The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1912)

Edison Phonograph Monthly, Feb., 1912 9 Flood-Proof Immortality? John W. Greenan of Austin, Pa., lost his personal and household effects in the recent terrible flood which swept that town. Search revealed this Edison Phonograph (shown above) in the ruins, and he shipped it to the factory. When we wound it up, it ran just as if there never had been a flood. No, we are not going to guarantee our machines to be calamity-proof, but we feel that this is a rather eloquent (though silent) testimony to the quality of material which we use. It is to be regretted that the machine did not happen to have a blank Record in position at the. time of the disaster — we might have had some interesting inside information concerning it! Edison Goods the World Over Street scene in Caracas, Venzuela, showing the location of the Edison Dealers, Enrique Arvelo and Phelps. Two French scientists have invented an adaptation of the Phonograph by which, they declare, the vibrations of the human heart may be recorded. The Phonograph is to solve the problem of historic preservation for all time. The newly formed Modern Historic Records Association has as its mission the making of Records by great men of the present day. These Records will then be stored in a building embodying all the knowledge and skill of modern art and science in its opposition to the distinctive forces of Man and Nature. The names of the incorporators of the society, together with the object of its members, were first inscribed on vellum, then sealed in a glass tube, and finally buried in concrete. The next step was the operation of a Record, said to be the only one in existence, made by the voice of Thomas A. Edison. This will be the first Record preserved by the society — a fitting tribute to the man who has made the incorporation of such a society possible. Thousands of years hence descendants will be privileged to hear the voice of "the Wizard" to whose genius they will owe their absolutely accurate knowledge of the events of our time. The society points out that history, gathered by our present methods of written documents, is really conscientious guesswork and is subject to constant revision through new discoveries. This element of uncertainty is to be completely eliminated by the preservative methods to be employed by the society. The repository for the Records is to be more durable than the Pyramids of Egypt. The building will be placed upon a site free from floods and earthquakes and subject to as slight meteorological changes as possible. Concrete reinforced with steel is obviously the material to be used, but that is not yet absolutely waterproof and would be subjest to the action of frost. The vaults will be constructed somewhat similar to bank vaults, though subject to minor alterations to suit the exigencies of their unique service. The formation of this society marks a new era in the world's history and is a fulfillment of one of Mr. Edison's sage predictions. The incorporation was completed on November 9th and the following officers have been elected: Herbert L. Bridgeman, President; Gen. Grant, Alexander Konta, Dr. George F. Kunz, and Rear Admiral Peary, Vice-Presidents; W. T. Larned, secretary. How many families have moved into your community during the past year? How many new friends and customers have you made of these newcomers?