Thomas Edison's Lightbulb Essay Example

Thomas Alva Edison introduced America to the power of the light bulb. Edison’s most important invention was the light bulb, which drastically improved the lives of everyone. Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration” which was certainly true with the light bulb because Edison failed many times but was determined to never quit. His tenacity produced an enduring success that has stood the test of time and contributed to countless innovations in its many applications, while improving the quality of life for mankind. Edison’s invention applied scientific know how of his day to meet the growing needs for light both in the workplace and to meet domestic needs which proved to be the best lighting alternative available. The incandescent light bulb had a filament inside a glass vacuum bulb. It made light by heating the filament until it was hot enough to glow ("Franklin Institute"). One of the most difficult things for Edison was finding a filament that lasted for a long period of time not just a few hours. After thousands of attempts Edison discovered that carbonized bamboo worked the best. At his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey people would come from all over to see if the rumors of a practical light bulb were true. Edison was known to be committed to his work and would often sleep on the lab bench. JP Morgan funded his efforts because he knew Edison’s work would be profitable. Edison not only created a practical and cost efficient light bulb, his invention met the needs in so many other areas of life. By creating the light bulb Edison increased productivity of America. With the light bulb people could now work at night unlike before where they had to get their work done before the sun went down. Life improved because the light bulb was much safer than candles and gaslights that lit homes before. People had freedom to do more because of the hours of the day they gained by Thomas’s invention. Jill Jonnes