to straighten

out problems with the “wax & phenol resin” used to make phonograph cylinders

186. Thomas Edison Autograph Letter Signed on Phonograph Cylinder Material. ALS in pencil, signed “E,” one page, 8.25 x 11, no date. Handwritten letter to “J.V.M.,” his wife’s brother, John Vincent Miller (1873-1940). In full: “We have had much trouble with wax & phenol Resin since McWilliams had charge. Now we are in a bad way with phenol resin. We shall have to send Hoffman down to Straighten the Resin production out. Hereafter I shall demand & have made tests at Lab of everything used in making wax & resin—What about McWilliams, I understand he was formally a theatrical man if so he is probably passing the buck over to the foreman who probably has never been properly taught what to do, please investigate.” In very good condition, with edge tears, fold splits, and chipping to the edges of the fragile, toned sheet. Starting Bid $200

189. Albert Einstein Document Signed for Hollywood Reference to Law of Gravitation. DS, signed “Albert Einstein,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, July 9, 1947. Release form submitted to Republic Productions, consenting to the use of his name in the 1948 film Campus Honeymoon. The document details the scene in question, quoting the line from the professor: “Einstein’s law of gravitation controls a geometrical quantity in contrast to Newton’s law, don’t you agree, Mrs. Watson?” At the conclusion, Einstein grants “permission to mention my name in your photoplay now entitled ‘Campus Honeymoon,’ Prod. #1657, in the manner and for the purpose above described, or in substantially the same manner and in no way derogatory.” In fine condition, with a light diagonal crease to the first page. A unique piece that demonstrates Einstein’s influence on popular culture. Starting Bid $500