UPDATE: For more, see “Thomas Edison and Military Preparedness” by the National Park Service.
TLS signed “Thos. A. Edison,” one page, 8.5 x 11, From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison letterhead, August 6, 1917. Letter to General Henry L. Abbot, a longtime U.S. Army engineer who, after the Civil War, commanded the engineer battalion at Willet's Point, New York, and made substantial contributions to the coast defense systems of the United States of that period, particularly in the submarine mine system and in the use of seacoast mortars. In full:
"Will you kindly favor me with some information with regard to experiments conducted by yourself on Submarine explosives. I am interested in the following points:
1. Nature of explosives used.
2. Amount of explosive used.
3. Distance of explosive from target.
4. Effect on target.
5. Nature of target.
6. Pressure developed by the explosive.
Any information or references will be greatly appreciated." In fine condition.
Thomas Edison was a major advocate for military preparedness at the outset of World War I. He was appointed to head a naval advisory board by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels in 1915, tasked with the evaluation of public proposals to improve military capabilities, especially to counter submarine threats. In 1917, Edison began to focus his own research on the protection of surface ships from submarine attack—this letter, sent to one of the Army's leading experts on submarine munitions, clearly stems from those investigations. Edison also studied camouflage methods, smoke reduction, ship navigation, and submarine detection in an effort to protect American shipping. His influence also led to the establishment of the Naval Research Laboratory, laying the foundation for the U.S. government's future investment in technological innovation for national security. A great letter with rare content connected to the legendary inventor's work for the U.S. Navy.
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