[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.]
These nineteen notebooks cover the period 1911-1914.They were used by Leroy E. Briggs, William Walter Dinwiddie, Harry W. Doyle, Zachariah P. Halpin, Absalom M. Kennedy, James W. Ramsay, and other Edison employees for experiments relating to the development of motion pictures. Included are tests of Edison's home projecting kinetoscope, as well as a "professional" variation of the machine. There are also notes pertaining to the kinetophone (motion pictures with sound), including tests to determine the optimal positions of the kinetoscope and phonograph for synchronization and experiments with the disc diaphragm. Other entries describe the development of complete kinetophone and home kinetoscope outfits and demonstrations of the kinetoscope.
In addition, there are experiments to ascertain the best carbon element for the "motion picture machine" and data regarding the use of an incandescent rather than arc lamp. Other entries describe the development of a new lamp house, commutators, lens systems, screens, an automatic film developing machine, and a film drying machine. There are notes on various setups for the developing machine and variations in airflow, blowers, and vents to test the heat regulation. In addition, there are tests of noninflammable film, a paper fastening machine, new film cement, amplifiers, synchronizers, and cameras. Other experimenters who are identified as working on related projects include Adolph F. Gall, Daniel Higham, Charles W. Luhr, Charles W. Norton, Elroy Pearsall, and George J. Werner. Seven books with indications of oversight or involvement by Edison have been selected.
The notebooks are arranged in three subgroups: (1) L. E. Briggs Books (6 notebooks); (2) A. M. Kennedy Books (6 notebooks); (3) Miscellaneous Books (7 notebooks) [not selected]. Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.