Lot 224: EDISON, Thomas Alva (1847-1931). Typed letter signed ("Thomas A Edison," with fine "umbrella" flourish) to Mrs. L.R. Townsend, Orange, N.J., 22 February 1912.

EDISON, Thomas Alva (1847-1931). Typed letter signed ("Thomas A Edison," with fine "umbrella" flourish) to Mrs. L.R. Townsend, Orange, N.J., 22 February 1912.

1 full page, 4to, on stationery headed "From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison," with a very fine signature. Original envelope present.

A TELEPHONE FOR THE DEAF? The inventor responds to Townsend's query "as to whether I have ever invented anything to connect to the telephone for deaf people. I would say that I have not, but being quite deaf myself have been interested in the subject. I intend to take this matter up," he vows, "as I realize it would be a great benefit for thousands of people. I do not know if there is any such appliance in existence at the present time..." Although Alexander Graham Bell was the first to patent a working telephonic device (in 1876), Edison actively sought to improve its audibility and over several decades produced improved models.

Property from a New England Family