Call Number:

C1048

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Citations should be as follows: Thomas A. Edison Collection, Box #, Folder #, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1880-1925 (inclusive)

Creator:

Princeton University. Library. Special Collections and Edison, Thomas A.‏ (Thomas Alva),‏ 1847-1931

Form:

Correspondence -- 20th century

Abstract:

Consists primarily of correspondence, both original and photocopies, of Thomas A. Edison, the most influential American inventor of the twentieth century.

Thomas Alva Edison profoundly influenced modern life through such inventions as the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera. He was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of mass production to the process of invention. During his lifetime, he acquired a record 1,093 patents; most of these inventions, however, were not completely original but, rather, improvements of earlier patents and works of his numerous employees. Edison also founded the journal Science, which in 1900 became the journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences.

The collection consists primarily of correspondence, both original and photocopies, of Edison. Correspondents include Pierre F. Cook, John G. Hibben, N. H. Holland, Robert Mountsier, and Gaston Tissandier. There is also an undated photograph of his laboratory.

Arranged by accession number.