The story development work the dictating
machine one increasing control experimenters by
managers the Edison organization. Many felt that they
did not generate enough correspondence justify mechanizing
letter writing, and many would not use dictating machines
because they thought their work was too technical.)
Durand had keep large-scale sales effort and
relentlessly badger prospective customers. (This last
reason was probably the excuse the managers TAE Inc.XI-16
decided that they did not like use them. was tireless in
organizing exhibits and shows convince businessmen the
advantages the dictating machine.
By the time the great fire 1914, the business
phonograph was permanent job the laboratory, financed and
controlled the managers the business phonograph
department. Durand's division was depending the
West Orange laboratory keep improving the product and lessen
the costs production. The work the business
phonograph had always been more like product engineering than
. With growing organization
and adequate technology hand, Durand could look forward to
the future.
The dictating machine business enjoyed steady growth from
1910 onwards; that year about 6000 machines were sold and by
1918 the figure had exceeded 10,000 for the year, total sales
volume reaching over $1,000,000. Yet still leaned heavily the Edison
laboratory maintain market position and even challenge the
lead the Dictaphone