Thomas Alva Edison
- Born:
- February 11, 1847, Milan, Ohio, USA
- Died:
- October 18, 1931, West Orange, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Inventor, Businessman
Early Life and Education
- Edison had limited formal schooling, attending school for only a few months.
- He was largely self-educated, with his mother, a former schoolteacher, playing a significant role in his education.
- Showed early entrepreneurial spirit, selling newspapers and candy on trains.
- Developed an early interest in science and experimentation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Started his career as a telegraph operator.
- Patented his first invention, an electric vote recorder, in 1869.
- Established an industrial research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, in 1876.
- Invented the phonograph in 1877, which brought him widespread fame.
- Developed and commercialized the incandescent light bulb in 1879, revolutionizing electric lighting.
- Pioneered the development of electric power generation and distribution systems.
Notable Works
- Phonograph
- Incandescent Light Bulb
- Motion Picture Camera
- Alkaline Battery
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Film Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1891 | Dickson Experimental Sound Film | Early sound film experiment |
| 1894 | The Barbershop | Early example of narrative film |
| 1910 | Frankenstein | One of the earliest horror films |
Legacy and Impact
Thomas Edison's inventions and innovations significantly impacted modern life. His work laid the foundation for the electric age, mass communication, and modern entertainment. This thomas edison inventor biography reveals a complex and influential figure in American history.