. Much the chaotic atmosphere
of the lab was provided the many youths who worked there.Ill- 8
the growing complexity Edison's personal finances led an
increase Tate's staff include stenographer (Thomas
Maguire), and number boys. They guarded the main gate and helped
administer the store rooms. They were dispatched obtain everything from
newspapers supplies.
Like every other businessman his times, Edison used
child labor his laboratories. They were were often called
lazy, difficult, and boisterous other workers, but the lab
could not have functioned without them.
They performed variety very important functions: they did
the fetch-and-carry work, the dirty menial tasks— such as
washing out experimental apparatus— and they operated the
eyes and ears the lab, carrying messages and materials
around. Whatever the fairness
of their employ, the children were vital part the lab's
operations and communications.^ Working conditions were certainly better
than tanning, mining and metallurgy. Boys even carried out semi-skilled
clerical work, such copying letters, typing, and assisting
with the bookkeeping
