The work
on long distance transmission systems was sandwiched between
the efforts perfect the phonograph and the development a
magnetic ore separation technology. Edison had told his
financial backers, and expectant public, that the phonograph
was "perfected" 1888. the end
of the year expenditure phonograph experiments had hit a
peak great efforts were made the laboratory staff to
eliminate the "bugs" the machine. Edison's ambitious plans had
led overflow work, and several important experimental
campaigns were progress the winter 1888/1889. Nothing was further from the truth;
while Harold Brown conducted his notorious electrocution
experiments the fall 1888, Edison was shifting his
research effort from electricity the phonograph.^-
With his time fully occupied the laboratory, Edison
let Edison General Electric determine the pace alternating
current development. The new formal relationship between
Company and laboratory aggravated the logistical problems of
producing new designs West Orange, supervising the work from
Company headquarters New York, and testing the equipment at
.VI- 1
CHAPTER SIX
THE FRESH PULL: DIVERSIFICATION THE 1890S
The first anniversary the laboratory marked period
of intense experimental activity
