Thomas Edison
1847–1931 · American (Ohio) · Industrial Revolution
Known for: Invented the lightbulb, phonograph, and the concept of the industrial research lab — 1,093 patents
Edison didn't invent the lightbulb from scratch but perfected it into a practical product. His real genius was the industrial research lab — Menlo Park was the world's first R&D facility. He held 1,093 patents.
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