[The following note describes a series of notebooks and has no document records attached to it. For that reason, a "no Documents found" message will appear if the "List Documents" button at the bottom of the note is used. To see the records in the notebooks described here, use the "Which Series Notes?" button to enter the Series Notes or use the "Next Text" button to move to the first item in the series.]
This set of eight loosely related notebooks, which covers the years 1911-1921, contains a variety of experiments relating to the composition of Edison disc records. The experimenters include Charles Dally, Archie D. Hoffman, and W. Jones. The notes indicate that Edward L. Aiken and A. Petit (Ademor N. or Albert O.) worked on related projects. Included are experiments with shellac and various varnishes aimed at improving the discs, with reports on the results and condition of the records printed. Some entries involve the use of alternative materials for the disc blank, such as plaster of paris and paper. Also included are notes on disc manufacture and "transfers," which provide information on the preparation of the blank and details of transfer schedules. Several experiments conducted during World War I pertain to attempts to adjust for shortages of certain ingredients, such as celluloid and lampblack. There are also experiments involving the reuse of discarded discs. The work in N-16-04-26 is related to the experiments in Notebooks by Edison and Other Experimenters -- Disc Record Books, Nos. 1-26, while N-20-11-12 is related to the C. T. Dally Disc Blanks Composition Books, Nos. 1-14.
One book containing experiments performed on direct orders from Edison has been selected in its entirety. Another book has been partially selected for indications of Edison's involvement.