Sold – Thomas Edison Wants to Devote More Time to Science

At the end of 1916, Edison was just short of his 70th birthday and was feeling the rush of time. Perhaps as a result of this, and having no desire to retire, he decided to increase his workload rather than decrease it so that he could accomplish the maximum possible. In 1915 he invented the first synthetic form of carbolic acid, constructed plants making myrbane, aniline oil, aniline salt and paraphenylenediamine (key substances in manufacturing that until then were imported from Germany, and the supply of which were imperiled by World War I). Then in 1916 he was kept busy with making important improvements in the manufacture of disc phonograph records and new methods and devices for recording. He was also President of the U.S. Naval Consulting Board, in which capacity he did a great deal of work connected with national defense.

National Economic League is an organization dedicated to promoting the study and discussion of social, economic and political questions. The League’s Secretary, J.W. Beatson invited Edison to accept a membership. However, Edison felt that his workload precluded his continuing to participate in additional public service organizations, and made that fact known here.

Typed Letter Signed, on his laboratory letterhead, Orange, N.J., September 15, 1916, to Beatson. “Allow me to say that I fully appreciate your kind Invitation to become a member of the National Economic League. I regret I cannot please you by sending an acceptance as it is my desire to retire as much as possible from matters of a public or semipublic nature. I am already overworked, and find that any connection with these affairs brings great addition to my mail, and thus adds to my burdens which are already heavy.”