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Level 7: Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931)

Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an  American inventor, scientist, and businessman who developed many devices  that greatly influenced life around the world, including the  phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical  electric light bulb.


Dubbed "The Wizard of Menlo Park" (now Edison, New Jersey) by a newspaper reporter, he was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of mass production and large teamwork to the process of invention, and therefore is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory.

Edison is the third most prolific inventor in history, holding 1,093 US patents in his name, as well as many patents in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. He is credited with numerous inventions that contributed to mass communication and, in particular, telecommunications. These included a stock ticker, a mechanical vote recorder, a battery for an electric car, electrical power, recorded music and motion pictures. His advanced work in these fields was an outgrowth of his early career as a telegraph operator. Edison originated the concept and implementation of electric-power generation and distribution to homes, businesses, and factories – a crucial development in the modern industrialized world. His first power station was on Manhattan Island, New York.
 
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  • Interestingly, Edison was not so much an inventor as a very good technical manager. Although he was an engineer himself, he primarily hired people to work on certain projects or areas of technology, like the telephone. He had the know-how, the resources, and good management skills. What more do you need?

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  • Interestingly, Edison was not so much an inventor as a very good technical manager. Although he was an engineer himself, he primarily hired people to work on certain projects or areas of technology, like the telephone. He had the know-how, the resources, and good management skills. What more do you need?

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