For his part, Edison was still ready develop the new
technology needed meet the competition. That should take trip to
Europe the middle several important experimental projects
is measure his confidence his staff. had promised his wife European
vacation and also planned visit the Paris Exposition
where had large display.
Edison's fascination with ore milling began dominate his
affairs 1889 shifted his attention and money ore
separation experiments. the beginning of
1889, thought the phonograph campaign was coming end
and told his associates that soon finished with the
phonograph would take "fresh pull" electricity.
His secretary thought that Edison had taken too much: "I
often have wondered Edison might not have accomplished more
if had attempted less." ®
In the middle the crowded summer 1889 Edison left
the laboratory for Europe.^
The new campaign electricity was hampered several
new developments the laboratory: more problems with the
phonograph, the beginning motion picture experiments, and a
realization that ore separation might bring fabulous profits. The phonograph,
alternating current, and ore milling experiments had all
reached critical points.VI- 3
small test installation made, was never formally introduced
by EGE. The laboratory was carrying over 70
experimental projects its books this point and the "old
man's" time was spread thinly over many different experiments. While Edison was feted Europe his
