"Possible Uses of the Phonograph" Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, May 1, 1878   Possible Uses of the Phonograph "It has been demonstrated beyond a doubt that the phonograph, as perfected by Edson (sic), can imprison sound and let it out at any future time." Summary of its future: Testify in divorce cases ("The phonograph won't lie."); send it to church on a rainy Sunday to bring home the music and the sermon; repeat a good concert at home. "But as a revealer of family secrets the phonograph may yet lay the mischief. It will talk too much. The world has gained immensely, because an infinite amount of mischievous talk has gone into oblivion. But if hereafter, the phonograph is to be used as a repeater, a great many lips would need to be toned to prudent speech." Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, May 8, 1878 Deacon Pepper's Phonograph (p.1) How it Conducted a Prayer Meeting to the Great Spiritual Edison-if-cation of the Brethern and Sisters. [Reprinted or adapted from article by "Brother Williams in Punch"] Summary: Deacon purchases a Phonograph in New York, rough mule team driver, who happens to be in the same establishment, speaks into it while Deacon is busy closing the deal. When he plays it the next day for his prayer meeting all are shocked, ending with the Deacon moving West "to grow up with the country." Phonographia