Thomas Edison (1847-1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many groundbreaking inventions. He held over 1,000 patents in his name for inventions such as the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a commercially viable incandescent light bulb. Edison was also the founder of one of the first industrial research labs, where he and his team conducted experiments and developed new technology and business models to mass produce his inventions.

1. By: Ronvin Kwan KCR

2. Thomas Edison was born on 11 th February 1847. And died at his age of 85... He is considered one of the most important inventors in history. He held 1093 US patents and many patents also in the UK, France and Germany in his name. 1847~ 1931

3. Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio and moved to Port Huron, Michigan. He was the smallest child in the family of seven children. His father was called Samuel Ogden Edison and his mother was called Nancy Matthews Elliot. n.

4. According to my research, during that time it was the Industrial Revolution. Many inventions took place such as steam engines, etc.

5. In primary school, Edison’s teacher called him ‘addled’ because his character is very simple-minded and so called ‘stupid’ by his schoolmates. He got hearing problem at an early age because of scarlet fever. His ‘addled’ which led to his 3 months of official schooling. Instead of attending other schools, his mother taught him by herself at home. He learned from reading R.G. Parker’s ‘School of Natural Philosophy’ and ‘The Copper Union’.

6. Edison’s career Thomas Edison began his career as an inventor in Newark, New Jersey. Because his invention had been presented to people, neighbors, public, etc, some people called him “The Wizard of Menlo Park”.

7. Edison’s inventions (Part 1) Audio Tinfoil phonograph Wax cylinder recorder Voice recorder Disc phonograph Visual Motion Pictures

8. (Part 2) Communication Quadruplex telegraph Telegraph transmitter Loud Speaker- telephone Automatic telegraph Machineries Ore milling

9. (Part 3) Lighting Light Bulb Electric light system Electricity Electric generator Electric pen

10. The Lab Edison setup the world’s first industrial research and development lab in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He was legally recognized with most of the inventions produced there. Nearly all of his patents were utility patents, which were protected for a 17-year period and included various electrical inventions.

11. Successful inventor Same as his friend Henry Ford, Edison’s true success was in his ability to maximize profits through building up of mass-production systems and intellectual property right. He found 14 companies, including General Electric which is one of the largest public companies in the world.

12. The Final Years Edison was very good in business right up to the end. Just months before his death in 1931. He was said to have been influenced by a fad diet that was popular in the day to that in his last few years. He died at his home. (18 th October 1931)

13. Places named for Edison Many places have been named after him like notably the town of Edison, in New Jersey. 2 community colleges are named for him: Edison State College in Florida and Edison Community College in Ohio. Edison Memorial Tower and Museum, New Jersey.

14. Honors and Awards Edison won the Matteucci Medal in 1887. In 1983, the US Congress designated on 11 th February, Edison’s Birthday, as National Inventor’s Day.

15. Thomas Edison set an good example of creativity and hard working. Thank you!