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Thomas Edison’s Life And Inventions

Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman. He excelled under many fields throughout his career including electric power generation, motion pictures and mass communication. His inventions such as the phonograph, motion picture camera and light bulb left a massive impact for todays world. 

Thomas Edison was one of the first investors to apply the use of organised science and teamwork to invent groundbreaking things. He also established the first industrial research laboratory. 

Early Life

Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio in 1847. However, he grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, when his family moved there in 1854. He was the youngest in his family and was the seventh and last child of Samuel Ogden Edison Jr and Nancy Matthews Elliott. Although Thomas’ ancestral being was Dutch and the surname was actually Edeson. His grandfather, John Edeson, fled to Nova Scotia, New Jersey, in 1784. 

Thomas Edison was taught reading and writing by his mother. Nancy Elliott was a school teacher as well. Edison didn’t spend any significant amount of time in school as quitted after only a few months. His development affection towards technology at a very young age and mostly spent time at his home experimenting various things. 

Edison also suffered through some hearing problems at the age of 12. The reason behind his deafness was a scarlet fever he contracted at a very young age. He was completely deaf in one ear and barely heard in the other one. Although Edison thought of it as a blessing In disguise. He believed that the loss of hearing allowed him to concentrate more on his work without getting distracted. 

In 1876, he opened up the the first research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Many of his great inventions were developed there. After some while, Edison established a botanical laboratory in Fort Myers, Florida. It was established in collaboration with Henry Ford and Harvey S. Firestone. Both were businessmen and investors. Edison also established a laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey. The laboratory featured the world’s first film studio. 

What 3 Things Did Edison Invent?

There’s no doubt in adhering that Thomas Edison played a major part in influencing modern life. His contributions to revolutionise the world were immense. He invented the first motion picture camera, the phonograph and the trailblazing incandescent light bulb. 

How Many Times Did Thomas Edison Fail?

As many of you would know Thomas Edison as a man of great talents, he miserably failed multiple times. First and foremost, Edison tried 2,000 different materials whilst searching for a filament for the light bulb. He also made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked him, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” 

Even Edison’s teachers used to say that “he’s too stupid to learn anything”. 

What Was Edison’s Net Worth?

Thomas Edison definitely left a mark when he died. He revolutionised the way of living. He was a genius inventor and businessman. Edison was also the founder of General Electric Co. Although when he died, he left a $12 million estate. 

Thomas Edison Zodiac Sign

Thomas Edison’s zodiac sign was Aquarius. 

How Many Siblings Did Edison Have?

Thomas Edison had six siblings. Their names are as followed. Marion Wallace Edison, William Pitt Edison, Harriet Ann Edison, Carlile Snow Edison, Eliza Smith Edison, and Samuel Ogden Edison.

Thomas Edison’s Last Words

According to several sources and the book “Edison: Inventing The Century”, hours before his death, Edison got up from a coma, opened his eyes, looked upwards and said “It is very beautiful over there.”