Edison standard phonograph modified for ICS language courses, c.1903

An attempt to exploit the phonograph for the teaching of languages was made as early as 1897 but in 1903 a special instrument was provided by the National Phonograph Co for use by the International Correspondance School.

The instrument was an Edison Standard model equipped with a lever by which the reproducer could be lifted off the cylinder, moved back a short distance and then replcaed so that the student could hear a repetition of the last phrase spoken.