Edison essays

Edison essays Thomas Alva Edison: The Greatest Industrialist Thomas Alva Edison could be argued as the industrial revolutions greatest innovator. Many of his inventions had a direct impact on the industrial revolution as well as implications on the modern world. Edison began to toil with electronics during his prime and continued to work right up until his death. He was renowned for his focus and determination throughout his career. During his career Edison had patented a total of 1093 inventions, including the electric light, the phonograph, and the motion-picture projector. These three inventions gave rise to new industries: electric utilities, phonograph and record companies, and the film industry. These industries became giants through the 20th century, accounting for an average of 7 percent of the gross national product during the 1920s. The period from 1879 to 1900 is known as the Age of Edison given that it was the period in which Edison had perfected his inventions. In the early 1870's the electric light and power were mere dreams. It was Edison's interest in technological systems that lead him to a general system of incandescent lighting in the fall of 1878. At this time, Edison had the idea for an underground allocation of electric light into private houses, which would replace the gas burner. It was through his imaginative thinking which brought these dreams to life. Thomas Edison used a systematic approach that dealt with every problem that surfaced. He knew that the cost of his new invention had to be economically competitive with gas. This is a key factor that leads him to make calculations on every part and cost during the development of the electric lighting system. When Edison was certain there would be economic gain, he then turned his attention towards the Pearl Street lighting system. In 1882 the Pearl Street lighting system became a success and provided light to the Wall Street district. With the success of the Pear...