Thomas Edison receives a phonograph patent
On February 19, 1878, Thomas Edison received a phonograph patent.
Published · Updated · 1 min read
The Event
On February 19, 1878, Thomas Edison received a phonograph patent.
The Scientific Context
The machine recorded vibrations mechanically and played them back, separating a sound from the moment of its performance.
Design and practical use
A patent or application describes a technical claim at a particular time. A demonstration, a working product and widespread adoption are separate milestones.
Reading the Historical Record
The linked chronology identifies the date; the event or subject reference gives further context. The date refers to the milestone described above.
About the Historical Recreation
The proposed visual shows a period workshop bench with a plausible model and an out-of-focus technical drawing, no invented legible patent. It is an AI illustration, not archival footage or an eyewitness record.
Sources
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