
The
Botanic Research Laboratory is one of the most absorbing features
of the Edison Estate. Here, workers
helped Edison in his research on goldenrod as a source
of natural rubber. The Laboratory is filled with the original apparatus and equipment Edison used to conduct his rubber research, as well as the cot where Edison took "catnaps" while working in the laboratory.
When the price of rubber soared in the
late 1920’s,
Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone combined
their efforts, talents and finances in search of a natural
source for rubber. Together they established the Edison
Botanic Research Company. Extensive research proved Goldenrod,
a common weed growing to an average height of 3-4 feet,
produced 5% yield of latex. Through hybridization, Edison
produced Goldenrod in excess of 12 feet, yielding 12%
latex.
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