Will you please publish an account of the phonographic graphophone—its invention, when, and by whom? We have recently had a concert by this wonderful invention, and I am requested to get all the information I can from whatever source I can. The Great Round World, which is read every morning in our schoolroom, is so much appreciated by all that I am sure my schoolmates will be pleased to see your reply. I shall be glad to get this information as early as possible.
Very respectfully,
Lucy F.
Brent, Ga., April 28th, 1897.
My Dear Lucy:
The graphophone is an improved phonograph, the cylinder being of hard rubber instead of wax.
The phonograph was invented by Thomas A. Edison in 1877, and improved by him about 1889.
It operates by means of a thin diaphragm set in vibration by the voice or any other sound. It bears a stylus which records the vibration, on a rotating, wax-coated cylinder, in a faint wavy line.
This line is sufficient, however, to guide the stylus over the same course again, and agitate the diaphragm into reproducing waves of sound, similar to those originally recorded.
The Editor is very much obliged to Dallas S. for his pleasant letter. Editor.
In reply to Mrs. C.H. Parkhurst, we suggest that a letter of inquiry to Mr. Ford will be the speediest way to ascertain where the combination tool can be procured. Editor.