This is the printed patent drawing for a phonograph invented by Thomas A. Edison.
Not in Position to Give Up the Chase
The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900)
Drawing for a Phonograph
- 5/18/1880
Description
One of Thomas Edison’s best known inventions is the phonograph, patented May 18, 1880. Edison was a prolific inventor; he received patents for his changes to the telephone, typewriter, and telegraph.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office.
National Archives Identifier: 595515
Full Citation: Drawing for a Phonograph; 5/18/1880; Patents Issued to Thomas A. Edison, 1868 – 1911; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, Record Group 241; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/document/drawing-for-a-phonograph/, February 6, 2026]
Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
