Can you imagine a world without light bulbs, motion pictures, and recorded music? Won’t that be dull? That’s exactly how our lives would have been without Thomas Edison’s inventions. Thomas Edison, also known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park’’ has created a revolution that still illuminates our world. In this blog, you will get to learn about the top Thomas Edison facts. These facts will reveal to you about his journey, his inventions, and why he is renowned as one of the top scientists today.
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Top 5 Fascinating Thomas Edison Childhood Facts
These are the top Thomas Edison childhood facts that you have never heard of. These facts will surprise you for sure.
1. Thomas Edison Experienced Hearing Loss
The inventor of the light bulb experienced hearing loss at a very young age. The reason? He had suffered from illnesses like scarlet fever. He even had middle-ear infections that were left untreated. This resulted in partial deafness and even influenced his communication style.. This is one of the top Thomas Edison facts.
2. He Had Only Minimal Formal Schooling
Edison only had a few months of formal education. His mother, Nancy Edison, homeschooled him. Thankfully, Nancy Edison was a former teacher. This is one of the Thomas Edison facts. His mother nurtured his curiosity. This laid the foundation for the inventive process.
3. He had an Entrepreneurial Spirit
Edison always had the entrepreneurial spirit. For example, he sold vegetables as a child. He even sold newspapers and candies on trains from Port Huron to Detroit. Moreover, he had published the Grand Trunk Herald- his own newspaper!
4. He Had Set Up a Laboratory in the Basement of his House
Another interesting fact about Thomas Edison is that he set up his small laboratory. This laboratory is established in the basement of his family’s property. There, he started conducting several experiments. These hands-on experiments laid the foundation for his new inventions.
5. He Knew How to Use a Telegraph
When Edison was only 15 years old, he was saved from a train accident. His father, who was a station agent, saved him. Later on, he taught him how telegraph. This skill later on introduced him to electrical engineering concepts. This influenced how he brought about enhancements to the telegraph system.
Top 5 Interesting Facts About Thomas Edison & His Inventions
Now that you know about Thomas Edison’s childhood, let’s dive into his inventions. What makes Edison stand out is after all his inventions, that have left a mark on humanity.
1. Pioneer of Practical Lighting
Although Edison is not the originator of the light bulb, he is credited with the invention of the light bulb. This is because he was the first person to invent a practical incandescent lightbulb. A lightbulb that is practically and commercially useful. His understanding of the electrical lighting system, generators and wiring changed the indoor lighting system. It also laid the foundation for the modern electric utility industry.
2. He Has Held 1,093 Patents
One of the shocking Thomas Edison facts is that he held 1,093 Patents in his lifetime. His inventions were in different fields. For example, he was able to successfully contribute to the invention of sound recording, motion pictures, and even electric power. This showcases that he was a genius inventor.
3. He is the Father of the Phonograph
Thomas Edison is the father of the Phonograph. In the year 1877, he was able to create a device that could record and reproduce sounds. This invention even earned him the title of “The Wizard of Menlo Park,”. His invention of the Phonograph laid the foundation for the present-day music industry.
4. Motion Picture Innovator
Did you know Thomas Edison is a motion picture innovator? This is one of the Thomas Edison facts that rarely people know. He developed the Kinetoscope and Kinetograph. These devices were used for viewing and recording moton pictures. Therefore, his impact can be seen in the entertainment and storytelling industries.
5. He was the Co-Founder of General Electric
Another one of the Thomas Edison Facts is that he is the co-founder of General Electric. General Electric is an MNC specialising the power, electricity and technology. The Edison Electric Light Company, established by Edison, merged with the Thomson-Houston Company. This merger was facilitated by financier J.P. Morgan and led to the formation of General Electric.
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FAQs About Thomas Edison Facts
Thomas Edison is credited with several inventions. For example, he has built the Phonograph, the Incandescent light bulb (practical version), the Motion picture camera (Kinetograph), the Kinetoscope (early motion picture viewer), the Electric power distribution system, the Carbon microphone (for telephones).
He has also invented the Quadruplex telegraph, Alkaline storage battery, Electric pen (early copying device), Mimeograph, Fluoroscope, Talking doll, Cement manufacturing process improvements, Magnetic ore separator, Electric railway, Stock ticker, Vitascope, Universal stock printer, and improved the telegraph system.
Edison is one of the most famous inventors of all time. His inventions had a huge impact on modern life. For example, he had invented the incandescent light bulb, the motion picture camera, and the phonograph. He has also improved to create the telephone and telegraph.
Thomas Edison had little formal education. Instead, his mother taught him. His mother taught him reading, arithmetic and writing. To his credit, he was a very curious child. He was also self-taught. His mother nurtured these qualities in him.
This was all about the facts about Thomas Edison. If you find it fascinating and wish to read more such interesting facts, then stay tuned to the General Knowledge page of Leverage Edu.