A letter to C.S. Williams, the head of Edison’s Motion Picture Division. ALS signed “Edison,” one page, 5 x 7, lightly lined off-white notebook paper, no date. In full: “Williams - Lead is the most dangerous ingredient we have to contend with - - Lead is higher in Horsehead [?] than I remember of having seen it.” A clear indication of Edison’s learnedness as he was aware of the dangers of lead long before it became the public concern it has become - - Greek physicians gave clinical descriptions of lead poisoning 100 B.C. and in the U.S. in 1887, medical authorities diagnosed lead poisoning in children. Perhaps the “horsehead” here is a reference to horsehead philodendron, a highly toxic plant. In very good condition, with a stain at center with what appear to be two rusted staple holes, two folds, scattered faint surface impressions, a chip to the upper left. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and R&R COA.
