Dickson, could not devote himself entirely the project; as
chief the metallurgical laboratory Building had to
divide his time between ore milling and motion pictures. Once the new lab, Edison
continued think about photography; the shop order books for
the lab show that general photographic experiments were begun
shortly after the laboratory opened, probably the
photographic studio installed the second floor. Edison thought might possible "devise an
instrument that should for the eye what the phonograph does
37
for the ear.K. was one his
"stunts"— idea for invention, dream with hint of
practicality." This idea had come him during the work of
perfecting the phonograph. brought together store of
experience one technology and interest another;
photography intrigued Edison and had acquired equipment and
plates before the move West Orange. Even the chief experimenter, W.31
different projects.
The project that Edison turned over Dickson 1889
had begun adjunct the phonograph.
Several experiments using photography had been undertaken at
the Harrison laboratory, including attempt produce a
photographic image sound means reflecting disc
attached phonograph which projected the lines sound
waves onto long strip paper. the temporary lab at
Harrison had discussed his ideas for the possible uses of
photography with Dickson, fervent amateur photographer.L. December
of 1887, instructed John Ott construct shutter device
