The American Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) was one of the most prolific and influential inventors and entrepreneurs in history. Thanks to his vision of applying mass production methods to his inventions, he transformed the world by bringing theelectricitythe sound recording and the cinematography within the reach of ordinary people. His name is in fact inextricably associated with technologies that had an enormous impact in the twentieth century, such as the movie camera, the phonograph, the microphone and of course the light bulb (which he did not invent, but perfected). Let’s briefly look at the history of Edison and his main inventions.
Thomas Edison’s childhood
Born in Milan, Ohio, on February 11, 1847the future inventor was the youngest of seven children. As a child he was often ill and at the age of twelve he contracted scarlet fever which left him almost completely deaf. The handicap, however, did not stop him; indeed, it pushed him to develop extraordinary concentration and uncommon determination. After a limited education (he studied only until he was 12), Edison continued to learn from self-taught, devouring scientific books and technical magazines.
The first invention and the patents on the light bulb
At just 22 years old, Edison got his first patent for a improved telegraph, a version capable of recording messages on a strip of paper. This patent marked the beginning of a career full of inventions and innovations that would change daily life. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Menlo Park, New Jersey, where he created a laboratory that became a real research center, one of the first in history. His goal was to produce practical inventions that had economic and social value.
Although Edison has often been credited as theinventor of the light bulbit is more correct to say that he perfected and made this technology accessible. Other inventors, such as Joseph Swan in England, had already experimented with electric light bulbs, but these were inefficient and short-lived. Edison worked for years, testing thousands of filament materials until he found carbonized bamboo, which offered a much longer life. In 1879, Edison introduced a light bulb that could burn for tens of hours (about 40). Not only that, he also created a direct current electrical energy distribution system, with a central generator and cables that brought electricity into homes, making urban lighting possible.
The creation of the phonograph and kinetoscope
In 1877, Edison invented the phonograph, the first machine capable of recording and playing sounds. Initially, he thought of using the phonograph as a tool for recording telephone messages, but he soon realized that it would have enormous cultural importance. The possibility of record voice and music it radically changed the way people interacted with art and communication, opening the doors to new industries, such as the recording industry.
Another invention of great importance was the kinetoscope, the first device for viewing moving images. Edison did not invent cinema as we know it today, but he significantly contributed pioneering technology that laid the foundation for the motion picture industry. His kinetoscope allowed a single person to watch a short film through a lens. In 1891, he created his first film production company, Black Maria, and produced a series of films that popularized this new form of entertainment.
Edison and Tesla: the war of currents
A famous aspect of Edison’s life is his rivalry with Nikola Tesla, another electrical genius. While Edison advocated the direct current electrical system for the distribution of electricity, Tesla was instead an advocate of alternating current. This difference led to a series of clashes known as the “War of the Currents“. Although Tesla’s alternating current proved more efficient for long distances, Edison continued to advocate direct current to the end of his days, even as Tesla’s technology became the standard.
The inventor’s legacy
Edison continued to invent and improve his creations throughout his life. With beyond 1000 patents in his nameits impact is still visible today in many modern technologies. However, not all of his ideas were successful. In the 1920s, Edison attempted to develop an electric automobile and a nickel-iron battery, but without much success.
Edison died on October 18, 1931at the age of 84, at his home in West Orange, New Jersey, the resting place of his remains.
