Its initial job was carry out tests
on phonographs but soon expanded its testing and inspection
services cover all manufacturing activities West Orange.XII-22
make changes product and then record them.S.
It held the sample boards that established the standard for
each product. began one man the days before the fire,, but
in 1918 consisted staff ten people, each whom
tested specific product. sample of
its reports indicates that 50% the phonographs and
dictating machines tested were defective.^ Record keeping was now major function the West Orange
laboratory, the third floor the lab housing lists parts,
blueprints, and bills materials used manufacture. The Testing Department of
the lab grew steadily after the War its staff and functions
increased. The testing rooms the third floor contained
special equipment that could check the accuracy all the
meters and measuring instruments used the many Edison
factories. was then named the Engineering
Test Service Department. These notices
were listed part and product number, and they were used to
augment the parts lists and sample boards held Building
5. The work
of this department was vital quality control.
The other important role played Edison's laboratory
was central testing facility. The head this department, F. Povah, advertised
his services and invited all division managers inspect the
facilties and send their testing work the lab.^
The R&D work the lab was carried out the product
