One the
most important experimental projects connected with the
phonograph was begun 1888 when Edison filed caveat (a
preliminary outline intended patent application) cover
the duplication cylinders. the spring
of 1888 group prominent bankers and investors were invited
to the laboratory see the "perfected" phonograph. also
experimented freely the basic configuration the
phonograph, designing several disc phonographs including one
with articulated recorder/reproducer assembly. The group
was led Jesse Seligman, senior partner the banking house
of Seligman. Potential investors and customers were
invited the lab, where the third floor had been turned into
an exhibition hall demonstrate the phonograph.
.
The laboratory was not only used the base for the R&D
effort; its growing fame generated publicity for the
phonograph, and attracted venture capital support the
ruinous cost R&D.IV- 8
perfected phonograph: toy phonograph for use talking
dolls, coin-in-the-slot amusement phonographs, and improvements
in phonograms, clockwork and hand-turning phonographs. Some time later special model was constructed and
then demonstrated the Seligman house, with better results. This involved covering master
record with conductive coating (gold leaf) and electroplating
it form matrix, which was then used make copies. Unfortunately, the phonograph refused to
work for the distinguished guests and Edison lost golden
opportunity finance the development and manufacture the
machine
