The Osteogramophones of Doktor Zosimus

The osteogramophonic device allows the operator to record the very essence of a subject onto a sheet of film via picture and sound. Sadly, unless the subject is re-imprinted posthaste, it is a destructive process that leaves the subject in a catatonic state from which there is no return.*

Once the record has been obtained, it may be imprinted on another subject of the operator's choice at a later date.  It is advised that the imprinting portion of the process is undertaken with due diligence and care:

First, one must insure the discs are not damaged, lest the information be corrupted in some manner. Depending upon the extent of the damage, the recipient may be rendered insane, horribly maimed, or killed outright.

Secondly, one must consider the choice of creature upon which the record will be imprinted, as some are less resilient than others to the mental and physical stresses incurred. The best match for imprinting will always be the original subject, and as such the second best choices are creatures of similar form and temperament. Since the recipient's skeletal structure will shift as necessary to accommodate the newly imprinted form, beginning with a similar morphology will only serve to reduce the immense trauma.

If one desires to imprint a record upon a different human, it is advised that the recipient is prepared by having their essence removed via the osteogramophonic process in order to reduce the risk of psychotic break.

*There are rumors that the good Doktor produced an improved version before his disappearance, but these have yet to be confirmed.