Mechanical Memories Magazine

Dickson had finally produced a working prototype Kinetoscope by spring 1891, and the
first public demonstration was conducted at the Edison West Orange laboratory, New
Jersey, on the 20 th May, for the benefit of 150 members of the National Federation of
Women's Clubs. The New York Sun newspaper reported what the women saw thus:
'In the top of the box was a hole perhaps an inch in diameter. As they looked through
th e hole they saw the picture of a man. It was a most marvellous picture. It bowed and
smiled and waved it's hands and took off it 's hat with the most perfect naturalness and
grace. Every motion was perfect. '
The man in the film was Dickson, and the little movie lasted just three seconds. That
historic short film still exists, and is known as the ' Dickson Greeting' .
Patent specifications for the Kinetoscope and the Kinetograph (the camera) were
filed in August 1891 , but there was still much work to be done. Major advances were
made during the following year, and it was at this time that it was decided to
incorporate a coin mechanism into the finished machines. It was during this year too,
that Dickson created a cinematic benchmark. The film strip used originally was three
quarters of an inch wide, with a line of holes on one edge of the film, which engaged
with a driving sprocket. However, Dickson changed this to 35mm with sprocket holes
on both edges; a format that would become, and still is, the international standard. By
the end of 1892, Dickson had perfected the design of both the Kinetoscope and the
Kinetograph, and U.S. patent no. 493,426 was finally granted in March 1893 .
Having perfected the design of the machines, efforts could now be concentrated on
producing films. Construction of a purpose-built studio in the grounds of Edison's West
Orange Laboratory commenced in December 1982, and this is acknowledged as the
first ever film studio. Due to Edison 's fame and reputation, Dickson was able to
persuade major showbusiness personalities to travel from New York to the West
Orange studio, often waiving their fees .
The Kinetoscope was due to make it's public debut at the Chicago World' s Fair,
opened in May 1893. However, the twenty-five machines promised were not ready for
it's opening, and indeed, never made it to the World's Fair. The delay was probably due
to a nervous breakdown suffered by Dickson earlier in the year, although it is not clear
whether it was the machines that were not ready or twenty-five different films. Instead,
the Kinetoscope was premiered at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Science on 9 th May
1893, where just one machine was exhibited showing a film entitled 'Blacksmiths' .
Thefi1m demonstrated on the 2ifh May 1891 - the 'Dickson Greeting'.
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