![EDISON, Thomas Alva (1847-1931). Inventor. Letter signed ("Thomas A Edison," with umbrella flourish) to the President of Bahia, n.p., [circa 1880]. 1½ pp, folio, lined paper, tipped to mounting board.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/NYR/2001_NYR_09806_0040_000(034554).jpg?w=1)
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EDISON, Thomas Alva (1847-1931). Inventor. Letter signed ("Thomas A Edison," with umbrella flourish) to the President of Bahia, n.p., [circa 1880]. 1½ pp, folio, lined paper, tipped to mounting board.
EDISON'S SEARCH FOR THE ELUSIVE FILAMENT "TO PERFECT THE ELECTRIC LIGHT"
An important letter to the President of Bahia, a state of Brazil, asking permission to conduct explorations in search of a critical vegetable fiber. In 1878, believing that there had to be an efficient alternative to gas lighting, Edison began work on an electrically powered light. The greatest obstacle he encountered was finding a natural material that could conduct an electric current without degenerating; the search necessitated experimentation with several thousand organic and inorganic fibers from around the world.
Here, in the midst of this quest for a suitable material, Edison writes: "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 will do all in your power to contribute to the success of Mr. Branner's mission." Edison closes "with sincerest desires for the continued prosperity of your country and long life to its enlightened Ruler."
Dr. John C. Branner (1850-1922), an eminent geologist, was well acquainted with Brazil, having travelled there in 1874 as a part of a geological survey team. He made other expeditions to Brazil on several occasions and later served as President of Stanford University.
EDISON'S SEARCH FOR THE ELUSIVE FILAMENT "TO PERFECT THE ELECTRIC LIGHT"
An important letter to the President of Bahia, a state of Brazil, asking permission to conduct explorations in search of a critical vegetable fiber. In 1878, believing that there had to be an efficient alternative to gas lighting, Edison began work on an electrically powered light. The greatest obstacle he encountered was finding a natural material that could conduct an electric current without degenerating; the search necessitated experimentation with several thousand organic and inorganic fibers from around the world.
Here, in the midst of this quest for a suitable material, Edison writes: "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 will do all in your power to contribute to the success of Mr. Branner's mission." Edison closes "with sincerest desires for the continued prosperity of your country and long life to its enlightened Ruler."
Dr. John C. Branner (1850-1922), an eminent geologist, was well acquainted with Brazil, having travelled there in 1874 as a part of a geological survey team. He made other expeditions to Brazil on several occasions and later served as President of Stanford University.