays such as E, with one or more extra contact levers, were important in many of Edison’s sextuplex designs (see Doc. 884 n. 5). He had used them in quadruplex circuits as early as 1874 (Docs. 512 and 717).
Alternative designs for sextuplex receivers in U.S. Patent 452,913.
3. The Western Union shop, run by George Phelps, was making the models for Edison’s telegraph patent applications. See Doc. 877 n. 2; and Edison v. Dickerson.
4. According to the patent, the circuit shown in the main drawing was suitable for shorter lines but not practical for longer lines, where the static discharge effects were greater. Edison designed this arrangement, which became figure 2 in the patent, to replace receiver E (see note 2). It is one of a host of alternatives Edison considered during and after the preparation of the patents, examples of which can be found in technical notes ranging from 10 April through 7 July 1877 (NS-77-004, Lab. Page 342[TAEM 7:466-691 passim]). U.S. Patent 452,913, also executed on 31 May, included several other alternatives to this design.
To William Orton
Menlo Park N.J. May 15 1877
Dear Sir
I replied that I had not perfected it, when perfected, it would be owned by the Gold and Stock Tel Co1 Yours
ENCLOSUREa
Boston May 12th 1877
Dear Sir:
Within a few days I saw a notice in one of our newspapers that you had a new system of telephone called the Motograph. Now if you have perfected this apparatus to be as reliable as Bells telephone, I can sell like hot cakes, for the people of this city are ready to talk telephone with anybody. They are full of it and, although I know that Bells system is far from being perfect and is not calculated in its present form for practical use, yet he is talking freely with parties for putting it in and has already built several lines for the purpose. in fact he proposes to take possession of all the private telegraphing of this city and run a monopoly.
I have some sixty prvate lines of telegraph in this city and of course all my customers are interested in telephone, now I would like to hear from you as soon as possible and have no doubt I could sell a large number in Boston and vicinity I would like to put one in my office and show it to the public, let me hear from you. Respectfully yours
ALS, DSI-NMAH, WUTAE. aEnclosure is an ALS.
1. Edison’s 14 May answer to Dowd (EP&RI) reads in full:
I am working on the talking telephone but as yet it is not sufficiently perfect for introduction it is however more perfect than Bells. You need have no alarm about Bells monopoly as there are several things that he must discover before it will be at all practicable for every day [use?] when my apparatus is perfect you will be informed
2. Peter Dowd was a telegraph constructor in Boston who became agent for the Gold and Stock Telegraph Co.’s telephones, including Edison’s. This led to his becoming the defendant in a major patent infringement case brought by the Bell Telephone Co. in 1878. Boston Directory 1877, 285; Bruce 1973, 263.
From George Caldwell and Charles Edison
New York May 15/771
Sir
It is our intention to give the 1st Exhibition of the Edison Telephone at Newark on the 24th inst2 and as soon thereaffter as possibble to go on the road and exhibit this telephone in every town where there is a possibilty of us receiving a pecuniary benefit for our venture
We intend to start within a week through Penna, on our way west. It is our intention to give a first class entertainment—that will both amuse and instruct the public. We are amply provided with Capital to properly carry on this enterprise independent of expectant sums we may realize from receipts from exhibitions. You are to find all the necessary instruments and supplies for a successful start hereafter we to furnish our own. we agree to pay you a royalty of twenty five dollars for each evening we give a exhibition to be paid daily or weekly through such parties or means as you may desire. We also agree to show six nights in every week if possible causes beyond our control may sometimes prevent us from showing every night.
We are to have the exclusive use of the telephone for Exhibition purposes for one year from date of performance we agreeing to give at least one performance per week 3
Geo. W. Caldwell4
LS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:772). Written by Caldwell.
1. Caldwell and Charles Batchelor attended a lecture by Alexander Graham Bell in New York on 17 May, and Batchelor attended another two days later. Batchelor said of the first one, “I had an opportunity to speak over the wire to New Brunswick but could not get it well I think it is no better than our own Cyrus W. Field apparently got it very well but I could not the singing was not anything so good as ours.” Of the second he said “it was very poor indeed.” Cat. 1233:137,139, Batchelor (TAEM 90:121, 122); for newspaper accounts of the lectures, see Cat. 1240, items 162, 169-70, Batchelor (TAEM 94:151,153-54).
2. Edison had exhibited his electromotograph telephone at the Newark Opera House at the end of April (see Doc. 889). On 9 May several gentlemen from Newark visited the laboratory and arranged to have Charley Edison demonstrate it before a scientific society in Newark. Charley held a rehearsal on 23 May “which was about to be a fizzle but [Batchelor] and Jim fixed it up.” Batchelor spent the days after the Newark demonstration preparing instruments for Caldwell and Charley, who started for Reading, Pa., on 30 May (Cat. 1233:129,143, 145-50, Batchelor [TAEM 90:117,124,125-28]).
3. Edison drafted and signed an agreement with Caldwell and Charley on 16 May 1877. DF (TAEM 14:773); Miller (TAEM 28:1048).
4. George Caldwell had assisted with the showing of the electric pen Page 344at the Centennial Exhibition. Caldwell to French Commission to the Centennial Exhibition, 1876; U.S. Post Office to Caldwell, 12 Aug. 1876; both DF (TAEM 27:628, 641); electric pen pamphlet of George Caldwell, Agent, Centennial Exhibition (76-007, DF, Supp. Ill [ TAEM 162:990]).
Equipment Specification: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] May 16 1877
Speaking Telegraph1
For G M Phelps to construct it.2
mbox made of white spruce3—and glued together inside measurements4 Wooden base with iron frame on bottom like relays = Surface of the drum roughened worm so cut as to cause wet paper drum to revolve either from 7 to 1 or 15 to 1. iea the engine 5 revolving 7 or 15 times faster than the drum= 6
Binding posts7
X, NjWAT, Box 92 02 163 01. aCircled.
1. This is a receiver. The file holding these drawings contains two other rough sketches of this instrument. On 24 May, Edison drew up specifications for a larger electromotograph receiver with a hand-crank Page 345in place of the engine, and for a transmitter to be used with it (Doc. 917).
2. Figure labels are “End of spring platinized, & very smooth=“ “6 inches long,” “4 inches high,” “2 inches wide,” and “Set on brass pillars ½ inch high—.” The documents were stamped at Phelps’s factory on 17 May; a note on the principal drawing says, “Delivered at Mr. Prescotts office & charged June 11th.”
3. White spruce is used for its resonant qualities in the tops of stringed instruments such as guitars.
4. Edison is referring to the box measurements on the drawing (this text is next to the box at upper right).
5. The engine, at far left, is the small electric motor design Edison had begun using in his 1871 printing telegraphs (TAEB 1:293 n. 3) and had used recently in his translating embosser (Doc. 857).
6. Edison drew the instrument with two gear wheels on the shaft (center right). It is unclear whether he meant Phelps to choose one or to design the instrument so that it could shift speeds.
7. Figure label is “to engine.”
Charles Batchelor Diary Entry
[Menlo Park,] Friday, May 18, 1877.a
Mr Preece Director of Telegraphs in England & Mr Ward Supt of Direct Cable here today had a splendid time they were highly pleased and are coming again.1
Preece very much interested in ‘pressure relay’ also in large tuning forks for splitting lines. 2 Mr Ward brought us our books of the Society of Telegraph Engineers Worked on speaker at night
AD, NjWOE, Batchelor, Cat. 1233:138 (TAEM 90:122). a“Friday, May 18, 1877.” preprinted.
1. In a letter to his family, Preece described the trip to Menlo Park.
Another blazing day which I spent at a place called Menlo Park with Edison—an ingenious electrician—experimenting and examining apparatus. He gave me for dinner raw ham! tea and iced water!! It is nearly 30 miles off. The railways here have no fences and they go bang through the streets of the towns. The whistles have the most horrid howls—more like an elephant’s trumpet than anything else. The stations have no names and there are no porters about. Everyone has to look out for oneself. We nearly missed our station and as it was had to jump out while the train was moving. At level crossings the only notice put up is—’Look out for locomotive’—the up and down lines are reversed as compared with ours. They also drive on the opposite side to what we do. [Quoted in Baker 1976,162]
Preece returned to the laboratory on three other occasions before embarking for England on 4 July (see Doc. 976; and Cat. 1233:176, Batchelor [TAEM 90:141]).
2. That is, acoustic transfer telegraphy.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] May 18 1877
Sextuplex
g[ues]s II go back to the old auto shunt for clearing Quad Reversals 2
[A]3
[B]
[C]4
[D]
[E]5a
Compensation
[F]6
[G]
[H]
[I]
[J]7
Perhaps 1 condr will doPage 347
[K]
[L]
[M]8
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:590, 592). Document multiply signed and dated. aDoodled names, apparently by Edison, follow this drawing at bottom of page.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. These shunts appear in drawings F-K. Edison had discovered early in his automatic telegraph tests that a shunt around the receiving instrument greatly aided clear reception. See Docs. 317-19.
3. Figure labels (at lower left) are “Batty” and “Transmitter.”
4. Figure label is “150.” Edison had been working on this component of his sextuplex for several days (NS-77-004, Lab. [TAEM 7:570-89 passim]). It functioned as a replacement for the multicontact relay (see, e.g., Doc. 884). For a thorough description of its working, see U.S. Patent 452,913.
5. Figure label is “150.”
6. Figure label is “to trans.”
7. Figure labels are “wound op[posite]” and “trans.”
8. Figure label is “to Rev[erse]r & tIn[crease] & decr[ease]”; that is, the transmitters.
From Josiah Reiff
New York, May 20th 1877a
Dear Edison.
You are needed as witness on Tuesday mng next @ 11 am & Genl Butler desires that you will come over early enough so as to meet him @ 5th Ave Hotel say about 9:30 to have a chat & ride down with him—1 Page 348
Please let me know on Monday (if not in town today) that you receive this & will attend to it O.K.
I understand W.U. propose to put Farmer on stand Tuesday— 2
Gerritt Smith3 says 994 is not a working quadruplex with the differential or Bridge system of Stearns & the condenser as used by Stearns—5 I guess the Edison Quad aint of much a/c6 Eh? Yrs
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:672). Letterhead of J. C. Reiff. a“New York,” and “187” preprinted.
1. Edison was not recalled until Tuesday, 29 May. He had seen Butler the night of 16 May and did again before the 26th. Edison’s testimony, Quad. 70.9, pp. 90-99 (TAEM 9:809-13); Cat. 1233:136, Batchelor (TAEM 90:121); Docs. 914 and 921.
2. Electrical inventor Moses Farmer (see TAEB 1:67) testified on Monday, 28 May. Quad. 71.1, pp. 356-80 (TAEM 10:185-97).
3. Gerritt Smith was the Western Union Telegraph Co. assistant electrician who helped Edison and George Prescott with quadruplex experiments and also received several patents on duplex and quadruplex telegraphy. TAEB 2:295 n. 4.
4. That is, Case 99 (Doc. 472).
5. See Smith’s testimony, Quad. 71.1, pp. 298-305 (TAEM 10:156-59). Joseph B. Stearns (1831-1895) invented the first practical duplex telegraph (see Doc. 50 n. 3).
6. Account.
From George Bliss
Chicago May 23 1877.a
Dear Sir:
I am satisfied in my own mind that you are making a great mistake in the price at which the ink is being sold in this country.1
I have in my employ a first class man who was in the ink business three years.
He tells me there is a wide difference in the prices charged by Ink manufacturers.
The men who make the most money are those who put a first class price on their goods & stick to it.
The Public once becoming familiar with the goods wont be induced to buy a cheaper article though equally good.
There is an enormous profit to the retailer on ink.
For[ten?]b instance an ink which costs by the gross 2.00 retails at 14.40 & other goods in nearly that proportion You will see from this that there is not enough inducement on your schedule to make dealers prefer your goods.Page 349
Again if sold largely by canvassers there is not margin enough to pay good men for taking hold of it.
The gent referred to says he has known ink makers to keep chemists at work long time trying to discover the ingredients & methods of Arnoldi2 & other inks unsuccessfully
If your method of manufacture is kept well in hand he does not think there is much risk of successful imitation and at any rate your safety is in putting a good figure on the ink and paying no attention to cheap competitors.
We believe large amounts of your ink can be sold at first class prices.
My own idea would be to get up an outfit with the necessary ink, blotter, pens &c in good box & get 5.00 or 10.00 for it.3
I write this so you can give it consideration & we can talk it over when I come down.4 Respectfully
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:396). Letterhead of Electric Pen & Duplicating Press. a“Chicago” and “1877.” preprinted. bCanceled.
1. Edison was selling the ink in bottles of two sizes for $.50 and $1.00. After Bliss became general manager of Edison’s duplicating ink business in the United States he raised the prices to $1.00 and $3.00. Edison’s Duplicating Ink circulars: Cat. 1240, item 24, Batchelor (TAEM 94:13); and 77-011, DF, Supp. Ill (TAEM 162:1028).
2. Unidentified.
3. As general manager Bliss also sold the ink in three different outfits, each consisting of “a box, tray, plates, blotters, transfer paper, ink, sponge, and pen holder and pens.” One outfit was for note paper, another for note and letter paper, and a third for note, letter, and legal paper. Edison’s Duplicating Ink circular. 77-011, DF, Supp. Ill (TAEM 162:1030).
4. At the time Bliss wrote this he and Charles Holland had acquired foreign rights to the duplicating ink from Edison’s Electro Chemical Manufacturing Co. (agreement of 5 May 1877, Miller [TAEM 28:1045]). On 4 June 1877 the Electro Chemical Manufacturing Co. transferred the entire duplicating ink business to Bliss and Holland, with Bliss becoming general manager of the business (Miller [TAEM 28:1051]; Edison’s Duplicating Ink circular, 77-011, DF, Supp. Ill [ TAEM 162:1021]).
From Norman Miller
New York May 23 1877. morninga
Edison
I have been present at all of Mr. O’s examinations. He has probably another full day before him—1 I can see that Butler is not getting out what he hoped to do. So far you have been well protected, and unless they call you again to contradict Mr. O. you are in harmony on all important points. 2 Page 350
If you should go on the stand again I fear that some old and ugly affidavits of yours will come out that will do you discredit with the court.3
Reiff keeps his boy on the look out for you all the time.4 Keep away from him. I will look for you at recess at Prescotts Office— Please be there if you come to the City.
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:680). Letterhead of Electric Pen and Duplicating Press. a“New York” and “187” preprinted.
From Josiah Reiff
May 24/77
My dear Edison
I learn you were in town yesterday & did not [go?]a to see the Genl B. notwithstanding my Telegram to you.1 Ifb you are in town today, please do not fail to see the Genl this evening— or tomorrow—any hour.2 I understand WU intend to call you & the Genl wishes particularly to see you about some of your own testimony already given Yrs
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:682). aIllegible. bObscured overwritten letters.
1. On 22 May, Reiff telegraphed Edison that he “must meet the party at Fifth Ave Hotel tonight sure—.” In response James Adams wired back that Edison was sick. Reiff also wrote Edison on both 22 and 23 May requesting that he come in to meet with Butler. DF (TAEM 14:675-79).
2. Edison had seen Butler by 26 May. See Doc. 921.
From J. L. Thomson
New York, May 24th 1877a
My Dear Sir
I have this day sent you with this letter some Peices of Heavy board for Experiment I was very sorry I could not of Seen you when I was out with Mr. James.1
If you can practically make glue Impervious by some chemical change I know of nothing so well addapted for treating Page 351cheeply this fiber. Still you experiment with what you are a mind to.2 What I want is a perfectly Impervious material cheep & durible that will be practical to use for all styles of my Packages for [Liquids?].b I will try & see you when you have the Experiments where you would like my advise about them3 Yours Respectfully
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:62). Letterhead of New York Paper Barrel Co. a“New York,” and “187” preprinted. bIllegible.
1. James James, who was associated with Amasa Mason; Mason also introduced Thomson to Edison. James and Thomson had visited Menlo Park on 17 May and spent the day with Batchelor discussing the waterproofing project. In late September Edison installed his telephones on a line to James’s office at 72 Broadway. James later became interested in Edison’s phonograph inventions. See Doc. 859 n. 1; Mason to Marshall Lefferts, 13 Apr. 1876, ML; Cat. 1233:137, 272, Batchelor (TAEM 90:121, 189); draft agreements, 1878, Miller (TAEM 28:1072, 1078).
2. Edison was apparently experimenting with the resin copal, which was used for varnishes and lacquers. Experimental notes in an unknown hand show attempts to make it soluble in solutions of various oils as well as solvents such as turpentine, kerosene, ether, and alcohol. One entry notes that “Caoutchouc [rubber] mixes with Soluble copal when heated to a very high heat it becomes vulcanized but when heated more it gets to a hard substance and I think would be very good for our purpose it would have to be pressed hot” (NS-Undated-002, Lab. [TAEM 8:145-50]). These notes may predate Edison’s observation that aniline oil acted as a good solvent for gum copal (Doc. 813). A notebook entry of 11 May showing a thermostat employing gum copal probably postdates Edison’s copal experiments (NS-77-004, Lab. [TAEM 7:566]).
3. There is no evidence of further work by Edison on this problem, nor are there further communications from Thomson.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy and Telephony 1
[Menlo Park,] May 24 1877
A principle of balancing in Du Quad & Sextuplex transmission without bridge or differential=2
Iodide of Hg I find may replace plumbago in Talking Telgh— I notice decomp accompanied with slighta explosion on connecting 40 cells Callaud to hard pressed peice=
Sextuplex—3
Du Quad & Sexty4
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:601, 600). Document multiply signed and dated. aInterlined above.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Standard methods of sending two messages in opposite directions involved either the bridge or differential methods (see TAEB 1:32, 530 n. 17). In this case Edison proposes isolating the receiving instrument from outgoing signals through an arrangement of batteries.
3. In these designs Edison is concerned with circuit designs that allow two messages to be sent in the same direction.
4. The following drawings show a bench test design and (perhaps) a schematic circuit analysis.
Equipment Specification: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] May 24 1877
Telephone1
18 inches high
¾ stock spruce except front that ¼ inch with bridge in centre where EMG lever is fastened=2
gear 5 to 1 or thereabouts even 10 to 1 or 3 to 1 would answer
Base Light Mahogany inch stock rounded edges
also3
= round legs ½
[--]a inch high thus
Transmitter for Telephone4
½ inch cast iron planned on top5 Page 354
use pen fly wheel tube=6
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., Vol. 11:97 (TAEM 3:971). Document multiply signed and dated. aCanceled.
1. Figure labels are “3 feet long,” “guide,” “4 inch wide,” and “binding post.”
2. Figure labels are “light mahogan” and “box spruce.”
3. Figure label is “rounded.”
4. Figure labels are “8 inches long,” “base,” and “insulated & connected to pillar.”
5. Figure label is “5 long.”
6. That is, make the tube from the stock used for the fly wheels on electric pen motors.
From Frank Whipple
Port Huron, Mich., May 25th 1877a
Dear Sir
Your note of the 21 st rec’d1 In order to make that balance sheet spoken of in it—it is absolutely necessary to know the amount of the note held by you against the company. I cannot make one as I suggested in my last letter to you2 without that note or at least without nknowing its amount date and rate per cent of interest.
The method I proposed was to save time but if the other suits you best send me the above data & I will prepare it3 Truly Yours
Page 355ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:555). Letterhead of Whipple & Potter, Attorneys at Law. a“Port Huron, Mich.,” and “187” preprinted.
1. Not found.
2. 17 May 1877, DF (TAEM 14:554).
3. Whipple subsequently sent Edison a statement (docketed by Edison as 15 June). It showed that Edison’s share (160 of 302 shares) of the $2,439.42 debt assumed by the old Port Huron and Gratiot Street Railway amounted to $1,292.41. Edison held notes worth (with interest) $1,154.73, leaving due $137.68. DF (TAEM 14:556).
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] May 25 1877
Sextuplex without reversals 3 increase & decreases2
if this wud w[or]k cld send Reversals too & thus make it Octoplex 3 Hoop Lah How the art advances
device for reversing thro A & B B is adjusted to stay closed on the permanent current. A to closed on the increased it closes local through lever of B which at the moment of reversal flies back with the lever of A and thus prevents the Local circuit from being broken— 4
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:602). Document multiply signed and dated.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Figure labels are (top) “50,” “100,” “150,” and “1350 I think”; (middle) “100” and “3500”; (lower) “200”; the names “Wurth” and “Kruzi” appear in the numbers and doodles at bottom. In this unfinished sketch of receiving arrangements for an octruplex telegraph, Edison tried to transmit three independent signals in the same direction using variations in current strength, with polarity reversals carrying the fourth signal (see note 3). All these receivers are independent, which means the transmitters would have been intricately interconnected. Earlier attempts in this vein had generally involved interaction among receivers instead. Prescott 1877, 827-32, 835-38; idem 1879, 364-70.
The receiver labeled “200” works with currents above a certain level and the corresponding transmitter would signal on its own using very strong current. Each of the other receivers, which respond to weaker Page 357signals, incorporates a second relay that stops its sounder from responding to stronger currents (the sounders are the blank rectangles, as distinct from the relay magnets’ patterned coils). It is not clear that this particular arrangement would work. (The point of the calculations and other numbers at the bottom of the sketch is not known.)
Edison included a two-signal version of this plan in a sextuplex application executed six days later (Case 138; U.S. Pat. 452,913).
3. A polarized relay to receive reversal signals is shown in the circuit just below the relay labeled “200.”
4. Figure labels in the following receiver sketches are (top right) “150,” “50,” and “Hoo”; and (lower right) “100,” “1,” “3,” “300,” and “200.” The numbers at lower left (“50-0,” “100-150,” and “200.”) apparently indicate ranges of signal strengths to which receiving apparatus would respond.
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] May 25 1877
Speaking Telegraph
A plumbago secured to platina Cup and faced with a platina Cap for the purpose of preserving it from abrasion & get the full effect of pressure1
[A]2
[B]3
[C]
[D]4
[E]5
T. A. Edison
Edison’s Exhibit Instrument 100-11.
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 99-11-100-11 (TAEM 11:274-75). Document multiply signed and dated.
1. Edison introduced one of the platinum-cupped springs into evidence during the telephone interferences (Edison’s Exhibit Instrument 100-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:647]). In describing it, he stated, “I think the spring was made previous to May 25,1877. It carried a carbon cylinder resting against a diaphragm. As a transmitter, the instrument of which Exhibit 100-11 is a part operated well” (TI 1:99 [TAEM 11:70]). Edison’s Exhibit 100-11, to which the instrument corresponded, comprised drawings D and E in this document; D is the basis for Edison’s patent application Case 141, executed on 9 July (U.S. Pat. 474,231).
The use of springs with plumbago contacts was a principal part of Edison’s Case 141 and a major point later at issue in related intereference cases. On 29 May, Edison drew a full-size sketch of another platina-faced plumbago contact on a spring (Edison’s Exhibit 111-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:279]).
2. Figure label is “diaph.”
3. This drawing (like D below) closely resembles the circuit used in Case 141 (U.S. Pat. 474,231, figure 1). In these designs forward and backward movements of the diaphragm press separate carbon contacts, reducing resistance and thus increasing current from separate batteries connected with opposite poles to the earth so the signal current will alternate. When the diaphragm is at rest the batteries exactly cancel each other and no current flows.
4. Figure label is “EMG.” Case 141 shows such a transmitter, with one of two diaphragm contacts on the inside of the speaking tube. The application also included Edison’s electromotograph telephone receiver, as shown on the right of this sketch, with variations. Edison’s Exhibits 101-11 and 102-11 (TI 2 [TAEM 11:276-77]) are measured Page 359drawings also prepared on this day for an electromotograph receiver.
5. This appears to be an unfinished sextuplex receiving circuit.
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] May 26 1877.
Talking Telegraph
I find that it is absolutely essential to perfect the speaking Telegraph that the th sh ch s and other hissing sounds should be sent over the wire, now the diaphrams we have made do not respond to an appreciable extent to this hissing sounds=1 now I think these hissing sounds are composed of vibrations and are notes having an exceedingly low rate of vibration pbly 10 per second & weak ata that. Now I propose to construct a tube & diaphram which will respond to them and this tube I propose to have made like a telescope so I can increase or decrease its length 2 so as to get a length of tube which will be in tune with these hisses & reinforce them and I propose to have this tube adjusted only to reinforce the hissing there being no trouble in getting the higher rates of vibration without the assistance of the Column of air= if necessary the higher notes can be made on another tube & diaphram The Talker talks into both tubes at once & both serve to close the battery=
free reed to respond to hissing consonants3
to get the sh th ch4
Keyboard Talking Telgh,
I propose to have a long shaft with wheels on having breaks (ie electrical) so arranged thwith a Key board that isby depressing say the letters T H I S simultaneously that contact springs will one after another send the proper vibrations over the wire to cause the Emg & diaphram to speak plainly the word this=5 by this means no difficulty will be had in obtaining the hissing consonants and as the breaks whieeels & contact springs may be arranged in any form and as many as required used the overtones harmonics of the parts of speech can easily be obtained turn this over in your mind Mr E & hoop it upPage 361
Speaking Telegh which prints automattically the speech6
Each resonater is tuned to respond to any particular it may be adjusted to open & close an Electric circuit & thus control the type writer or there may be bunched together 25 chemical recording points like my perforator and these poiressing on paper the resonators will control which shall print the letters=7 Ben Butler suggested strings at 5 ave Hotel in presence of Leonarda Myers & his stenographer = n[o] g[ood]=
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., Vol. 11:110, 105, 107, 109, 108 (TAEM 3:982, 977, 979, 981, 980). Document multiply signed and dated. aObscured overwritten letters.
1. Accounts of Bell’s early telephone demonstrations indicate that his telephones had difficulty in reproducing these speech sounds. Bell 1876, 8; Bruce 1973, 189; Scientific American Supplement, 10 Feb. 1877, Cat. 1240, item 59, Batchelor (TAEM 94:24).
2. See Doc. 708 (fig. 14).
3. Figure labels are “spk”; and (clockwise from upper right) “200,” “Hissing Consonant tube,” “vowell tube,” “50 cells,” “500,” “10,” and “500.” Both batteries are labeled with their carbon poles toward the diaphragms and zinc poles toward the line.
4. Figure labels are “Line,” “spk,” and ‘“Sh .”‘
5. During his harmonic telegraph experiments conducted in 1875 and 1876 Edison developed “acoustic engines” that used break wheels to transmit high-frequency signals (Doc. 708 n. 13). Edison received U.S. Patent 198,087 (executed 9 May 1876) for one of these devices. In Page 3621875 Elisha Gray had produced vowel sounds and groaning noises using break wheel cams on a shaft driven by a belt. Gray 1977, 52-53; see also Doc. 964.
6. Figure labels are “H[elmholtz] Resonator” and “Typewriter.” Cf. claim 3 in Doc. 708.
7. Cf. Doc. 709 (fig. 9).
Charles Batchelor to James Batchelor
[Menlo Park,] May 28th [187]7
Dear Father.
Just a line to tell you we are all well. We are right in the middle of spring and having nice weather. The country looks beautiful. This is what they call Locust Year here as the 17 year locusts appear this year, and already there seems to be any quantity of them around. We find lots of snakes round here, we have killed no less than 10 Black snakes about 6 feet long already this spring. There is also good shooting in the woods here.1 Your last letter was marked Newark; Menlo Park is 16 miles from Newark. We have a nice lot of vegetables planted this year. I hope you have got to like your change by this time & that its effect on your health is beneficial I know it will suit mother and the girls. We have now got the ‘Electric Pen’ fairly out on Royalty and in a very short time I shall have nothing whatever to do for it except receive my share of Royalty. We are now putting on the wires a machine which sends 6a six messages over the wire at the same time we call it the Sextuplex. We shall put it on royalty. Rosa unites with me in love to mother and girls & believe me Your affectionate Son
ALS (letterpress copy), NjWOE, Batchelor, Cat. 1238:125 (TAEM 93:122). aCircled.
1. Batchelor’s diary records occasional walks as well as other hunting expeditions in the woods. E.g., Cat. 1233:125, Batchelor (TAEM 94:115).
From Thomas David
Pittsburgh, May 29th 1877.a
Friend Edison—
I have been making some investigations in the varnish business, and am frank to say that I believe you can do better with your discovery by disposing of it to some of the larger concerns in the business East—1 From what I have learned, and it is reliable information, oneb wants to be near the seaboard Page 363to successfully compete with those already in the business— I will tell you what I should do if it were mine; I should endeavor to make contracts with the larger manufacturers to furnish them with varnish at a certain price, leaving them to invest the capital necessaryc to carry the stock the length of time varnish requires to be carried—
The party with whom I have been ind incommunicationb with was in the business for a great many years— He says, however, that the process of manufacture was not hard, nor lengthy— however, if by your process it is done without fire, and is rapid there are decided advantages— The black color given the varnish results from burning, or it may come from the adulterations now largely in use—
How does all this compare with the information you have been able to get? Yours truly
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:65). Letterhead of the Central District and Printing Telegraph Co. a“Pittsburgh,” and “187” preprinted. bObscured overwritten letters. cInterlined above. dInserted.
1. For what is known of Edison’s “discovery” see Docs. 872 and 915. David had visited Menlo Park on 10 May and discussed “the Damar waterproofing and varnishing & he agreed to go in & give half profit Electro Chemical Mfg Co & keep ½ profit to himself” (Cat. 1233:130, Batchelor [TAEM 90:118]). On 17 May, David had written Edison, saying, “It occurs to me to say, that if you have not taken out patent for that Copal discovery, you would be wise not to— It should be far easier to keep the thing secret, than to find parties who might infringe” (DF [TAEM 14:59]).
2. Thomas B. A. David (b. 1836) entered telegraphy as a messenger at the age of thirteen, becoming an operator three years later. He subsequently managed a telegraph office in Wheeling, Va. (later West Virginia), and served as a captain of the United States Military Telegraph there during the Civil War. After the war David returned to his home in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he served as superintendent of the Fourth District of the Western Union Telegraph Co. Central Division. Around 1869 he became associated with the Central District and Printing Telegraph Co. in Pittsburgh. Plum 1882. 2:145-46; Reid 1879, 563.
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] May 31st 1877
Speaking Telegraph 50 Cells Callaud Battery Experiments to determine the availability of Plumbago mixed with different substances for a disc which by variable pressure shall give us variable resistance.1 5 gramme weight has piece of platina on it 9/16 diameter. The blocks are all 1 in thickPage 364
| 5 gramme weight | 1 lb & 5 gram | thickness | |
| 1 Pure Plumbago | 75 ohms | 75 ohm | 5/8in |
| 2a Plumbago 66:6. Gelatin33. | over 10,000 ohms | 200. | ½ |
| 3 Plumbago 66. Gum Damar2 & Linseed Oil 33b | 200 | 75 | 5/8 |
| On a second test of 2 Plumbago 66 Gelatin | 2,000 | ½ | |
| On a third test of 2 Plumbago 66 & Gelatin 33 | 1400 | 400 | ½ |
| 4 Plumbago 66 Plast. Paris 33 | over 10,000 | 100 | very sensitive!!!c |
| Ditto Second test | over 10,000 | 100 | ½ |
| This has more than 10,000 probably 20,000 ohms | |||
| 5 Plumbago ⅔ Collodion ⅓ | 100 | 100 | ½ |
| 6—Plumbago ½ Sulphur ½ | overb 10,000 | 2100 | 7/8 |
| 7—Plumbago ⅔ Isinglass3 Amn ⅓ | |||
| Dissolved in Acetic Acidd | 400 | 100 | 5/8 |
| 8 Plumbago ½ Sugar ½ | overb 10,000 | 100 | 1 in |
| 9 Plumbago ⅔ Tragacanth ⅓ | 200 | 30 | |
| 10 Plumbago ⅔ Glue ⅓ | overb 10,000 | 400 | |
| This is exceedingly variable sometimes a very 10 000 then goes to 1000 | |||
| 11 Plumbago ⅔ Sulphur ⅓ | |||
| This has probably 100,000 ohms with 5 gm and about 10 000 ohms with 1 lb 5 gramme sometimes by a little pressure it can be brought down to 2 or 300 ohms but it is not reliable | |||
| 12 |
T. A Edisonc
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 11311-114-11 (TAEM 11:281). Written by Batchelor. Several numerical entries preceded and/or followed by dashes of varying length. aFrom here to “third test of 2” entry spanned by brace in left margin. bInterlined above. cMultiply underlined. d“Dissolved in Acetic Acid” einterlined below. eName written by Batchelor on first page; signed on second page.
1. This document marks the beginnings of a systematic search to find the best binder and form for plumbago cakes to use in the telephone transmitter. The extensive tests, almost all recorded by Charles Batchelor, continued into the summer. Although the surviving record is fragmentary, it does indicate the scope of the work. On 20 June, Edison and Batchelor listed 151 substances the staff had tested (the compounds in this document are not on that list). On 24 June the staff listed 7 more Page 365(Edison’s Exhibits 164-11-168-11, 172-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:319-23, 325]). See Docs. 928, 937, 941, and 945.
2. Usually spelled “dammar,” this is a tropical resin similar to copal. In April 1877 the staff had pressed this and several other substances into cakes in a one-inch-diameter die and had used it in their attempts to find a waterproof varnish. Cat. 1317:35; Cat. 1233:130; both Batchelor (TAEM 90:674, 113).
3. Isinglass is a fine gelatin usually made from the air bladders of fish (particularly sturgeon).
Birmingham May 1877
Dear Sir
As you know I contracted with Mr. J. F. Gloyn to purchase your patent for the Electric Pen for Gr Britain but I never had the pleasure of having any correspondence with you or matters would have perhaps gone more pleasantly
I never knew the exact merits of the transactions when they originated. Mr. Gloyn I had known a considerable time & after he went to America he sent me one of your pens & said he had an offer of the patent from you & he wished me to join him in acquiring the English patent.
after many troubles in printing (as then I only had the first purple analine ink) I found I could print well with a different Ink & Roller & I cabled Mr. Gloyn to close an arrangement— which replied he had done— We passed many letters on the mode of dealing but I could not agree to his proposition but finally after agreeing with my friend Mr. J. R Breckon to join me in the purchase we sent over Mr. Ireland to settle with you which he reported he had done after considerable difficulty but as I could not obtain any satisfactory information from either side & the assignment was made according to arrangement I did not trouble about what had passed, but lately it occurred to me that representations had been made which might give you wrong impressions regarding me and my position as regards your patent here & I thought I would write you a few lines of explanation—
Before he went out (Mr. Ireland) we had a pow[er of ?]a attorney prepared, signed by myself & Mr Breckon authorizing him to act for us both— My [power?]a was accidentally left behind but I had written fully to Mr. Gloyn & authorized him to permit the name of Mr Breckon alone to appear in the deed In that Mr. Ireland had sufficient authority & I had advised Mr Gloyn he would come out & would act for me & Mr Breckon— I heard subsequently he said he had nothing to do Page 366with me but had brought money to take up the patent & was acting for Mr. Breckon alone
To shew the truth of this Mr Ireland met me with Mr Breckon specially at Birm’m for final arrangements & we went to my Solicitors Mess Ryland, Martineau, & Carslake to have the regular papers drawn up It was Saturday & business greatly close at 2 pm but they staid till 4 oclock to complete this business & the document was sent to the American Consul for signature but he was absent & it had to be left till Monday & then followed a blunder so that Mr. Ireland did not get the power of Atty & went without it but it was really the only legal power by which he could act but Mr Gloyn being prepared dispensed with it & all you had to do was to complete your contract with Mr. Gloyn & receive your money—1
My connection with this business was very simple I recd copy of your contract to sell to Gloyn & his contract to sell to me— I agreed to purchase & then saw friends to join me but in the end agreed with Mr Breckon & I hold a moiety of the patent subject to Mr Breckons [moi—s?]b claims—
There are so many false things said that I wished to shew you at some time how matters had really stood— Accidentally some time since Mr Ireland said you had offered him your foreign patents; I at once wrote Mr Breckon & said Mr Ireland going out to represent us as agent ought not to deal with matters connected for his own benefit & I should expect to participate in anything that took place but I have not heard if anything further has been done but I should be glad to know how this stands if you have offered the patents to above and what has been done
I may say matters have not been carried on here to my satisfaction Mr Ireland has been manager but I should think the business has been about a tenth of what an American man of business would have done here & as I understand has been done in your country—2 It has been a disappointment to me as I expected good results for the pen is a wonderfully perfect instrument though the printing is faulty & slow but with energy & push I consider 10 times as much could have done if money money & energy had been used—
I was pleased to read of your improvement on the Telephone— The progress of science is marvellous in all directions
Your Country means to turn the tables on us & instead of we supplying you we have your various manufacturers coming in here of all kinds & they seem to be able to compete successfully— Page 367The production of Bessemer Steel has been marvellous the last year especially. I hold three fourths in Mushet’s patent 3 which practically controlled the process but we did not play our cards well & only get a percentage [of?]a what we ought to have got. Still we received Royal[ties?]a last year nearly £5000 but at our first scale it would be ha[ve?]a realized £250,000 Sterling for the one year— Bessemer [---]a £2. put in & made an enormous fortune in ten Years, in whi[ch?]a we ought to have participated but for our accidental loss [of?]a the patent— I shall be glad at your convenie[nce?]a to have a few lines— I am Dear Sir Yours truly
I exhibited “The Pen” at a Conversazione of the Royal Society,4 where it was received with distinguished success. I also exhibited it at the Society of Telegraph Engineers two consecutive meetings,5 & at the Society of Arts, the Royal Institution, Brm’m & Midland Institute 4 evenings, Iron & Steel Institute Leeds—
The Secretary to the Treasury wrote me for specimens of the work done by the pen & particulars as they are investigating the best mode of multiplying copies of writings &c—
It ought to have a large sale & will eventually but it requires very energetic management with no lack of funds & some one acquainted with & fitted for business— There is a press newly brought out which Mr Breckon says will print 1000 per hour good copies—
I know very little of it at present as I am rather at impass with him about certain arrangements—
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:397). aDocument damaged. bInterlined above; illegible.
1. On 23 June 1876 Lemuel Serrell had advised Edison:
The British Ass[ignmen]t is all right except that you should not guarantee to defend the patent.... You should have from Mr Gloyn a paper showing that you are relieved from any question on Clares rights, that he Gloyn alone has to carry out the arrangement with Clare so that Clare cannot come on you for not recognizing a right you know he is entitled to. [DF (TAEM 13:1032)]
The assignment has not been found, but Edison discussed it in a 29 June 1876 letter to Breckon. DF ( TAEM 13:1035).
2. There were at least some sales of the pen. In mid-June, Oxford mathematics don Charles Dodgson—better known as Lewis Carroll— bought one through a stationer. He used it for drawings, multiple correspondence, and examination papers, and was quite taken with it. Cohen 1976.Page 368
3. Clare provided the financial backing for Robert Mushet, who devised the manganese process that made Bessemer’s steel-making system practical. McHugh 1980, 148, 162,183.
4. See Doc. 748. The Royal Society of London, the leading general scientific society in Great Britain, would occasionally host an informal social evening for members where some scientific or technical items of note might be displayed or demonstrated. These receptions, like similar ones held by other technical and scientific societies, were regularly reported in the scientific and technical press of the world.
5. A report of a conversazione of the Society of Telegraph Engineers held in January 1877 noted that Edison’s electric pen, exhibited by the Electric Writing Co., was “one of the most popular objects in the whole exhibition.” Sci. Am. Supplement 3 (1877): 909; see also Doc. 748 n. 7.
Article in the Journal of the Telegraph
New York, June 1, 1877
Edison’s pressure relay.
Mr. Edison has recently invented an ingenious and novel relay instrument, based upon an entirely new principle. He takes advantage of the property which plumbago possess of decreasing its resistance enormously under slight pressure. Thin discs of that material are placed upon the cupped poles of an electro-magnet, (see diagram), the coils of which have several hundred ohms resistance.
Upon the discs of plumbago is laid the armature which is provided with a binding post for clamping the local battery wire.
The cores of the magnet, the plumbago discs, and the armature are included in a local circuit, which also contains an ordinary sounder and several cells of bichromate battery. The relay magnet is inserted in the main line in the usual manner. The operation is as follows: When the main circuit is opened the attraction for the armature ceases, and the only pressure upon the plumbago discs is due to the weight of the armature itself. With this pressure only the resistance of the plumbago to the passage of the local current amounts to several hundred ohms; with this resistance in the local circuit the sounder remains open. If now the main circuit be closed, a powerful attraction is set up between the poles of the relay magnet and its armature, causing a great increase in the pressure upon the plumbago discs, and reducing its resistance from several hundred to several ohms, consequently the sounder closes. So far Page 369 the result differs but little from the ordinary relay and sounder. But the great difference between this relay and those in common use, and its value, rests upon the fact that it repeats or translates from one circuit into another, the relative strengths on the first circuit. For instance, if a weak current circulates upon the line in which the relay magnet is inserted, the attraction for its armature will be small, the pressure upon the plumbago discs will be light, consequently a weak current will circulate within the second circuit; and on the contrary, if the current in the first circuit be strong, the pressure upon the plumbago discs will be increased, and in proportion will the current in the second circuit be increased. No adjustment is ever required. It is probably the only device yet invented which will allow of the translation of signals of variable strengths, from one circuit into another, by the use of batteries in the ordinary manner. This apparatus was designed by Mr. Edison for repeating acoustical vibrations of variable strengths in his speaking telegraph, a description of which we shall shortly publish.
PD, J. Teleg. 10(1877): 163.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] June 1 1877.
Sextuplex2
The object of the Electromagnets X at both ends is to create the same conditions upon the artificial as there is on the line, and it is impossible to obtain an accurate balance unless the 2 relays of X are inserted to counteract the effect of the 2 Receiving relays at the othera station & vice versa=Page 370
Pretty fair but reversals touch X
wks like a partial failure
Dont better it much=
This works splendid Scarcely a bug in it Besides its very simple. 3 Page 371
I think a repeating sounder better be put in as owing to 150 relay working sounder not shunted gives light writing whereas 50 shunting sounder his writing comes heavy hence although no bugs the writing would be uneven by reason of different strengths producing the sound the Repeating Sounder would obviate this I putt repeating sounder in but It gave bks I then put in Duplex spg sounder & that worked better scarcely bug but its no great if any impvt on straight sounder with static off line 4500 ohms full condr It works quite even & prompt with scarcely a bug=4
Putting .G. in dont appear to make it any better. =
Try this
Not very good cant wk close enough adjstments without points sticking
p[--]t5b pvntc fct f rvrsls6 Page 372
This I think works the best yet the only bug noticed is when 50 man 7 is open every few seconds the sounder gives a closure for an instant. There is some defect pbly in the manipulation of the current. Best bug trap yet for Sexty=8
This dont work as well as X cos n wks too quick for the repeating sounder
good9
This dont appear to work very well although the reversals dont effect No 210 100 man’s doesPage 373
This appears to give a short wave to Sounder when 1 is open & No 2 100= after closing is opened = Reversals effect it also alone when 2 is closed=
This is about same thing as X on preceding page11 except only 1 Relay used12
Reversing transmitters13
T A Edison
Page 375X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:614, 612, 613, 616, 615, 618, 617). Document multiply signed and dated. aObscured overwritten letters. bCanceled. cInterlined above.
1. See headnote, p. 280
2. This drawing is labeled sextuplex but only a quadruplex circuit is shown.
3. Figure labels are “50” and “150.”
4. After “straight sounder” the physical arrangement of the text does not clearly indicate either the referent or breaks in thought.
5. Figure labels above are “50,” “or this added,” and “150.”
6. That is, “prevent effect of reversals.” Figure label on following drawing is “150.”
7. The “50 man” is the operator on the key that uses a signal strength of 50.
8. Figure labels are “spgy” and “n.”
9. Figure labels are “150” and “50.”
10. This and other similar designations are missing from the drawings.
11. That is, the drawing that precedes “This I think works the best yet.”
12. Figure labels are “centering Spg.” and “Rubber back.”
13. Several of the following figures have the labels “G[round] w[ire],” “G,” “E,” and “Line.” Edison drew configurations for other reversing transmitters around this time. See drawings of 18 and 19 May and 5 June 1877, NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:591, 595, 599).
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] June 2nd 1877
Speaking telegraph
Tried our new speaker made of cast iron cylinder with diaphragm 6 in on solid iron base and plumbago disc 1 in diameter but it evidently is not so good as former experiments with less diaphragms so
We put in aa instrument with 1⅜ diaphragm and got better results
This with pure plumbago1 was good2
This with Plumbago & sugar no better
This with Plumbago & Sulphur no good at all
This with Plumbago & Isinglass3 best yet
We now took away cylinder from receiver & left the diaphragm standing & found we received better4
We now put back Plumbago & Isinglass in large diaphragm sender but no good at all—5
T. A. Edisona
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 116-11, 115-11 (TAEM 11:284, 283). Written by Batchelor. aWritten by Batchelor; re-signed “Edison” by Edison.Page 376
1. At the end of the month Batchelor noted that the laboratory now had “Pure Plumbago $1 per lb. previous plumbago used by us only 6¢ per lb greatly adulterated.” Edison’s Exhibits 172-11, 120-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:325, 285) (Edison’s Exhibit 120-11, of 26 June, is misdated 6 June).
2. Unlike the earlier resistance tests of plumbago mixtures (Doc. 924), here the staff evaluated the mixtures in an actual transmitter. In these experiments, which continued through 26 June (Edison’s Exhibits 120-11-121-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:285]; Edison’s Exhibit 120-11 is misdated), the plumbago mixture was pressed into the shape of a cylinder with a small bump or “tit” on one end (as shown in Doc. 937). Edison drew plumbago in this shape on 7 June and noted additionally that “with the plumbago fine points the diaphragm ought to be faced with platina” (Vol. 11:127, Lab. [TAEM 11:992]). The cylinder was apparently held against the diaphragm by an adjustable screw; later the staff added a spring (Edison’s Exhibits 181-11, 184-11, 187-11, TI 2 [ TAEM 11:334.337, 340]).
3. On 7 June, Edison again recorded the superiority of the plumbago-isinglass mixture in a lab notebook. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:628).
4. The tests apparently used a Bell-type magneto receiver until 25 June, when Batchelor noted that “starting these experiments today we replaced the receiver with the wooden sounding box one [i.e., the electromotograph].” Edison’s Exhibit 187-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:340).
5. The next surviving record of these tests is Doc. 937.
From George Caldwell
Phila June 3rd [1877]
T A Edison
As you are aware we have met with a failure financially1 the business was outragous and up to the present time I am out nearly $300. I thought it best to come while I had money enough to pay the fares home. I have however not givin up the telephone, but will work it different I will now try to make arrangements for Exhibitions for churches for a certainty and in the fall take the road again Business was $26 in Reading expenses $76. but when we got to Lancaster 85 cents was the sum total in the house at 8 P.M. we didnt show there but got out of town as soon as possible. Charlie will tell you all the particulars I shall remain in Phila a few days and try and arrange for a chance to show the telephone.2
The telephone worked very successfully and gave great satisfaction we started out too late the weather is too hot for amusements—
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:778).Page 377
1. A flyer, prepared by electric pen, advertising one of their telephone concert programs is in Cat. 1240:175, Batchelor (TAEM 94:54).
2. Caldwell did not exhibit the telephone again. In July, when Edward Johnson began a series of exhibitions (see Doc. 967), Caldwell wrote to Edison asking why he had not been included and seeking instruments to exhibit overseas. Caldwell to TAE, 12 July 1877, DF (TAEM 14:816).
From Josiah Reiff
New York, June 4th 1877a
My dear Edison—
I know I am “a squezed orange,” “an old worn out coat” or an equally valuable relic, still whenever you have an absolutely idle moment you might call down & see if I still live—
Notwithstanding Lowrey saidb I intended to Blackmail Orton, You can be sure I wont attempt to blackmail you, so come along. Occasionally I have something to tell you—
I have been quite unwell & lame, but am better now & hope to spend an evening with you soon. Yours
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:689). Letterhead of J. C. Reiff. a“New York,” and “187” preprinted. bObscured overwritten letters.
Notebook Entry: Electromagnetism
[Menlo Park,] June 6th 1877
Induction of Magnets1
41
In the diagram 41 A is a drum carrying chemical paper (preferably Edison’s solution of Ferridcyanide of Potassium and salt as it is exceedingly sensitive and permanent) B. C. D are resistances in three sides of a Wheatstone bridge B and D being equal and of high resistance and C being equal to the magnet to be tested which is placed at X E is a Morse Key and F a battery.
If Xa were plain resistance there would be no mark on either pen on opening or closing E, the bridge being balanced, but being a magnet it sets up a current itself which circulates in Page 378circuit H, J, G, overbalancing the main current and obliging a part of it equal in volume to itself to pass through the bridge wire & in doing so it leaves its mark (either positive or negative) on one or other pen. On opening the key the magnet discharges in the same circuit HJG but in the opposite direction and leaves its direct mark on the other pen.
Thus with this device we have on closing, a mark produced by the exact equivalent of the current set up by the magnet and on opening we have the same magnet’s direct mark for its own discharge.
These marks have pecularities which determine for us decisively the action of magnets during their charge and discharge Thus when an ordinary 126 ohm relay is put in at X and the cores adjusted to touch the armature the closing of key or charging of magnet will give a mark like A and on opening one like B
42
Now when the armature is adjusted sea little away from the cores there is not so much difference in the marks and when the armature is entirely away the marks come equal for both opening and closing as at C, D, fig 42. 2
X, NjWOE, Batchelor, Cat. 1317:38 (TAEM 90:676). Written by Charles Batchelor. aObscured overwritten letter.
1. These experiments were apparently done in connection with sextuplex experiments. On the same day Edison proposed to use an induction magnet as a bug trap for the sextuplex by setting up an inductive current equal to that of the magnet in the main line as a means of bridging over the interval of no magnetism at the moment of reversal. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:626).
2. A set of notes from 25 July 1877 describes further experiments with magnetic induction using this setup (NS-77-004, NS-Undated-005, both Lab. [TAEM 7:693; 8:229-31]). A Batchelor scrapbook contains two strips of chemical paper dated June 1877 that show the “difference of inductive effect on opening and closing a circuit when the armature is close up and far away” (Cat. 1240, item 194, Batchelor [TAEM 94:60]).
Notebook Entry: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] Wednes. June 6th 1877.
Speaking Telegraph
Our speaking telegraph as now improved is far plainer and better than Bell’s. The apparatus at present consists of a speaker a receiver and a morse key and sounder1
413
424
The speaker is shown in Fig 422 and consists of a bent tube having a mouthpiece at one end and an adjustable diaphragm Ia at the other. This diaphragm I when set in motion by a person speaking in the end of tube strikes agains[t]b the point of adjusting post H this point is made of compressed plumbago and isinglass which has the property of altering the resistance of circuit when pressed with variable strength, as is done by the diaphragm when vibrated by talking3 This variousable resistance in our circuit gives us the articulation of the wordsounds.
Our receiver is a special form of Edison’s Electromotograph, the stylus being fixed to a resonant box. The arrangement of our circuit is thus:—
45
A Battery.
B Plumbago
C Speaking tube with diaphragm
D Receiving pressure lever
E Receiving drum
In the receiving end we find yet that Sulphate of Soda is the best solution to work with. We find that this tube does not give us such sounds as are accompanied by stress of air such as P, B, Sh, Th, etc and for this we have devised a new attachment as we believe that the stress of air carries the diaphragm forward and holds it from vibrating freely.4
46.
Our means for getting these Sh & Th vibrations is shown in 46 we cut a hole in the top of tube and put a pair of lips Page 380over it as at A above this and immediately between we stretch a piece of rubber or parchment or copper foil; when talking in the tube all notes that have a stress of air with them come up through the lips and vibrate the blade of copper like blowing on the edge of a blade of grass and the other sounds will not affect it by this means we got good results.
A double, combined transmitter-electromotograph receiver with a Morse key and sounder.
X, NjWOE, Batchelor, Cat. 1317:39 (TAEM 90:676). Written by Batchelor. aInterlined above. bPage trimmed.
1. The transmitter and receiver are one unit; the Morse key and sounder can be seen in drawings from the following day (Edison’s Exhibit 130-11, TI2 [TAEM 11:288]). The several 7 June drawings of this instrument include alternative designs and electrical connections. There is also a Batchelor drawing of the pattern for the transmitter stand, which he may have given Joseph Murray to use in making the four transmitter-receivers Edison ordered from Murray on 11 June (Vol. 11:122-29, Lab. [ TAEM 3:987-94]; Murray’s Testimony, TI 1:362-63 [TAEM 11:158]). In two diary entries probably discussing this instrument, Batchelor wrote (on 6 June), “Worked on Speaker today, we now got it so that we consider it fit to be put on a line and shall now proceed to make 2 instruments alike to try it on a circuit”; and, two weeks later, “Took the Speaker Instrument for private lines to Murrays to make four” (Cat. 1233:157, 171, Batchelor [TAEM 90:131, 138]). The final design of this instrument (Doc. 962) was not completed until 10 July as Batchelor continued to work at the laboratory and at Joseph Murray’s shop, designing alternatives for such components as the drive mechanism for the electromotograph paper feed (Vol. 11:138, Lab. [ TAEM 3:997]; Cat. 1233:172-91, Batchelor [TAEM 90:139-48]; Edison’s Exhibit 146-11, TI 2, and Murray’s Exhibit Drawing, TI 2:608 [TAEM 11:301, 728]; see also headnote, p. 427).
Charles Batchelor’s drawing of a design for the paper-feed mechanism of the combined transmitter-electromoto-graph receiver.
2. That is, Fig. 44.
3. See Doc. 928.
4. See Doc. 921.
From Robert Morris
[Boston,] June 8 18771 a
Edison
Heard you very distinctly with your pole changer at rest but cant anything on 3d side during your reversals 2
Page 381L (telegram), NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:690). Message form of Western Union Telegraph Co. a“1877” preprinted.
1. This is one of two telegrams from Robert Morris on this date; he sent another the following day. Morris was in Boston to assist Edison in tests of his sextuplex system on Western Union wires. C. W. Henderson, chief operator in Boston, also appears to have been involved in the tests. Although instruments were left in both New York and Boston after 9 June, the tests did not resume and Edison abandoned work on the system in early July. Morris to TAE, 8 and 9 June 1877 and n.d.; C. W. H[enderson?] to TAE, 9 June 1877; C. W. H[enderson?] to Alfred Downer, 12 July 1877; Alfred Downer to TAE, n.d.; David Downer to Alfred Downer, n.d.; all DF (TAEM 14:690-91, 700, 745, 1024-25); “Echoes from 197,” Operator, 15 June 1877, 9.
Edison’s sketch of a sextuplex instrument setup.
2. Undated drawings on the backs of Western Union forms show different arrangements of transmitting instruments, probably for these tests. Other drawings, from 26 May, are probably related to these tests, as are three pages of drawings made at the Western Union office on 6 Page 382and 8 June. There are also three pages of Edison’s notes from the tests, written on the back of Western Union forms. NS-Undated-005, NS-77-004, both Lab. (TAEM 8:333, 335, 374; 7:667-68, 679-82]); Supp. 11, 1877(TAEM 97:583).
3. Robert Morris, senior chief and mechanical engineer of the operating room at Western Union headquarters in New York, had been sent to Boston on 4 June to assist in setting up and conducting the sextuplex tests. Reid 1886, 732; Stockton Griffin to TAE, 4 June 1877, DF (TAEM 14:689); “Echoes from 197,” Operator, 15 June 1877, 9.
Technical Note: Autographic Printing
[Menlo Park,] June 10 1877
Autographic Printing
Autographic Stencil press—Continuous Roll printing
I have tried the stencil on a Gordon press1 with a cloth but this dont give good printing = I propose to put a train of rollers which are to take the place of the prRegular roller on the Gordon press & roll instead of pressing=
I write on a high hard sized paper with arsenic [acid]a or Acetate of Manganese, this di[ ]a sizing & allows ink to pass through giv[ing?]a many impressions=
I claim writing on proper paper with arsen[ic]a acid or acetate of manganese & filing the swellied up writing with gum for the use of the blind=Page 383
By this arrangement you move the paper instead of the pen2
The pen may be arranged to rotate the shaft & on the tube at the top is the cam which serves to reciprocate the needle=
I propose to coat hard rubber with a conducting substance for static electricity & write on it with a point thus bearing the hard rubber I then propose to electrify it and hold it over powdered dry aniline or Lamp black & take impressions from it, or coat rubber with a conducting substance write on a peice of paper with a substance which when pressed on the rubber will take off the conducting substance & leave rubber bear ready for electrifying3
I just tried regular thick printers ink with a stencil I find that with rolling its too sticky but will work by pressure=
Make a vibrating pen vibrated with a magnet to write this way
Electric Pen
music drawer several needles4
Pantograph with Electric pen
Works well.5
I have a new process for Duplicating and it works well I take hard sized paper coat it with wax on one side, cold then write with a point. This scratches the wax away where you write. I then wet a pad with aniline ink & lay it on the wax side by wettingb the sheet thus waxed on the other side, the ink comes through where the wax is gone & any no of dups can be takenPage 385
I propose to write with an amalgam of Mercury & sodium lay this on a smooth iron plate, and it will amalgamate the iron where written.’ I thenb connect iron to zinc of a battery & moisten my paper in Ferridcyanide potassium salt Lay it on iron & over this another metal plateb connected to the carbon pole of a battery, the amMercury will prevent the iron reaction & I get white letters on a blue background
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-002 (TAEM 7:432). Document multiply signed and dated. aDocument damaged. bObscured overwritten letters, c“where written” interlined above.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] June 11, 1877
Sextuplex=2a
Experiment No 1
With 7 m[icro]f[arads]. I do not get any better kick on X than with ¾ mf on 72 sheets3 connected thusPage 386
No 2
besides putting the Condenser as in No 1 it makes a bigger no magnetism time than in No. 2. therefore the Quad on Bosn is not good=
With the 7 mf condensers the effect on A is to cause writing to come heavier by reason of the slight magnetism thrown in B by the Condenser current on opening & quickening it on closing I find that with end of condenser at .X. instead of X the writing is lighter. Therefore the heaviness cannot be attributed solely to the whifs of magnetism in .B. probably the discharge or effect of the Condensers on the magnet would be to make tailing and this would explain it together with the whifs of magnetism, the amount of Condenser charge or discharge with when operating by rise & fall of tension in exceedingly weak in comparison with that due to reversals perhaps 1 /40 to 1/75th part as strong, even with No 2 of 150 cells No 1 the current barely moves the armature. I find that with the 50 cell No 1 the effect of permanent magnetism in the relays has very bad effect and with the top magnet arrangement I have the writing is rendered lighter when reversals are sent but you can get writing good at 40 or 50, in the front point even when rapidly reversed. Tried this the other night & it appeared to work when I had Condenser getting its current by a shunt around a 400 ohm short core relay but with the above arranged the relay .C being in the line & D4 in the Condenser ckt the reversal shewed
Reversing through a relay without opening5
T A Edison
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:639,637,636,638). Document multiply signed and dated. aSeparated from following text by horizontal line.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Edison had found his quadruplex required condensers in service on regular telegraph lines. On 10 June, following the tests of 8 and 9 June, he first drew sextuplex circuits employing condensers. He experimented with such circuits over the next several days. NS-77-004, Lab. (TAEM 7:634-45).
3. See Doc. 768 n. 7.
4. No figure labels “C” or “D” appear in the drawing.
5. Figure labels are “out”; “do”; and, in the drawing with labels of “Ground” and “Line,” “100” and “200” are below the left magnet coil, “300” below the right coil. Edison wrote the numbers “200,” “100,” “50,” “200,” and “000” to the right.
Frotn Edward Johnson
New York, June 12th 1877.a
My Dear Edison
Phillips1 Director of Telegraphs at the Centennial and now at the Permanent Exhibition in Philada came on to see you here— failing I took him in charge & after full talk came to this agreement— That if you will furnish me with a complete set of Telephone apparatus I will take it to Phila & give a series of concerts2 under the Centen PAuspices of the Exhibition folks. Phillips will furnish all the wire & Batterys needed—
Now the question is what will it cost to do so. This I could not tell him—but told him that I was just preparing to go to Phila for a few weeks & would be glad enough to engineer this thing for him at a moderate rate of compensation—
What will you charge me for the use of the Instruments for this purpose—that is to say what proportion of what I can get out of them would you want for your share— The auspices are good—as the Exhibition folksb will themselves make the arrangement & Prof Barker3 will “do” the scientific—
If this should be a success one of the Interested parties willb want me to go elsewhere (say to the watering places)4 with it under his patronage I think this is a first rate way opportunityc to bring this thing before the Public in the right manner I expect to see Prof Barker at the Stevens Institute tomorrow eve. & If you will advise me meantime that it will be agreeable I will ask him out to Menlo to see you (& it)
I want also to see the “Speaker”5 as I am quite sure a good market can be had for it for Private Lines at once
Will you be in tomorrow
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:781). Letterhead of J. C. Reiff. a“New York,” and “187” preprinted. bObscured overwritten letters. cInterlined above.
1. William Phillips displayed a printing telegraph (patented jointly with W. P. Phelps). A long-time telegrapher, Phillips was superintendent of the Philadelphia Fire Alarm Telegraph and general manager of the American District Telegraph Co. of Philadelphia. U.S. Centennial Commission 1880, 452; Reid 1879, 460; Obituary, Elec. W. 19 (1892): 391; American District Telegraph Co. of Philadelphia Minutebook, DSI-NMAH.
2. See Doc. 929 n. 2.
3. George Barker was professor of physics at the University of Pennsylvania (TAEB 2:328 n. 8). He and Johnson visited Menlo Park on 16 June (Cat. 1233:167, Batchelor [TAEM 90:136]; see also Edison’s Exhibit 147-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:302]).
4. That is, spas and health resorts.Page 390
5. Johnson is referring to the speaking (as opposed to the musical) telephone.
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] June 13 1877
Speaking Telegraph
Tests of pressed plumbago and other substances to see which is best for speaking.
The sticks pressed are this size1
Pure Plumbago— some buckling accompanies it when adjusted at any distance from diaphragm— call it 100—2a very difficult to understand an unknown sentence although it sounds well when you know the sentence before hand
15 grammes Plumbago & 2 grammes isinglass good about 100 110
〈No 93〉3b 15 Gr Plumbago & 6 Gramme Dextrine4 about 110— Articulation pretty good
15 Gr Plumbago & 2 gram Coach Body Varnish articulation fair but inconstant about 108 〈No 90〉c
〈No 87〉 15 Gram of Plumbago and 2 gram Resin dissolved in alcohol good work about 115d
〈No 84〉c 15 Grm Plumbago & 2 grm Isinglass dissolved in Acetic Acid pretty good about 115 Still it seems to be inconstantd
We now put in another diaphragm made of shield brass with a small platina point in middle5
Unknown Plumbago mixture simply elegante at least 125— It now becomes necessary to find out what this combination is We believe it is Plumbago with a large proportion of Isinglass or Gelatin
〈No 94〉 [7 ?]f Gram 15— Plumbago & [-]f 2 g. RSoft Rubber dissolved in Bisulphide of Carbon very good at least 125 On this we got whistling and whispering perfectly
There is one difficulty yet and that is that the platina point on the diaphragm is too small, smaller than the tit on end of Plumbago This must be remediedg Page 391
〈No 85〉e 15 Plumbago & 2 Kaolin fair about 118 & seems to be a little variabled
〈88〉e 1s Plumbago & 2 Gelatin fair but only 115. It is not very loudh
〈No 89〉e 15 g. Plumbago & 2 g Tannin wheasy & rattling about 112d
〈No 86.〉 15. G. Plumbago & 4 salt— —95— very rattlyd
〈No 91〉e 15. G Plumbago & 2 Balsam Fir came rattly & then weakened right down— 104d
T A Edison
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 134-11, 136-11,135-11 (TAEM 11:290, 292, 291). Written by Batchelor; document multiply signed and dated, a“some ... 100—” interlined above. bAll marginalia written by Batchelor. cFollowed by “over” to indicate page turn. dFollowed by centered horizontal line. eUnderlined twice. fCanceled. gFollowed by broken double horizontal line. hFollowed by horizontal line.
1. On the manuscript this drawing is 17 mm X 6 mm.
2. In the tests of plumbago mixtures, which continued through the month, the cylinders were evaluated for clarity and consistency of articulation and for the durability of the “tit” on the end of the cylinder. Edison’s Exhibits 139-11-187-11 passim, TI 2 [TAEM 11:294-340]).
On 25 June the staff decided, “Hereafter we are going to test all for articulation by reading an article from Daily paper and if after the article is finished we get the sense of it we shall know how good our articulation is.” Edison’s Exhibit 186-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:339).
3. The staff apparently assigned these numbers to the compounds in the next few days (see Doc. 941).
4. A gummy adhesive, often used in paper, textiles, syrup, and beer.
5. See Doc. 928 n. 2.
Technical Note: Multiple Telegraphy 1
[Menlo Park,] June 14 1877
Sextuplex2
give 150 man3 the advantage in strength in mSounder magnet so a little excess of his current will neutralize self magnetism of S[ounder]. although this may not be essential.4 Page 392
This works well still the—bug is in there but this time its on opening before twas on closing The trouble is caused by the 50 relay having a light adjustment the addition of the 150 causes a permanent set on the Cores so that when all current is taken off that the lever of 50 dont fly away as soon as that of the 150. if 150 mag is adjusted so its retractile spg is of the same tension as that of 50 then its cores are further away & act quick = I see this effect by the local spark on 50 points Theoretically both levers ought to leave at once but the & no spark appear but as a spark does appear & [stick?]a on 50 point I infer that this lever is sluggish it should5 be theoretically
I am testing for bugs with chemical recording instrument.6
responds to 100 or 150 but not to 50 7
responds to 100 or 1508
Page 393X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:646). Document multiply dated. aIllegible.
1. See headnote, p. 280.
2. Figure labels are “50,” “150,” “100,” and “150.”
3. That is, the operator on the relay marked “150.”
4. Figure labels are “150” and “50.”
5. Edison probably meant “shouldn’t.”
6. Edison often compared the strength and duration of electrical impulses by the marks they would make if passed through the chemical recorder of his automatic telegraph system (e.g., Doc. 931).
7. Figure labels above are “150” and “50.”
8. Figure label of the drawing above is “50.” Figure labels below are “150” and “50,” and “Pressure relay.”
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] June 17, 1877
Speaking Telegraph
With the second tube & diaphram the talking comes in a higher key apparently an Octave higher & Adams says the sound given out when the diaphram strikes the plumbago is higher with speaking in the 2nd tube than when direct and the talking is not so good= by lengthening out the regular tube it appeared to come better but after careful tests the articulation was found to be inferior to the regular 8 inch tube=1a
This may work.2
T A Edison
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibit 155-11 (TAEM 11:310). ‘Followed by centered horizontal line.Page 394
1. Batchelor recorded these experiments as well (Edison’s Exhibit 147-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:302]). He was also busy with the continuing tests of plumbago mixtures (Edison’s Exhibits 147-11-154-11, TI 2 [TAEM 11:302-9]).
2. Figure labels are (top left) “spk” and (right) “spk—[shor?].” In the drawing at left the two sides of the transmitting diaphragm are insulated from each other. The diaphragm is placed at the end of a tapered resonant cavity and sends currents of opposite polarity (from the batteries labeled “N” and “P”) as it vibrates between two contact points. Cf. Doc. 920 n. 3.
From Henry Law
New York, June 18th 1877.a
Dr Sir
I have thought yr Electric Needle might be turned to account in cutting of foil on Glass by using instead of a needle point one a little on the chisel order, it would need to cut a smooth cut, clear thro’ the foil. I went to yr place in Church St\&\the Gent1 who saeemed to be in charge said he would give it a trial but he never did & I understand has now gone to Chicago. If you care to think of this & will make an appointment with me to meet you at yr place in this city at any day or& hour most convenient to you I will call on you & shew you what we want2 Yours truly
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:75). Letterhead of Glass Ornamenting Co. a“New York,” and “1877.” preprinted.
1. The Electric Pen Co. office was at 20 New Church St. Law may have been referring to Ezra Gilliland, who worked out of the office as general Eastern agent until leaving in mid-June. Electric pen circular, Cat. 593, Scraps. (TAEM 27:643); Charles Batchelor to Robert Gilliland, 21 Feb. 1877, Cat. 1238:81, Batchelor (TAEM 93:87); Doc. 952.
2. It is not known if they met, but Law did send Edison a piece of foiled glass (see Doc. 1130) and on 20 June Edison ordered an electric pen fixed with a “chisel for Tin foil glass” that was made the following day (NS-77-002, Lab. [TAEM 7:438]; Edison’s Exhibit 169-11, TI 2 [ TAEM 11:324]).
3. Little is known of Henry Law. He was probably associated with the New York Sand Blast Works, whose letterhead he used in his subsequent correspondence with Edison, and which made ornamental glass globes, signs, and other glass products. He may also have been associated with the Glass Ornamenting Co., whose letterhead he used for this letter.
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] June 18 1877
Speaking Telegraph
351 4 Plumbago 500/ mg Cyanide Copper. Strong but articulation about same as standard Plumbago 100 a Tit clean Got Whistling & Whispering but no articulationb
27 4 Plumbago 1 500/Cyanide Copper Articulation and strength good 129 a get any thing on that Tit cleanb
124 15 Plumbag 6 Flour. Very loud at first but after a little while working with it it went right down about 125a Tit clean—b
56 15 Plumbago 4 Carb Magnesia everything good articulation 129c Tit clean Whistling & Whispering good—b
41 4 Plumbago 2150/100 Iodine Articulation good 128a Tit clean Got Whispering & whistling clear wellb
126 4 Plumbago 2 Camphor— Camphor in Alcoholb This started off quick but it dwindled away Articulation when it came was 125a Tit cleanb
No 44 4 Plumbago 1 Iodine Articulation good about 128a Tit clean Whispering not very good It is a little inconstantb
No 71 4 Plumbago 2 Carbonate Magnesia Very good articulation 129—a Tit clean— This was very loud so much so that I had to have Jim speak low & then the articulation was beautiful I think perfectly constant The best tonight so far —c
No 89 68 Composition 15 4d Plumbago and 2 Tannin 250 mg Bisulpuret Tin— Very good articulation about 128 a Whispering good & whistling also Tit clean. I noticed that Tannin did not work well when we had it in before—b
No 125 Comp. 15 Plumbago 6 Dry Salt Very good articulation 128 a Whistling & Whispering good Tit perfectly cleanb
No. 89 Comp 15 Plumbago 2 Tannin— The articulation is good about 128 a got several sentences conseqcutively unknown— Tit not altered; best whispering we have had a little rattly—b
149 Comp 15 Plumbago 10 Rubber in BiSulp. Current exceedingly weak due no doubt to the great resistance from such an amount of Rubber Articulation very good but so low it could be heard with difficultyb
141 Comp 15 Plumbago 4 Rubber in Sulphide Carb. Tit clean Good articulation about 126 a Whispering distinctb Page 396
143 Comp 15 Plumbago 3 Rubber in Bisulph Very good I think best yet Articulation 129 a best on ordinary talking very good on Whispering & whistling Tit cleanb
144 Comp 15 Plumbago 6 Rubber Very good 128a Tit cleanb
146 Comp 15 Plumbago 1 Rubber Very good 129a Articulation— comes best when talking low but can be made to come good in any talking tit burned a little.b
145 Comp 15 Plumbago— 8 Rubber tit a little burned Articulation very good equal to 128 f
151 15 Plumbago 9 Rubberg Very constant articulation 129a Everything good Tit a little roughened This is the one Edison likes!!!h
No 148 15 Plumbago 7 Rubber Constant articulation 129c Bully good2 Tit very little altered—b
No. 61 154 Plumbago 1 Caustic Magnesia Bully. Articulation good constant strong Tit not altered 128f
No 82. 4 Plumbago 1 500/ mg Caustic Magnesia Good articulation 129c good strong Whistling Whispering very good Tit noti alteredb
80 4 Plumbago 250/ mg Caustic Magnesia Good articulation 129a every thing good Whistling & Whispering good excellent Tit perfectly cleanb
No. 94 15 Plumbago 2 Caoutchouc in BiSulph Tit a little roughened Very good about 128 —g
No 129 4 Plumbago 1 500/ Gelatin in H2O Not so good as best but 125a & generally goodb
Edison
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 15611-161-11 (TAEM 11:311). Written by Batchelor; document multiply signed and dated. aUnderlined twice. bFollowed by centered horizontal line. cMultiply underlined. dInterlined above. e“250 .. . Tin” interlined above.’Underlined twice; followed by centered horizontal line. g“15.. . Rubber” interlined above. hMultiply underlined; followed by centered horizontal line. iObscured overwritten letters.
1. These numbers appear in a list of 20 June. Edison’s Exhibits 164-11-168-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:319).
2. According to Batchelor’s 17 June diary entry, the staff “Worked on different plumbagos for speaking telegraph all night Found that the combination of Plumbago and Rubber also Plumbago and Caustic Magnesia are all excellent as also many others.” Cat. 1233:168, Batchelor (TAEM 90:137).
From H. L. R. Vandyck
Jersey City, N.J., June 20 1877a
Dear Sir—
As I have been unable on account of business engagements and absence to call and see you—I send statement of our account—and check for balance due you— The matter against H C Fernando Rohe 1 is still pending will get it to trial as soon as possible.
The enclosed claim of D E Drake2 was given to me by Elvin W Crane of 800 Broad St Newark Mr Drakes lawyer—as an offset to your claim, will not proceed further against Drake till you instruct me so to do.
Why do you not call at my office sometime when you are in the city Yours &c—
ENCLOSURES
[Jersey City,] June 20th 1877b
Statement.
| Amount collected from W. H. Crossman & Son— 4 | 159.50 |
| Amount collected from The Recording Steam Gauge Company—5 | 47.64 |
| Total Collection | $207.14 |
| Collection fee on the above, 10%— 20.71 | |
| Counsel fee &c. and services in the matter of the foreclosure of chattel mortgage given by E. T. Gilliland to Thomas A. Edison, to secure $3700.00, or thereabouts, and in the matter of the claim of Edison’s E.P.&D.R Co. vs. E. T. Gilliland6 50.00 | |
| Case of Edison E.P.&D.P. Co. vs. D. E. Drake— Fee for services 10.00 | |
| Amount retained as retaining fee to cover costs in case of Edison & Murray vs H. C. Fernando Rohe— 25.00c | 105.71c |
| $101.43 |
Check, June 20th 1877, One hundred and one dollars and forty-three cents ($101.43)d
Newark N.J. Apl 12 1877e
Edisons Electrical Pen and Duplicating Press Co To D. E. Drake D[ebto]r7 Page 398
| To loss to me for not furnishing Pens and Presses as wanted to fill my orders | $300.00 |
| To loss—difference on price of Pens and Presses, which company agreed to sell to me at $20.00 each and forf which they charged me $25. each. | 100.00 |
| To Commission due me for Pens and presses sold in my territory by the company befor my contracts with them expired | 150.00 |
| To wages for two weeks work at Union Square N.Y. at $25—per week commencing on Monday April 6, 1876 | 50.00 |
| To one Pen & Press left at shop in Ward St Newark N.J. that was moved to Menlo Park for which I paid Chas Batchelor | $20.00 |
| $620.00 |
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:76). Letterhead of H. L. R. Vandyck. a“Jersey City, N.J.,” and “187” preprinted. bEnclosure is a D, in another hand; date taken from text. cUnderlined twice. dObscured overwritten characters. eEnclosure is a D, in a third hand, interlined above.
1. Rohe had been involved in an attempt to set up a stock-quotation enterprise in Brazil using Edison’s printers. TAEB 2:313.
2. D. E. Drake had been electric pen agent for the states of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York (except New York City and Brooklyn). On 22 January 1876 Charles Batchelor had notified Drake that his contracts as agent would be terminated in thirty days due to his failure to fulfill the average weekly sales for each of these states. TAEB 2:598 n. 11; agreements of 14 Sept. 1875, Miller (TAEM 28:351); Batchelor to Drake, Lbk. 2:13 (TAEM 28:987).
3. Vandyck’s letterhead identifies him as a counselor at law. His business card is in Cat. 1031:13, Scraps. (TAEM 27:739).
4. W. H. Crossman & Bro. was a hardware dealer in New York. Wilson 1877, 289.
5. Edison and Murray manufactured items for the Recording Steam Gauge Co. in the fall of 1874. TAEB 2:228, 313.
6. See TAEB 2:544 n. 1.
7. That is, Drake claimed that the company owed him this money.
From Josiah Reiff
New York, June 26th 1877a
My dear Edison.
Your note duly recd.1 I wrote accordingly E.H.J says the telephone did not meet him at New Brunswick, that he has telegraphed you & recd no reply—that Phillips has all the arrangements made for a first exhibition on July 4th & EH says he needsb to get everything in shape.Page 399
Will you ship it to him at once & write him to 20th & Poplar Phila? Butler begins tomorrow afternoon.2 I believe it will result so that you & I will be benefited—if it does not God help me! What have I for all my money, years of labor & anxiety. It will simply Automatic which might have saved us, ruined by Quadruplex. Truly
P.S. Can you not turn your attention a little to Cables, perhaps with your present knowledge a little effort might [-----]c something better than Duplex.
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] June 26. 1877
Speaking Telegraph
Collodion film for a diaphram = Mica for ditto1
Having a small hole the amplitude of the vibration of the hissing Consonants are increased whereas the vowel etc Sounds are decreased which improves the articulation—
Just finished a Bell Magneto Telephone=
1/16 iron diaphram resistance magnet 250 ohms 1 inch long fork permanent magnet about 7 inches length lifts about 2 lbs iron I find that diaphram dont seem to vibrate but the case diaphram & all does & it is this that does the work & I believe this is the way Bell is fooled by nota securing his spkg devices rigidly=
We carried on Conversation with the pair it was so low I Page 400couldnt hear but Batch & Jim by paying good could get it ordinary conversation fair but not so good as ours. Reading out of a newspaper something strange & unknown couldnt catch a word in half column whereas with our you could get the general tenor of every thing that is read=
I propose to improve Bells as well as my own here goes!2
Thin diaphm with iron filing over it
Leverage3
Page 401X, NjWOE, Lab., Vol. 11:190, 188, 193 (TAEM 3:1002, 1001, 1003). aInterlined above.
1. Figure labels are “dia” and “speak.” The previous day Batchelor and Edison had each sketched a transmitter configuration using a spring like the one shown here (at right). Edison’s Exhibits 184-11,187-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:337, 340).
2. Figure labels are, top: “iron stretched”; right: “primary,” “secondary,” “prim,” “iron,” “to distant Receiver any kind”; and, bottom: “spk.”
3. The following is apparently an amplifying receiver. The figure labels on the remaining sketches are “spk,” “spk,” and “self vib=.”
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] June 26 1877
Speaking Telegraph
We are going to Mould Peroxide of Lead also Peroxide of Lead on the end of a plumbago stick=1 a mixture of a lead & zinc amalgmam with plumbago= 2
-
Things to be tried=
-
-
Platinum black= Lead point=
-
Metallic points protoxidized=
-
Black finely divided mercury
-
Fused SConducting Salts such fused Chloride of Lead
-
Guttapercha mixed with various Conducting Substances=
we propose to make moulds to mould the plumbago in the following shapes for speaking3 Page 402
T. A. Edison
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 192-11, 189-11 (TAEM 11:343, 341). Document multiply signed and dated.
1. A list of compounds from two days earlier includes “Plumbago 4 Gramm tit made of Peroxide Lead Body Plum.” On this same day Batchelor noted, “Peroxide lead tit and plumbago shank No good.” Edison’s Exhibits 172-11,121-11 (misdated), TI 2 (TAEM 11:325,286).
2. On 25 June, Edison had written, “I find that although plumbago & the Conducting Oxides & other Compounds which conduct are good Lead & other metals & metaloids whose surface make bad Contact will act to give vibrations of variable strength = also the solid amalgmam.” Edison’s Exhibit 182-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:335).
3. This word may be “sparking.” The previous day Edison had proposed putting “several flexible contact points on a diaphragm” since “diaphragms probably vibrate in parts.” Ibid.
Technical Note: Autographic Printing
[Menlo Park,] June 27th 1877
Autographic Printing1
Write on paper with Collodon2 Electrify the Mss by rubbing with dry substance = dust aniline dust over a flat surface with a sieve = put Collodion sheet Mss in frame & lower it wihile electrified with 1/32 inch of the aniline it will attract the particles & these madhering to the Collodion Mss. wican be transferred to a wet sheet. The Collodion Mss is drying while you print from the transfer sheet & when dry re-electrify & go over same process—3
X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-002 (TAEM 7:443).
Technical Note: Telegraph Recorder/Repeater
[Menlo Park,] June 27. 1877
Translating Embosser1
on the continuous roll embosser I propose for obtaining acurate registration to previously perforate holes either on both edges or on both edges & the centre or on the centre only and provide the rotating cylinder with pins to pass through the perforations & ensure the feed & registration
It may be possible that oiled indenting paper is preferable or that the paper should be parafined—shellacked or dipped in plaster paris water=2
I propose in next translator to have the repeating points one line inside the embossing points, although it could be one line outside3
T A Edison
Page 405X, NjWOE, Lab., NS-77-004 (TAEM 7:696, 698-99). Continuity of subject matter links these separate scrapbook items. Document multiply signed and dated.
1. Figure label is “seperate double thread.” Edison filed a provisional specification in the British Patent Office on 31 July 1877 for translating embossers recording either in “a volute line upon a correspondingly grooved disc” or “upon a sheet of paper in a zig-zag line, over a cylinder that is correspondingly grooved” and that included “register marks” to hold the paper or disc in place. Provisional Specification 2,927 (1877), Cat. 1321, Batchelor (TAEM 92:76).
2. Figure label is “Roll paper travels with plate.”
3. On 26 June 1877 Batchelor recorded that
Edison noticed a serious error in Embosser at Murrays today & that is that the repeating point following close behind the embossing pont and being in the same straight line from centre of swing lever will not follow in the exactly the marks made by embossing point. This we remedied by making the two points only 1 /16 of an inch apart thus decreasing the error so as to make it hardly perceptible. [Vol. 11:194, Lab. (TAEM 3:1004)]
Technical Note: Telephony
[Menlo Park,] June 27/1877
Speaking Telegraph1
I find that weighting the centre of the diaphram gives better articulation therefore Batch is making 4 diaphrams of the same brass2 & weighting the centre by soldering different thicknesses of brass3
alsoPage 406
turn one thus
also thus
Screw in centre to put washer weights on to weight heavy diaphram
This leaf X is adjusted to respond to the hissing Consonants & hits on plumbago Connections may be made in various ways4
X is peice rubber which serves to dampen the diaphram receiving thus making articulation better by Lessening harmonics.
thin sardine tin[---]a copper foil weighted & tuned to the hissing Consonants5
hissing Consonant vibrator in front of regular vibrator talkerPage 407
X plumbago thick diaphram Loose hitting plumbago Manometric speaker 6
discharge through gas jet
Electromagnet with an iron disk laid on cores; this works beautifully & loud good articulation & you press disk which is held slightly against cores by spring to your ear thus shutting out other noises;7
rubber metal or other diaphm8
Wind [Reservoirs?]a The E.M.Graph may replace the magnet
T A Edison
X (photographic transcript), NjWOE, TI 2, Edison’s Exhibits 195-11-196-11, 198-11-199-11 ( TAEM 11:344-45, 348-49). Document multiply signed and dated. aIllegible.Page 408
1. Edison had sketched another collection of ideas on 24 June. Edison’s Exhibits 175-11,177-11-179-11, TI 2 (TAEM 11:327, 330-32).
2. Batchelor’s description of these diaphragms, also dated 27 June, is Edison Exhibit 197-11, TI 2 ( TAEM 11:346).
3. Figure label of small drawing at left is “tin”; drawing at right is labeled “spk,” “plumbg,” and “just L[ays on?].”
4. Figure label is “wing diaphm.”
5. Figure labels are “Line” and “mouth peice.”
6. Figure labels are (clockwise from upper right) “to gas pipe,” “spk,” “diaphrm,” “[rigid?],” “to induction Coil or plate machine,” and “Line.” The manometric flame used a burning gas jet influenced by sound hitting a diaphragm to illustrate the vibrations caused by different sounds. Atkinson 1890, 265-67; see also Doc. 964.
7. Figure labels are “Listen” and “to air reservoir or gas”; “to [sound?],” “air nozzle,” and “Emg”; and “iron,” “mag,” and “to air.”
8. This refers to the central diaphragm in the drawing at left.
From Josiah Reiff
New York, June 28th 1877a
Dear Edison.
Butler among other things said—
Edison has pushed himself forward into the foremost ranks of Electricians, if he himself is not the foremost of his time, & his name will go down with Henry in connection with Telgraphy. 1 Who can tell what goodb God has in store for the world through the discoveries in Electrical Science of this man Edison if not held in Slavery by the WU. Yours
Argument is closed— I am now ready for something else.
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:698). Letterhead of J. C. Reiff. a“New York,” and “187” preprinted. bInterlined above.
1. Reiff is probably paraphrasing Benjamin Butler’s closing argument (delivered this day) in Atlantic & Pacific v. Prescott & others (Quad. 70,71, 73 [TAEM 9:288-10:797]). A New York Tribune article of 29 June describing Butler’s argument (which is not in the printed court record) is in Cat. 1031:5, Scraps. (TAEM 27:735).
From Edward Johnson
Pha June 29/77.
My Dr Edison
Made a trial of Telephone last Eve. bet. 5th & Chest[nut]. 1 & Centennial grounds 5 miles worked very loud & strong, but couldn’t get coarse bugs out of it. Thinking they were caused by some defect in diaphram I came down & examined it & found Plat, point in front Diaphram loose— Page 409Have had it riveted again—very little so as not to spoil vibratory power of brass,—& propose to try it again this p.m. I find it very handy to have a Rheostat at Rec. end to regulate the volume & purity of tone— I use gravity batty 75 cells works red hot—
I am going to cut down the block on which the wheel rests so as to put the brass arm lower down— It seems to me to want some sort of deadening its too sensitive—
They are perfectly satisfied with the quantity but want the quality of tone improved—that’s all I got to do to make it a success in which case it will be extensively advertizsed & kept on the boards for some time, it is proposed to get a wire from A.&P & bring music consecutively from Balto. Washn & N York— of course 1st trying it to see if it will carry—
Phillips was very much disappointed that I did not bring 3 or 4 Speakers— I did expect you would send me 2 & I write this to know if you wont send me another one at once— It is very risky business depending on one & it so delicate—besides we want a duet—at least—
If you will send this by 1st express I think I will be able to make this effort a financial success.
Write me a few lines making any suggestions that you think I haven’t observed—
Send Everything in Care W J Phillips Supt Phila. Police & Fire Telegraphs Phila Yours
ALS, NjWOE, DF (TAEM 14:785). Second leaf is letterhead of Police and Fire Alarm Telegraph, Office of the Superintendent.
1. The letterhead shows the office of the superintendent of the Police and Fire Alarm Telegraph to have been at the corner of 5th and Chestnut streets.
Charles Batchelor to Robert Gilliland
[Menlo Park,] June 30th [187]7
Dear Sir,
Yours enclosing $500.00 on account of note received and duly endorsed on back of same. It came just in time as we were entirely ‘busted’ for 4th July. In regard to the royalty on Electric pen Edison has received his full amount up to 1st May somewhere about $1200— and they have just sent him a statement for the month of May in which his royalty is about $760— But I presume you have received one also.
Did Ed report on the condition of your shop?1 I am communicating Page 410with Bliss about Daytons and Wheeler’s account with the old pen Co and after I hear decidedly I will make a statement2 at present it is in the same condition as on the last statement. I intended to go over the accounts with Ed before he left as he said he wanted to know something about them but he had to leave before I could get down there.
Edison thinks the prices are all right as long as the royalty keeps increasing.
Shall be glad to see you in the fall Respectfully yours
P.S. Remember me to Ed.
ALS (letterpress copy), NjWOE, Batchelor, Cat. 1238:144 (TAEM 93:134).
1. On 12 June, Batchelor had written Robert Gilliland to say that he and Ezra Gilliland had inspected the old pen factory at Menlo Park and found that the reports of damage had been greatly exaggerated. He reported that while the windows were broken, the engine and boiler were in good shape except for broken pipes and the pump chamber, which he was repairing. The factory remained unused and windows were broken again in August and November, and tramps apparently used the building as well. Batchelor to Robert Gilliland, 12 June, 31 Aug., and 19 Nov. 1877, Cat. 1238:138, 202, 231, Batchelor (TAEM 93:130,160, 168).
During the summer Edison arranged with the George Place Machine Agency for the sale of the factory equipment. Some pieces were purchased by sewing machine manufacturer Henry Stewart. TAEM-G1, s.vv. “Place (George) Machine Agency,” “Stewart, Henry”; Cat. 1233:219, 220, 223, Batchelor (TAEM 90:162-64).
2. Dayton and Co. was electric pen agent in St. Louis and William Wheeler was electric pen agent in Chicago. On 18 August 1877 Batchelor wrote Robert Gilliland that both these accounts appeared to be “bad debts” (DF [TAEM 93:152]). The previous December, Bliss had told Edison that if their bills went unpaid he would not employ them as agents. However, Bliss subsequently made a new contract with Dayton and Co. and his lawyer advised not canceling Wheeler’s contract. On Dayton and Co. see Lbk. 3:174 (TAEM 28:640) and stencil for circular, Cat. 593, Scraps. ( TAEM 27:621). On Wheeler see Batchelor to Bliss, 6 Aug. 1877, Cat. 1238:186TAEM 93:149); correspondence from Batchelor (TAEM-G1, s.v. “Wheeler, W. F.”); and his circular in Cat. 593, Scraps. (TAEM 27:667-69).
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