A Complete Manual of the Edison Phonograph
By George E. Tewksbury
With Introduction By Thomas A. Edison
The preparation of this modest work has been undertaken for two reasons. First, there is no guide to the standard Edison Phonograph as now manufactured in its perfected form. Mr. Andem's excellent book describes in graceful phrase the machine of several years ago, before the new shaving device and other changes had been adopted, and before the day of the spring motor. The instrument has since been perfected, and the field of its usefulness broadened. Improvements in motors, batteries, speakers, the use of special glasses, and the advent of many new devices, daily suggest questions which had not then arisen. The art of record making likewise has advanced, and more inquirers, amateur and professional, want to know about this fascinating employment.
The attempt, therefore, is made to give practical directions in plain language as to various operations which an every-day experience of nine years has suggested or invited, and which are the subject of constant inquiry, particularly from beginners, such as adjusting the tension of the twin-nut spring, setting the diaphragm, the building-up of speakers, how to shave, the kinds and use of horns, the way to make records, the adjustment of sapphires, and other kindred subjects. Secondly, to save time, impossible as that may sound. For these pages have not been written in moments of idleness, but in the strife and stress of busy working-days, when sometimes the hours seemed too few for the daily task. To save time, then, by answering questions more faithfully than the hurry of a daily business mail would allow, when indeed many things could be touched upon not at all; to explain what obscure causes will produce simple results; to help where help is needed; and to make easier and more delightful that enjoyment which the great genius of Mr. Edison, and the work of his followers, has made possible.
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The standard Edison Phonograph as now manufactured is made in two forms, known as the Electric Phonograph, or class M machine, and the Spring Motor Phonograph...
CONTENTS
Preface
List of Illustrations
Index of Phonograph Parts
Introduction
Types of Phonograph
Phonograph Body
Motor and Governor
Operating the Machine
Special Directions
Index of Spring Motor Parts
Edison Spring Motor
Batteries
Nickel-in-the-slot Phonographs
Dictating and Transcribing
Phonograph Cylinder
Horns and Tubes
Shaving of Cylinders
Speakers and Glasses
Index of Speaker Parts
Record-making
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