History of Computers - Phonograph
Created by Advait Prakash
Introduction
The phonograph was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison. The phonograph was the first mechanical device that could not only record sound, but reproduce it as well.
Overview
The phonograph was accidentally invented by Edison when he was trying to improve the telegraph transmitter. The first words ever mechanically recorded were "Mary had a little lamb". The phonograph was able to make musical recordings as well as voice recordings. Edison became know as the "Wizard of Menlo Park" after he invented the phonograph, and then went on to invent the light bulb and many other inventions. [1]
Significance
The phonograph was a very important invention because it was the first device that was able to record and reproduce sound. Previous devices had only been able to record sound, but not reproduce that sound, therefore rendering that device useless. Because the phonograph could reproduce sound, it was used in many field, such as the military, railroads, etc. This invention was the base for later inventions including the digital camcorder. For these reasons, the phonograph was a very important invention.
