The
chemical 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. Throughout the laboratory, where Edison
conducted his last major experiments, all of his things
are just as they were in his lifetime, including his "cat-nap" cot.
Because of his deafness, Edison's sleep was undisturbed
and relaxed him so much that 15 minute sleep to him was
as good as is several hours to anyone else.
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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