Thomas Edison invents the phonograph

1877--The world has now changed and will never be the same as it has been. It was the first phonograph invented that could play back sounds. The recording medium was a small metal cylinder which was wrapped in foil. The cylinder was mounted on an axle, which made it possible for the cylinder to rotate. Next to the cylinder was a mouthpiece with a diaphragm which made it possible to produce sound waves. In fact, the first words from Edison's phonograph was his voice saying "Mary had a little lamb."

In order to play "Mary had a little lamb" back, a needle attached to a diaphragm was played against the phonograph's cylinder. While the cylinder rotated, the dents in the foil caused the needle and the diaphragm to vibrate, which produced sound waves.

Edison never considered innovation when he invented the phonograph. He intended it to be used in offices as a dictation device, but had he considered the innovation factor, his improvements may have made him more well known. However, this can be a start to many innovations that have progressed into today's modern world. For instance, consider the voice recorder. Once the record button is set, the device is recording sound in the environment. While individuals don't have to speak directly into the recorder, the inventor of the voice recorder may have considered Edison's progress and adapted his (or her) own innovative techniques.

Many phonographs would follow Edison's invention. These were commonly made of foil or wax, but each had made technological and innovative improvements. For instance, Emile Berliner, a German who came to America, invented the gramophone. It used a flat disk, rather than a cylinder that was first used in Edison's invention. He was also the first one to produce records, which he found could easily be mass-produced. This made it easier for the public to buy and it brought the cost down so more people could enjoy the music they purchased.

Edison introduced something to the world that may have changed how we view everything. Without the phonograph, we might not have radio or television. We not be able to call our loved ones on the phone or we might not be able to be listen to live broadcasts while at sports games. This one invention opened up the door to thousands of others, which has made these industrious pioneers such mentors today.