The Light Bulb

On January 27, 1880, Thomas Edison patented the electric incandescent lamp. He was a prolific inventor with 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, as well as many in other countries. Menlo Park became the first industrial research laboratory, and he was also known as an astute businessman.

He had only attended school for three months. He hadn't felt very successful there, and his teacher called him "addled," so his mother taught him at home. He later told, "My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me; and I felt I had something to live for, someone I must not disappoint."

Edison's inventions had a huge impact on large populations. Electric lights and power, the phonograph and sound recordings, and motion pictures started huge worldwide industries themselves. His inventions led to better communications and an easier way of life. His first power station was the Pearl Street Station built in Manhattan in 1882.

He founded fourteen companies, including General Electric. Almost all of modern technology and the devices we use today can be traced back to Thomas Edison in some way. For example, where would we be without electricity? It even charges the batteries in our small devices. So we have plenty to celebrate about the invention of the first electric light, which led the way.

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