Hi, kalali,
Here are two web pages that include "Personal Notes on Record Specifications". (I’m not exactly sure who the author is.)
http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~yosh/recspecs.htm
http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~yosh/vta.htm
The pages are somewhat difficult to read through but contain a lot of information and history. You won’t find all the answers to your questions but it’s a good reference.
There's also this web site: http://www.recordcollectorsguild.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=44&page=1
Regards,
Tom