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Thomas Edison

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Thomas Edison

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American inventor and businessman (1847–1931)

AI overview

Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman who lived from 1847 to 1931 and is remembered for developing numerous inventions that shaped modern life. His work in electrical technology and innovation made him one of the most influential figures in industrial history.

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Person · Open Library

Works
32

Top works

  • Playful Life
  • Concept of Drug Use
  • Role of Conversions
  • Approach to Be Simple
  • Lucrative Offer of Video Marketing

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Film & TV

Production · Milan, Ohio, USA

Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman who has been described as America's greatest inventor. He developed many devices in fields such as electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures. These inventions, which include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the long-lasting, practical electric…

Known for

  • History 101 — Self (archive footage)2020
  • Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound — Self (voice) (archive footage)2019
  • The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley — Self (archive footage)2019
  • Edison — Himself (archive footage)2015
  • The Extraordinary Voyage — Self - Filmmaker (archive footage)2011
  • Murnau, Borzage and Fox — Self (archive footage) (uncredited)2008
  • Edison: The Invention of the Movies — Himself (archive footage)2005
  • Naqoyqatsi — Self (archive footage) (uncredited)2002
  • Star Power: The Creation Of United Artists — Self (archive footage)1998
  • The Shadow of Hate: A History of Intolerance in America — Self (archive footage)1995

via TMDB

Music · MusicBrainz

Type
Person
Gender
Male
Origin
United States
Active from
1847
Active to
1931
jazzswing

via MusicBrainz · CC0

Listeners · Last.fm

Listeners
870
Total plays
1,678

Tags

spoken word

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Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph and a long lasting light bulb. Dubbed "The Wizard of Menlo Park" by a newspaper reporter, he was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of mass production to the process of invention, and therefore is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory. <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/Thomas+Edison">Read more on Last.fm</a>

via Last.fm · Thomas Edison

Authority record · VIAF

Lifespan
1847–1931
Nationality
US
Role / Field
Scientists, Motion picture producers and directors, Inventors, Inventor, Businesspeople, Science
Language
eng
Gender
Male

Recorded by 33 libraries

via VIAF · OCLC

Quotes

  • To Monsieur Eiffel the Engineer, the brave builder of so gigantic and original a specimen of modern Engineering from one who has the greatest respect and admiration for all Engineers including the Great Engineer the Bon Dieu.
  • I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come indirectly through accident, except the phonograph. No, when I have, fully decided that a result is worth getting, I go about it, and make trial after trial, until it comes.
  • The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.
  • X-rays ... I am afraid of them. I stopped experimenting with them two years ago, when I came near to losing my eyesight and Dally, my assistant practically lost the use of both of his arms.
  • Hell! There ain't no rules around here! We are tryin' to accomplish somep'n!
  • Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.

via Wikiquote · CC BY-SA

Wikidata facts

Image
Thomas Edison2-crop.jpg
Show 8 more facts
Commons category
Thomas Edison
date of birth
1847-02-11
date of death
1931-10-18
Commons Creator page
Thomas Alva Edison
Commons gallery
Thomas Alva Edison
birth name
Thomas Alva Edison
name in native language
Thomas Alva Edison
start of work period
1877-00-00
Sources (11)

via Wikidata · CC0

~40 min read

Article

Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman. He developed many devices in fields such as electric power generation, sound recording, and motion pictures. These inventions, which include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and early versions of the electric light bulb, have had a widespread impact on the modern industrialized world. He was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of organized science and teamwork to the process of invention, working with many researchers and employees. He established the first industrial research laboratory.

Edison was raised in the American Midwest. Early in his career he worked as a telegraph operator, which inspired some of his earliest inventions. In 1876, he established his first laboratory facility in Menlo Park, New Jersey, where many of his early inventions were developed. He went into business and became wealthy. Edison used his fortune to further his passion for invention. This was realized in experimental mining operations, the first film studio, and 1,093 US patents.

Gallery (13)

Available in 192 languages

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