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 education, attending school briefly before being homeschooled by his mother.
- He displayed an early interest in science and experimentation.
- At age 12, he started working as a newsboy on the Grand Trunk Railway to earn money.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a telegraph operator.
- Established an invention factory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, often called the "invention factory."
- Received over 1,000 patents for his inventions.
- Developed the first commercially viable incandescent light bulb.
- Improved the telephone, phonograph, and motion picture camera.
Notable Works
- Phonograph: Revolutionized sound recording and playback.
- Incandescent Light Bulb: Provided a practical and affordable source of electric light.
- Motion Picture Camera: Contributed significantly to the development of the film industry.
- Fluoroscopy: Developed fluoroscopy, which used x-rays to take radiographs.
Legacy and Impact
Thomas Edison's inventions profoundly impacted modern life, shaping the development of electricity, entertainment, and communication. Many resources provide a 'thomas edison biography timeline for kids' because of his extraordinary ingenuity and the importance of his contributions.