Much the
twentieth century growth Edison's laboratory was testing
and tool making, and these were functions that were the bread
and butter other laboratories the organization. primary
role the West Orange laboratory had been enforcing Edison's
standards the manufacturing operations.
Over time the value neutral testing was appreciated and this
led the creation new department the West Orange
laboratory under the control "Doc" Halprin. This had begun with
phonograph manufacture (see Chapter Three) and had been
extended cover the diverse product range the Edison
enterprise.
Drafting and toolmaking were two other important jobs
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continual improvement the phenol resins used disc
manufacture was dependent good communications between the
experimental rooms West Orange and the vats and ovens of
Silver Lake. Harmony and cooperation were often lacking the
relationships laboratories the Edison enterprise. Consequently the testing staff West Orange grew. Yet
true the original intention the "old man," the West
Orange laboratory did little bit everything.”^
Many the disputes would have been resolved there
had been lines demarcation between the functions the main
West Orange laboratory and those manufacturing sites. There
were doubtless many personality conflicts, but underneath these
squabbles was the growing rivalry among laboratories and the
natural feeling superiority those closest the "old
man
