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These seven books by Absalom M. Kennedy cover the period February 1914-November 1915, with one additional entry from May 1916. They contain daily records of experiments with phonograph recorders and reproducers conducted by Edison and various other employees of the laboratory and recording division, including Harry W. Doyle, Clarence B. Hayes, Miller Reese Hutchison, Charles W. Luhr, Walter H. Miller, and George J. Werner. Although most of the experiments involve disc phonographs, there are also some relating to cylinder phonographs. Many of the experiments are intended to determine which recorders and conditions work best for different voices, instruments, and types of music. The tests involve the use of various recording heads, arms, and horns; diaphragms; reflecting screens; and connections (tubing) of horns to machine. In addition, there are variations in instruments, characteristics of instruments (for example, the piano top open or closed), and positions of horns, instruments, and voices. Most of the entries report on the results, such as the quality of the recorded sound, and Kennedy frequently mentions Edison's opinions and suggestions about particular recordings or masters. Some entries describe other work by Kennedy, such as running kinetophone demonstrations and training Diamond Disc salesmen.

All of the books have been selected.