by Christie Tyler

CC: Thomas A. Edison

g Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of the Interior, NPS, Edison National Historic Site. “Edison immediately tested the machine by speaking the nursery rhyme into the mouthpiece, ‘Mary had a little lamb.’” Patent : Dec 24, 1877 “As a novelty, the machine was an instant success, but was difficult to operate except by experts, and the tin foil would last for only a few playings.” Original Edison Tin Foil Phonograph <

Edison Predicts the Future  What uses did Edison envision for sound recordings?  Do you think his predictions came true?  As you read Edison’s list of predictions for his invention, think of some things you use every day or know that others use that fit the descriptions of what Edison foresaw.  Leave a voice thread to tell a way we use sound recording today that fits Edison’s descriptions.

1.Letter writing and all kinds of dictation without the aid of a stenographer (secretary). 2.Phonographic books, which will speak to blind people without effort on their part.” 3.The teaching of elocution. (speaking skills). Edison’s List of Possible Uses of the Tin Foil Phonograph Was Edison a Visionary? from the Library of Congress American Memory Collection, “The History of the Edison Cylinder Phonograph,” accessed July 20, 2009, at Photograph from "New Aspects on the Art of Music, ”Edison Diamond Points, October 1916, featuring Thomas A. Edison. Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division

4.Reproduction (making copies) of music. 5.The "Family Record"--a registry of sayings, reminiscences (memories) etc., by members of a family in their own voices, and of the last words of dying persons. Edison’s List of Possible Uses of the Tin Foil Phonograph Was Edison a Visionary?

6.Music-boxes and toys. 7.Clocks that should announce in articulate (clear) speech the time for going home, going to meals, etc. 8.The preservation of languages by exact reproduction of the manner of pronouncing. Edison’s List of Possible Uses of the Tin Foil Phonograph Was Edison a Visionary?

9.Educational purposes; such as preserving the explanations made by a teacher, so that the pupil can refer to them at any moment, and spelling or other lessons placed upon the phonograph for convenience in committing to memory. Edison’s List of Possible Uses of the Tin Foil Phonograph Was Edison a Visionary?

10.Connection with the telephone, so as to make that instrument an auxiliary (help) in the transmission of permanent and invaluable records, instead of being the recipient of momentary and fleeting communication. Edison’s List of Possible Uses of the Tin Foil Phonograph Was Edison a Visionary? - North American Review, June 1878

CC: Edison’s Trademark

Home Phonograph

CC: Edison Phonograph

CC: Edison Recording

Edison Promotes the Phonograph Advertisement for the Edison New Standard Phonograph in Harper's, September Phonograph Catalog/Advertisement: "I want a phonograph in every home...".

Works Consulted I'm forever blowing bubbles. Dir. Kenbrovin--Kellette. Edison, American Memory. Library of Congress. 27 July "Inventing Entertainment: The Motion Pictures and Sound Recordings of the Edison Companies." American Memory. 13 Jan Library of Congress. 27 July "Teachers." Teachers. Library of Congress. 27 July 2009.

I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles Library of Congress Bibliography page

Library of Congress Resources for Teachers  Using Primary Resources Using Primary Resources  Citing Primary Resources: MLA Citing Primary Resources: MLA  Teacher’s Page Teacher’s Page  Thomas Edison: Inventing Entertainment Thomas Edison: Inventing Entertainment  Early Motion Pictures and Sound Recordings of the Edison Company Early Motion Pictures and Sound Recordings of the Edison Company