Edison searches for a filament in Brazil: “In my endeavors to perfect the electric light and bring it into practical everyday use, a certain kind of vegetable fibre has been found necessary”
37. Thomas Edison. Extraordinary LS signed “Thomas A.
Edison,” one page, 7.75 x 12.25, no date but circa 1880–1881. Superb letter to “His Excellency The President of Alagoas,” a state in Brazil. In part: “Permit me to recommend to your distinguished consideration the bearer of this letter Mr. John C. Branner, my friend and colaborer, a gentleman already known in your country in connection with the Imperial Geological Survey. In my endeavors to perfect the electric light and bring it into practical everyday use, a certain kind of vegetable fibre has been found necessary. It is the thing most needed for the perfection of my invention and believing your country to be the richest on the globe in natural productions, in my effort to obtain what I want Mr. Branner will explore Brazil. Being convinced that the encouragement held out by your wise Emperor to all who visit Brazil in pursuit of science will be ably seconded by his distinguished Ministers I feel your Excellency
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will do all in your power to contribute to the success of Mr. Branner’s mission.” Beautifully archivally triple-cloth-matted and framed with a portrait of Edison to an overall size of 33 x 21.75. In fine condition. In an effort to find a suitable filament for his newly invented incandescent lamp, Edison dispatched agents worldwide—John Branner to South America in 1880–81, and James Ricalton to Asia in 1888. He hoped to find a natural fiber that could be utilized as a long-lasting filament in an electric light, and which could be brought to market in abundant quantities at a reasonable cost. Although Branner managed to locate several better-performing fibers, none were used as they proved too difficult or costly to bring to market. A superb letter concerning Edison’s most revolutionary invention. Pre-certified PSA/ DNA. Starting Bid $500