Description:

Edison Thomas 1847 - 1931 Thomas Edison TLS regarding a new use of his invention the mimeograph

Typed Letter Signed on his Imprinted Laboratory stationery, 1 page 4to, Orange, New Jersey, Dec. 13, 1924, to Edward A. Filene, Boston merchant who headed the Filene's Department Store, outlining a plan whereby the text of speeches could be translated and distributed in advance to the audience at an international conference.

He writes:"... I am wonderingwhether it is impracticable to prepare and address, in advance, before the delivery of such address by any of the delegates. For instance; suppose the Prime Minister of England or the French Premier read an address to theconference, could not copies of this address be prepared previously and given to the translators who could have it typed as they translate it? Copies could be made for all the delegates by modern, rapid processes, and each delegate could be given a copy in his own language. Thus, if a delegate addressed the meeting, he could read from his original copy, made on a typewriter and at the same time the other delegates would be reading their translation which had previously been supplied to them. By modern, rapid process methods, the copies would be printed within an hour from the time the Prime Minister or Premier had finished the dictation. All this could easily be done, as it only means a sufficient number of typewriters and mimeographed duplication ..."

It is interesting to note that Edison's numerous inventions Include the mimeograph, hence we have the inventor suggesting a new use for his invention. An important letter, in fine condition.

From the Robert Batchelder collection, priced by him at $2,500.

Provenance:

This remarkable piece is offered directly from the estate of Robert Batchelder, among the most important dealers of the 20th century who began his passion in autographs and historical documents in the late 1960's. Each piece will include Robert's original description indicating the noted retail price which could have been 20 years ago. in addition to his inventory folder containing his handwritten notes. Robert's highly diverse background and amazing achievements include a long list of important sociÕ©tal memberships, examples worthy of noting include an honorary member of the Society Cincinnati, a member of the Manuscript Society, the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America), the ANA (American Numismatic Association), the PAGCA (Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collectors Association), the PADA (Professional Autograph Dealer Association), and the UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club). He was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and served in the U.S. Army Air Force.

A portion of the commission on Batchelder lots will be donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation in his memory.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000