vacuum pump was placed nearby. publicity was
given this project this machine. The balance room contained
microscopes evaluate crystals developed experiments recording media and
to examine the surface disc and cylinder masters. Photographs show two experimental tables and
one table fitted with drawers within the room (figures and 19). The first was condensing distilling machine used make the phenol
resins used make the disc blanks.346 The use brick building material, where
cheap pine panelling was used everywhere else the laboratory, significant,
perhaps prompted risk fire from experiments undertaken this room. 1910 and 1911 Edison negotiated with Baekeland license his
patents while simultaneously attempting circumvent these patents and set up
his own production operation. was pressure container which a
vacuum could created.
At the bottom the container was valve draw off the hot liquid and a
manhole cover attached large bolts was the top.through door the brick room.
This created the thick resin, called condensite, which when cooled, could made
into blanks.
Two large machines were brought into the laboratory part the disc record
project. was gone 1906. Baekeland
was the lead developing these early plastics and had strong patent
position.
102
348 See figure 26.
A series wall cabinets are visible photographs taken during this period. The mixtures concocted Aylsworth
345 NPS, 'HSR, Physics Laboratory, Building 1,” see also figure 18.346
There are photographs the interior the brick room and evidence about
its use. Secrecy was therefore essential. The various elements the
mixture were pumped and then condensed under pressure and high heat. The container was
sheathed steam jacket heat the mixture and steam pipes were attached.
.
The large cabinet with glass doors which was placed front the partition was
moved into the balance room where now stands.
These were used store chemicals and were arranged under system that
grouped similar types chemicals together. There are three more
photographs this area Photograph Album 7.
This machine would have been made the laboratory staff from plans drawn
up experimenters—probably Edison, Sam Moore, and Fred Ott—and copied from
existing distilling machines and heated mixers. Six cabinets the east side the
chemistry laboratory held chemicals, and three the west side held glassware. The condensite project was
carried out great secrecy, for just few miles away from West Orange, Leo
Baekeland was carrying out experiments with the same phenol resins
