1341 South Main St.

Milan, Ohio 44846

January 4, 1878

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I recently discovered a way to create an invention that can change the world we live in today for the
better. I call it the phonograph. After the telegraph transmitter was invented, I began to work on
making it more efficient. Working on it caused me to wonder if I could actually transmit spoken words
rather than signals. After experimenting, I created a product that can record and playback recorded
messages. The device is composed of a large cylinder, a mouthpiece, tinfoil, a handle, and two needles.
As words are spoken into the mouthpiece, the sound vibrations cause the needle to make grooves into
the tinfoil. The second needle allows for the recording to be played back.
This invention can change the world we live in today. Just think of all the possibilities the phonograph
can bring. Now instead of just listening to live music, people can record it and listen to it over and over.
Blind people can read by listening to phonographic books. Clocks can incorporate phonographs in them
to enable them to read the time out loud. The list goes on.
To mass produce the phonograph for public use, I will need a loan to finance it. I will need a loan for
$150.00. This will cover the cost of the materials, and will help me successfully create more
phonographs for public use.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas Edison