The Phonogram, Vol. 1:8 (1891-08)

THE PHONOGRAM In theory the work deserves commendation. Professor Carhart makes plain to the dullest the distinction between electro-motor force and po- tential. He also makes plain the importance of due allowance for the time constant of the circuit in all electrical calculations. From the last number of this noteworthy re c view we learn that at the session of the Associa- tion of Civil Engineers, of London, held May 5th, 1891, many experiments in the lightingof rail- road trains were reported, and careful statistics as to the modus operandi of each agent employed in the various systems were furnished. The general conclusion reached is that lighting by electricity is not only tnore convenient and less costly than other methods, but that the light is more efficient, and safer. This opinion tallies with the state- ment of Mr. Edison, who declares that the pres- ent year will witness the introduction of a mode of lighting and heating by electricity which, for a house of moderate size, will cost but sixty cents a vear. • The " Chronique ” of this periodical announces that the French Association for the Advancement of 8cicnce will hold its next session at Marseilles, from the 17th to the 24th of September. The communications Will comprise, among others, one upon the nature of electrical discharges and their vortices, with photographs produced by the discharges themselves, A contributor, Mon. G. M. Jacques, enters into Mr. Amden, President of the Ohio Phonograph a disquisition upon the kinetograph of Mr. Edison. Company, Cincinnati, can probably answer J. L. He says researches of a similar character with M. 's second question, those pursued by Mr. Edison had been previous- ly madebv # M. Marey, in France, and M. Ans- chutz, in Germany; ami an apparatus identical in principle hns been invented by Mr. Friese Greene, of America. But Mr. Edison affirms that his giveS result much more perfect than those of his foremnners-^an affirmation which may be ac- cepted from a man of his ability, disposing of means which are unique in tRe world, at his lalmratory in Menlo Park. Mr. Edison suited to the correspondent of the London Times that the cause of failure heretofore 1ms l*en from*want of rapidity in the execution of the series of impressions. An article on “ ozone, considered from a physiological and therapeutical joint of view,** tells us that this agent is one of the most power- ful germicides known to man. When properly prepared, ozone may be administered to invalids who are consumptive and to young children with great advantage. Professor Carhart’s work on the care of primary batteries lias just been published by Allen «fc Bacon, in Boston. * . Yale College, New Haven, Conn., August 30, 1891. To the Editor of The Phonogram : Dear Sir: Can you inform me if there was any " talking machine *’ invented before the Edison Phonograph, and do you know where the original model of same is? The original (?) models of the Edison Phono- graph seem to be as humorous ns Washington s servants. What authenticitv is attached to the one in the Emery Arcade. Cincinnati? Yours truly, J. L. M. Mr. Edison was the first to apply for a pateut on talking machines, and his fundamental patent- control the machines at this time. Division of Chemistry. Washington, I). C., Aug. 24, 1891. E. D. Easton. Esq., President Columbia Phonograph ComjMuiy, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: . - . . . I find the phonograph invaluable, a- I can dictate my correspondence on it, and the con tents can be copied at the leisure of the type- writer. I find it especially valuable before and after office hours, when my stenographer is al>- sent, and also for certain classes of abstracting, where I have to wait a long while in order to de- termine how to present in proper form any given paragraph. In such cases the phonograph is su- perior to a stenographer, because it is not wasting time during the time the abstracts are made. I think the appreciation of the phonograph will increase with its use. I should hate to do with- out one. I am, respectfully, H. W. Wiley. Chemist.