Edison's men were generalists and had flexible enough to
meet the challenge different types work.■
*
"
■
*
■ The phonograph line was full of
"one-offs"— specially modified machines the unique
specifications the customer. Edison's men took "hands-on approach" the problems
that came manufacturing, altering and modifying machines
in the Works just like Edison had done the 1880s. Edison sent working fluoroscope Michael Pupin of
Columbia University the end March 1896, and July had
completed fluoroscope manufacturing plant the lab. These were designed the lab
and then constructed the Works. Improving,
altering, and repairing Edison products were all day's
work. 1899 for example, several new
devices were produced take large format pictures the
Klondike. The successful experimental
project was more likely long-term campaign with
carefully defined goals than short burst inventive
.
Although the public's impression the work the West
Orange laboratory was conditioned the image the flash of
inspiration, was, fact, more like the 90% perspiration
that Edison liked talk about.'*'®
Much the work the lab was more mundane nature. Each product was built many variations,
such the kinetograph.VII- 7
the box, and the x-ray picture was viewed through peephole in
the box. When the
early spring motors developed problems for example, the
"chattering machines" were put right the bench the
Phonograph Works
