Thomas Edison
Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was an American inventor and businessman best known for work on the incandescent light bulb, phonograph, electric power systems, and early motion-picture equipment.
Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was an American inventor and businessman best known for his work on the incandescent light bulb, phonograph, electric power systems, and early motion-picture equipment. He held a world-record 1,093 patents and created the first industrial research laboratory at Menlo Park, New Jersey. His innovations helped shape the modern electric age and influenced industries in Canada and other industrialized countries.
Early life
Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio, in 1847 and later became one of the most famous inventors in American history. Sources describe him as having little formal schooling.
Major inventions
Edison is strongly associated with the phonograph, incandescent light bulb, carbon-button transmitter, and early motion-picture devices. These inventions influenced sound recording, telephony, lighting, and film.
Menlo Park laboratory
Edison created the first industrial research laboratory at Menlo Park, where he and his team developed inventions through systematic experimentation. The lab became a model for organized industrial research.
Patents and legacy
Edison held 1,093 patents and is widely regarded as one of the most prolific inventors in U.S. history. His work helped establish major industries in electric light and power, sound recording, and motion pictures.
Key facts
- Edison was an American inventor and businessman whose work helped shape the modern electric age.
- He is credited with major developments in the incandescent lamp, phonograph, and electric power distribution.
- He held a world-record 1,093 patents, singly or jointly.
- He founded the first industrial research laboratory at Menlo Park, New Jersey.
- His laboratory also contributed to early motion-picture technology and the alkaline storage battery.
Edison’s inventions, especially electric lighting, sound recording, and motion pictures, had broad influence in Canada as in other industrialized countries.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_EdisonSupports: Basic biographical details, main inventions, and dates.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-EdisonSupports: Birth and death details, patents, inventions, and first industrial research laboratory.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Thomas-EdisonSupports: Summary of Edison’s work, Menlo Park laboratory, and patent total.
- Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/static/collections/edison-company-motion-pictures-and-sound-recordings/articles-and-essays/biography/life-of-thomas-alva-edison.htmlSupports: Influence on modern life, inventions, and patent count.
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/thomas-alva-edisonSupports: Patent total and major inventions.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Thomas-EdisonSupports: Nickname and selected inventions.