The West Orange lab was commercial organization that
was dedicated the goal continual, profitable innovation." the other hand, Edison
concluded that Wuntz was unsuitable for the lab because "I
."
Edison judged, and paid, his men according their
results and one mistake was enough for instant dismissal.Ill- 17
Walter Miller entered the lab youth when opened and he
became the expert phonograph recording techniques, rising to
the enviable position being one the "boys.
A few even disliked him. 1889
Edison terminated project because thought its work on
finding new insulating materials was not showing results.
Fessenden received good recommendation chemical
experimenter and Edison explained his leaving because "his line
of work has come end.
When line research did not meet with success the
profitability the final product came into doubt, Edison did
not hesitate close and discharge the workers. His
comment about one manager shows sarcastic tone: man who
can this could not manage water closet.
Edison was particularly vindictive toward those men who had
failed him, sometimes calling them dumbheads and idiots." One employee
concluded: "Some the men liked him. Many them feared him."^ the other hand, Edison's
informal style, his egalitarian nature, and his comradeship
endeared him many his workers. Some
of the team were transferred ore milling work, and some left
the lab permanently, including Dr. Wuntz and Fessenden
