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These notebooks were used at Edison's New York City laboratory, which was located above the offices of Bergmann & Co. at Avenue B and 17th Street. Most of the books date from 1885, but some also include entries from 1884 and 1886. One book contains an entry from 1888. Most of the notes, drawings, and calculations are by Edison. There are also some entries by John F. Ott, Ezra T. Gilliland, H. DeCoursey Hamilton, Montgomery Waddell, and other laboratory assistants. The books deal with a wide variety of subjects, including electric lighting and power, telephony, telegraphy, mining, and the phonograph. There is also material relating to various other technologies such as artificial silk, a thermostatic regulator for heating houses, and a snow-clearing machine. Several books contain entries pertaining to Edison's search for a new force and his attempt to convert heat directly into electricity.

Courtesy of Thomas Edison National Historical Park.