Thomas Edison
1847–1931 · American · Gilded Age
Known for: Invented the phonograph, practical light bulb, and built the first commercial power grid
Thomas Edison held 1,093 patents and was America's most prolific inventor. He created the phonograph, the practical incandescent light bulb, and the first commercial electrical power grid. His Menlo Park laboratory was the world's first industrial research facility—inventing the concept of organized R&D.
He was partially deaf from childhood. He was also a ruthless businessman who promoted his inferior direct current system by publicly electrocuting animals to discredit alternating current. He lost that battle but won the war of reputation.
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