Light Bulbs

When most people think of the history of light bulbs, they think of Thomas Alva Edison. Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb but improved on an idea that was 50 years old. Humphrey Davy, a chemist, invented the first incandescent light bulb in the year 1809. Warren De la Rue invented a light bulb that used a platinum filament in 1820. The use of platinum made the cost of this working bulb too expensive for commercial development.

In 1875, Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans patented their light bulb but did not have the finances to market their invention. While working on the same type of invention, Thomas Edison bought the rights to Woodward's and Evans' patent. Edison was backed up by industrial interests and had over $50,000 to invest in light bulbs. This was quite a sum of money in the year 1875.

In 1879, Thomas Edison would be the first to develop practical light bulbs. Using a smaller filament, lower electrical currency, and an improved glass globe, his light bulb would last longer and was much more practical for home lighting. Not only was his improvement cost effective, but this new light bulb was safe and efficient.

Thomas Edison demonstrated his electric light bulb for the public in December 1879. He then spent the following years developing the electric industry. By the early 1880's an electrical utility service had begun. It was on September 4th, 1882 when the first power station sent electricity to a one square mile of customers. Soon electrical companies were popping up across the United States. The success of Thomas Edison's light bulbs brought him wealth and fame.

Many companies emerged to join in the electrical needs. Edison did not have any control over these companies that kept expanding and eventually merged with his own company. Dropping the Edison name from Edison General Electric, they became known as simply, General Electric in 1892.