The phonograph might have been Edison's
"baby"— his favorite invention— but proved a
temperamental and unresponsive machine that stoutly resisted
perfection! The phonograph project required all the speed,
flexibility, and control Edison could muster and strained
even the large-scale facilities West Orange. Edison was depending the rapid introduction
of his improved phonograph replenish his treasury. Edison had mount a
massive research and development program bring "perfected"
phonograph market. Edison spent
years his time and considerable part his fortune his
attempts introduce commercial phonograph.^ was not. The first
great test Edison's business strategy for his West Orange
laboratory was therefore the phonograph.IV- 1
CHAPTER FOUR
THE PHONOGRAPH
A CASE STUDY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The phonograph played important part Edison's
financial plans for the laboratory; was the first
product come out the new lab and immediate source of
operating funds.
The 1877 tinfoil phonograph was more than a
demonstration model the idea, scientific curiosity an
amusing toy Scientific American had noted
