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Archibald Williams explains the scientific principles behind common mechanisms and physical phenomena such as steam, electricity, light, and hydraulics. The text focuses on the fundamental operation of everyday devices rather than specific models or detailed technical specifications.

Page 254 of 446
Table of Contents

HOW IT WORKS.

is regulated by screw S.

THE PHONOGRAPH.

Though the recording and reproducing apparatus of a phonograph gives very wonderful results, its construction is quite simple. At the same time, it must be borne in mind that an immense amount of experimenting has been devoted to finding out the most suitable materials and forms for the parts.

Fig. 147.
Fig. 147. —Section of an Edison Bell phonograph recorder.

The recorder (Fig. 147) is a little circular box about one and a half inches in diameter.32 From the top a tube leads to the horn. The bottom is a circular plate, C C, hinged at one side. This plate supports a glass disc, D, about 1⁄150th of an inch thick, to which is attached the cutting stylus—a tiny sapphire rod with a cup-shaped end having very sharp edges. Sound-waves enter the box through the horn tube; but instead of being allowed to fill the whole box, they are concentrated by the

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