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THE MUSICAL IDEALS OF THOMAS A. EDISON
One of the rare occasions on which Mr. Edison has ex' pressed his views in writing was when the Editor of The Etude asked him to state his opinion concerning the essential' ness of music. Mr. Edison's reply is recognized as an impor' tant contribution to the literature of music and the following quotation will reveal the high ideals by which he has been actuated in the development of the New Edison, "The Phonograph With a Sour':
"Mere existence demands nothing but food, drink, clothing and shelter. But when you attempt to raise existence to a higher plane, you have to nourish the brain as well as the body. I don't think there is any sane person who would say that books are unessential to the maintenance of our civilization in America. Yet, after its school days, probably less than one'fourth of our population reads with serious purpose. Music is more essential than literature, for the very simple reason that music is capable of releasing in practically every human mind, enlightening and ennobling thoughts that literature evokes in only the most erudite minds.
"Music, next to religion, is the mind's greatest solace, and also its greatest inspiration. The history of the woild shows that lofty aspira' tions find vent in music, and that music, in turn, helps to inspire such aspirations in others."
Could the importance of good music in your home be more impressively described than in the foregoing characteristically succinct statement by Mr. Edison ?
The research work which culminated in this wonderful instrument, so appropriately called "The Phonograph With a Soul," began several years ago. Mr. Edison said to his associ'