A Complete Manual of the Edison Phonograph

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This valuable reference contains 26 diagrams and illustrations showing the various components of the phonograph.

Introduction by Thomas A. Edison

SOME years ago, I “wrote a piece” about the Phonograph, for the North American Review. Nine years ago, that was further back than most men like to remember, and a long time in the history of an invention. Since then many things have happened, in science, in experiment, and in every phase of human activity. In looking over that article, I do not see that there is a great deal to change in it, even at this distance of time. Much that was then anticipated has come true, and much more than was then expected has happened. But the eye of prophecy always sees dimly. Merely to have foreseen a result or a general effect is enough, and it would have been the part of wisdom then, as it is now, to leave the details of fulfillment to the judgment of those taught by later experience, and the trend of the years.

Having arrived at an age when he believed men were little likely to change their minds on any important subject, Mr. Ruskin, reviewing an earlier work, said he would omit some parts but not attempt to mend. So in writing this Introduction for friend Tewksbury’s book, I will refer only to those parts of the former article which seem to me of permanent interest.

I remember distinctly that I enumerated the reproduction of music for popular enjoyment, as among the important uses that the Phonograph would serve, and so widen the gentle influence of melody and add to the general sum of pleasure. This it has certainly done, and is doing. In addition, by bringing within the reach of everyone accurate reproductions of the best music, it exerts, almost unconsciously, an elevating moral influence. Dictation without the aid of a stenographer, has been successfully achieved, while a use that did not then occur to anyone, namely, rapid transcription, has grown out of this feature of the machine. The teaching of elocution and the study of languages were mentioned, and in both of these fields I see increasing uses and larger opportunities. I know of no other such aid to education. The method and application are obvious. Music-boxes and toys were mentioned; but with the advance made in the art of record-making, the Phonograph is now so much better than any music-box, so much more varied, truer to life and nature, and more human, that it has left behind the older and more mechanical device.

In anticipating that the Phonograph would be a means of private entertainment, it did not occur to me that public entertainments would become a special feature of its use, and the instrument was designed with no such end in mind. Yet I find that a large number of persons, not possessing an instrument themselves, receive satisfaction and pleasure from its exhibition by others.

I am still attracted towards the Phonograph for the same reasons that influenced me at the beginning. In the material business world it is a time-saving device of unlimited service, and in the sphere of music it more nearly satisfies the natural desire for song and melody than any other mechanical agent.

When my first “piece” was written the Phonograph was in its childhood. It seems now to have arrived at a vigorous maturity. In one sense it knows more than we know ourselves, for it retains the memory of many things which we forget, even though we have said them. It teaches us to be careful what we say, and I am sure makes men more brief, more business-like, and more straightforward. Sometimes I think it cultivates improved manners, and I feel sure that any means tending to perpetuate the charm of music must be a help and a solace to all.