Thomas Edison Tin-Foil Recording
This is a full sheet of "Tinfoil", used to record the voice
placed on the rotating mandrel of the Edison's Phonograph
that dates from June 20, 1878. This sheet was created in
St. Louis. At one point the sheet was folded and placed
inside its promotional envelope. Part of the sheet extended
out of the envelope and tears resulted.
Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche
Planetarium
would like to have the sheet digitized to regain its
message.
The tinfoil phonograph was developed in 1877 and consisted
of a brass cylindrical mouthpiece closed by a membrane of
parchment or goldbeater's skin using a steel stylus with a
sharp chisel-shaped edge at it center.
Read more about Edison's amazing invention here at
Inside the Conservator's
Studio.
The Tin-Foil has now been flatten to a level that can be
recorded. A travel box has been created for the sheet to be
safely hand carried to its next phase.
