Edison and his phonograph

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Edison and his phonograph

Edison and his phonograph. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931, centre), US inventor, operating his favourite invention, the phonograph. This machine was used to record and play back sounds. Turning the handle moved a foil-wrapped cylinder past a needle. Sound was transmitted by a receiving device attached to the needle, causing the needle to vibrate and leave a trace on the foil. A sound amplifier was then attached to the receiver, the needle was placed at the beginning of the trace, and the cylinder was rotated to produce distorted but recognisable sounds. Edison was a prolific inventor, filing some 1300 patents

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Media ID 6414421

© HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES LIBRARY/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1900s Amazement Audio Curiosity Demonstrating Elderly Exhibition Inventor Learning North American Out Side Outdoors Patents Phonograph Pioneer Recording Researcher Sound Thomas Alva Edison Thomas Edison Us A Watching Mono Chrome Playback

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the iconic moment of Thomas Alva Edison, the brilliant American inventor, operating his beloved creation - the phonograph. Standing at the center of attention, Edison's eyes gleam with a mix of amazement and curiosity as he demonstrates this groundbreaking technological marvel to an intrigued audience. In this historical snapshot taken in the late 19th century, we witness Edison's pioneering spirit come to life. The phonograph, a revolutionary device that could record and play back sounds, is showcased in all its glory. With a foil-wrapped cylinder rotating under his skilled hands, sound vibrations are transmitted through a needle attached to a receiving device. These vibrations leave their mark on the foil surface as distorted yet recognizable sounds. Edison's genius shines through not only in this mesmerizing invention but also in his remarkable career as an inventor. Having filed over 1300 patents throughout his lifetime, he earned himself the title "The Wizard of Menlo Park". This outdoor public demonstration serves as a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and advancement. As we gaze upon this monochrome image filled with history and nostalgia, we are reminded of how far technology has progressed since those early days. This photograph encapsulates both our admiration for Edison's ingenuity and our appreciation for how these humble beginnings paved the way for modern audio technology that surrounds us today.

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