On January 27, 1880, Thomas Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal domestic use of electric light.
Thomas Edison propelled the United States out of the gaslight era and into
the electric age. From the time he was a boy, he was mesmerized by the mechanics
of the universe and, with virtually no formal education, brought forth innovations
that continue to dominate our lives. Out of his New Jersey laboratories, which
were themselves inventions—thoroughly equipped and fully staffed—came
1,093 patented inventions and innovations that made Edison one of the most prolific
inventors of all time.
Three of his most famous inventions, the phonograph, a practical incandescent
light bulb, and the moving picture camera, dazzled the public and revolutionized
the way people live throughout the world. His thundering dynamos transformed
the United States into the world’s greatest industrial superpower.
In 1878 the creation of a practical long-burning electric light had eluded
scientists for decades. With dreams of lighting up entire cites, Edison lined
up financial backing, assembled a group of brilliant scientists and technicians,
and applied his genius to the challenge of creating an effective and affordable
electric lamp. With unflagging determination, Edison and his team tried out
thousands of theories, convinced that every failure brought them one step closer
to success. On January 27, 1880, Edison received the historic patent embodying
the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the universal
domestic use of electric light.
(Information excerpted from American Originals by Stacey Bredhoff; [Seattle
and London; The University of Washington Press, 2001] p. 62–63.
