The phonograph was discovered accidentally. Mr. T. A. Edison was at work on an apparatus for recording a telegraphic message, by having an armature (with a needle fastened in one end) of the sounder make indentations on a piece of tin foil wrapped around a cylinder. The message would thus be punctured or indented on this tin foil, then by substituting a blunt needle for the sharp one and turning the cylinder, the armature would be vibrated as the needle entered into and passed out of the indentations. While experimenting, he turned the cylinder very rapidly, and instead of a succession of "clicks," a musical sound was produced. He seized the idea, and the Edison Phonograph was the result. The perfected phonograph of today consists of a cylinder of wax, or other plastic material, which is revolved either by hand, foot power or an electric motor. This cylinder, called the phonogram, is used for recording the sound. This is done by a diaphragm - such as is used in a telephone - into the center of which is fastened a sharp needle, which rests upon and just touches the phonogram. When the words are spoken the diaphragm vibrates, moving this needle up and down, and a series of indentations are made in a spiral line on the phonogram, which is turning around about eighty-five times a minute.

To make the phonograph speak, or repeat the words, another diaphragm, similar to the first or recorder, but having a blunt instead of a sharp needle, is placed at the starting point, and the phonogram made to revolve; of course, as the needle passes over the indentations it vibrates the diaphragm, and the words are reproduced - as in a telephone.