This is the sonorous record which, on
being passed under the stylus of the reproducing tympanum, will cause it
to give out a faithful copy of the original speech. A flexible india-
rubber tube, branching into two ear-pieces, conveys the sound emitted by
the reproducing diaphragm to the ears. This trumpet is used for privacy
and loudness; but it may be replaced by a conical funnel inserted by its
small end over the diaphragm, which thereby utters its message aloud.
It is on this plan that Edison has now constructed a phonograph which
delivers its reproduction to a roomful of people. Keys and pedals are
provided with which to stop the apparatus either in recording or
receiving, and in the latter case to hark back and repeat a word or
sentence if required. This is a convenient arrangement in using the
phonograph for correspondence or dictation. Each instrument, as we
have seen, can be employed for receiving as well as recording; and as
all are made to one pattern, a phonogram coming from any one, in any art
of the world, can be reproduced in any other instrument. A little box
with double walls has been introduced for transmitting the phonograms by
post. A knife or cutter is attached to the instrument for the purpose of
paring off an old message, and preparing a fresh surface of the wax for
the reception of a new one.
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