Humanity has gone through some rather impressive changes and improvements in the last 150 years. Revolutionary inventions like the X-ray machine and the airplane have helped to save numerous lives and improve our quality of life. But even before we were having our insides photographed or jetting off to charming new locations, we had an actual light bulb moment. The source of this insight? A man by the name of Thomas Alva Edison.
Born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio, Thomas was the seventh child born to Samuel Edison Jr. and Nancy Elliott Edison. As a child, Thomas showed great curiosity about the world and the science behind it. Nancy Edison seemed to understand her son’s thirst for knowledge and always encouraged him to perform experiments and search for
answers on his own.
Thomas’ curiosity led him to leave home at a young age and find his own way in the world. He was awarded a patent for his first invention in 1869 at just 22 years old. And, although it wasn’t very successful, it was just the beginning of Thomas’ prosperous career as an inventor. At the time of his death in 1931, Thomas had a record 1,093 patents under his belt. One of those was for what some say is his greatest invention, the light bulb.
In October 1879, after spending over a year on the project, Thomas cleared the final obstacle in designing the light bulb. He had finally discovered a long-lasting, more affordable, and safer option to the gas light. Whether he knew it or not at the time, his contribution would go on to change our world forever.
What Did You Learn?
1. How did Thomas Edison’s parents react to his curiosity about science?
2. How many patents did Thomas Edison have throughout his life?
參考答案
1. His mother always encouraged him to perform experiments and search for answers on his own.
2. 1,093.
