Thomas Edison invents the phonograph...

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 30, 1878  Page 3 has a nice 4 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch illustration of Edison's recent invention--the phonograph. Amazed by this uncomplicated apparatus, the report begins: "It is a peculiar feature of the Edison phonograph that no mere description can impart any real adequate idea of its performances. Fully familiar as we are and have been with the machine since its inception, it is still impossible for us to listen to it without a feeling of astonishment and a well defined doubt that our senses are not deceiving us. The extreme simplicity of the contrivance enhances this notice...".
The report continues providing a detailed description of how the phonograph actually works.
Included in this issue as well is the patent Edison received for the phonograph. At the end is the "Official Index Of Inventions For Which Letters Patent of the U. S. were Granted in the Week Ending February 19, 1878" with a listing for "Phonograph or speaking machine, T. A. Edison...200,521." 
 A doubly nice & historic issue and a cornerstone piece for any collector of phonographs.
Sixteen pages, archival mends to 3 tears near the spine on each leaf, a few extending a bit into text but quite discrete. Otherwise nice condition.