Blog #6 EOTO

Communication Tech Timeline: The Phonograph

The evolution of communication should be considered one of the most important aspects of human development. We go every day utilizing communication whether that be face to face, technologically, or nonverbally. In order to create relationships with others, innovate, resolve issues, critically think, we have to be able to communicate our ideas and needs effectively. 

As of 2020, technology is a huge aspect of our communication abilities. Not only do we have many different devices to transmit messages, but there are also different mediums of ways to share messages, photos, voice memos, text messages, and more. Although most people think of telephones as the main contributor to the evolution of communication, there are a lot of other technologies and tools that are often discounted. For example, the phonograph is a very important invention in regards to the evolution of communication technology, however, many people in this day and age forget that the phonograph even existed before other forms of recording and transmitting.

The Beginnings

The phonograph was an invention created by no other than Thomas Edison, often noted for creating the iridescent light bulb. In fact, before he developed the light bulb, Edison was working on the phonograph first. Edison was tasked with making a machine that would transcribe telegraphic messages through indentations on paper tape. Because of this task, Edison was inspired and thought that maybe he could record telephone messages through indentations. Therefore, the phonograph was an adaptation because of the previous technologies available; the telegraph and telephone. 

In order to turn his vision into a reality, Edison used a metal cylinder with tin foil wrapped around it instead of paper to create indentations. These indentations were able to capture the sound vibrations from the audio being used which as a result allowed for the ability to record and then replay later. The machine consisted of two diaphragm and needle units which allowed for one recording and one playback. Edison was then able to file for a patent in 1877 and eventually was able to issue the first phonograph in February 1878. 

 

As Edison got preoccupied with inventing the light bulb, Alexander Graham Bell decided he would shoot his shot with improving and evolving the phonograph. With issues involving the original tin foil use, Bell replaced the tin foil with wax as a better medium. In addition, Bell replaced the once rigid needle with a floating stylus instead. Without these contributions, and subsequently, the pressure and competition Bell created for Thomas Edison, the phonograph may have been forgotten. 

In response, Edison decided to create more time for developing his original invention and created the Edison Company. He was able to make new improvements such as replacing the previous wax cylinders with ceresin, beeswax, and stearic wax. In addition, Edison's visions on the possibilities that the phonograph could result in were endless. Alexander Graham Bell primarily focused on the use of the phonograph in business spaces rather than home. Edison on the other hand spent a lot of time creating ways in which the phonograph could be used for more entertainment purposes as well. Eventually, Edison created a home phonograph that served as a proto-jukebox for families. 

Contributions to the Evolution of Communication

Here are some examples of what the invention of the phonograph contributed to the evolution of communication: 

• Letter writing and dictation without the aid of a stenographer 
• Development of photographic books for blind people
• Reproduction of music
• Record family memorabilia
• Music boxes and toys
• Preservation of languages
• Education purposes
• The telephone could be "permanent" through recordings