The Phonogram, Vol. 1:2 (1891-02)

A magazine devoted to all interests connected with the re- cording ol sound, the reproduction End preservation of speech, the Telephone, the Typewrite r, and t he progress of Electricity. published monthly. TERMS: ONE YEAR, - - - • $1.00 SINGLE NUMBERS. 10 Pos tagf id, V. H. McRAE, Manager, Pulitzer Building, R 00 0^127. NEW YORK. ADVERTISEMENTS. THE Phonogram, having special facilities in its circulation through the vUst commercial system occupied by the Phono- graph. Telephone, and other Electrical! Devices, presents an exceptionally valuable advertising medium. The rates arc rea- sonable and will be furnished on appli cation. CORRESPONDENCE relating to the Phonogpoph, Typewriter, or Electricity, In any of their practical applications, is cordially invited, and the cooper- ation ot all electrical thinkers and workers earnestly desired. Cle;utJ:oncisc, w«jJi-*’ulUn ^rtiflcs arc especially welcome; and communications, views, no\vs items, local new or any information likely to interest clectrici fully received and checrfufly acknowledged. newspaper ^clip^ings. The Retfl Mission of the Phonograph. — * Wk believe that we ran utter fio truer words of •counsel to the many phonograpn*<ompanies now in the United States, than when we urge them to mike the genuine and legitimate use of the phonograph paramount to all of its attractive qualities as a mere coiiwn-the-slot device for the temporary admiration of the multitude. To a certain degree, the advertisement which the instrument has derived by reason of its exhi- bition in public places, has proved advantageous artd even profitable, hut the gain is by no means commensuraj.q with that which will accrue when the phonograph is adopted in the counting-rooms, offices and libraries of the merchants and profes- sional men of the country, and is regarded as something more than the toy and plaything of women and children. The real mission of the phonograph is that of a helper. Its life and greatness among the labor-sav- ing mechanisms of the world will depend on this fact. It is a humanized bunch of iyon-nerves and sinews that has come among us to relieve the world more or less, of mental strain; to bring the world's workers in closer contact with the means of multiplying their power, saving time, and pre- serving that which, without it, would escape all record; to give to men, women and children alike the inestimable privilege of hearing repeated the 41 thoughts that breathe and words that burn." To the capitalist, merchant or public man whose desire it is to preserve his secrets from publicity, the phonograph is his confidential secretary. It requires no human intermediary, whose fearless gossip may be bought or sold, to interpret what its intelligent ear has heard; its confidence is re- served for the master and his friend. In the si- lence of his study the minister may whisper the themes of his morrow’s sermon; the lawyer pre- pare his brief; in the sick-room the invalid may dictate his last will and wishes, and feel' that the tones of his voice will be a sweet heritage to those he may leave behind; to the reporter, whose business it is to transcribe the speeches of the orator, it is a boon for which there is no equiva- lent. It was printed only the other day, that the marvelous debates in Congress, covering as they sometimes do from twelve to twenty hours, can only be reproduced in the next ensuing Congres- sional Record through the agency of the phono- graph. Yet in the face of all this combination of valu- able use, this ability to lessen the labor of men and women, our little iron confidante and friend, that we may awaken in the night and talk and listen to as if it were another self, is‘disparaged and humiliated'by .being placed side by side with the nickel-in-the-slot weighing machines, and A