What are Edison’s stories?

Have you ever heard of the story of Edison’s invention of the electric light?

Introduction to Edison:

Edison (1847-1931)

Thomas Alva ·Thomas Alva Edison is a world-famous American electrician and inventor. In addition to his inventions and contributions in phonographs, electric lights, telephones, telegraphs, movies, etc., he also made numerous contributions in mining, construction, chemical industry and other fields. Few famous creations and insights. Edison made about 2,000 inventions during his lifetime, making great contributions to human civilization and progress.

Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in the small town of Milan, Ohio, in the midwestern United States. His father is of Dutch descent, and his mother worked as a primary school teacher and is of Scottish descent. When Edison was 7 years old, his father lost money in the roofing business, so the family moved to Fort Gratiot in the northern suburbs of Huron, Michigan. Shortly after moving here, Edison contracted scarlet fever and remained ill for a long time. The disease was believed to be the cause of his deafness. Edison went to school at the age of 8, but after only three months of studying, he was dismissed by the teacher as an "imbecile" and kicked out of school. From then on, his mother was his "home tutor".

Due to his mother's good education methods, he developed a strong interest in reading. "He not only read a lot of books, but he also read ten lines at a glance and could recite them after reading them." When he was 8 years old, he read the works of Shakespeare and Dickens, the most important playwrights of the British Renaissance, and many important historical books. By the age of 9, he could quickly read more difficult books, such as Parker's "Nature and Nature". Experimental Philosophy. I loved chemistry when I was 10 years old. At the age of 11, he experimented with his first telegraph. To earn money to buy chemicals and equipment, he started working. When he was 12 years old, he got a job selling newspapers on a train, traveling between Port Huron and Detroit, Michigan. While selling newspapers, he also runs a fruit and vegetable business. Whenever he has time, he goes to the library to read. He bought an old printing press and started publishing his own weekly magazine, the Herald. The first issue of the magazine was printed on the train. He used the money he earned to build a chemistry laboratory on a luggage cart. Unfortunately there was a chemical fire and he was thrown out of the car along with his equipment. Another time, when Edison was trying to board a freight train, a conductor grabbed his ears to help him get on. This action resulted in Edison becoming permanently deaf.

In August 1862, Edison used fearless heroism to rescue a boy who was about to be killed on the train tracks. The child's father was grateful for this, but since he had no money to repay him, he was willing to teach him telegraph skills. From then on, Edison became involved with this mysterious new world of electricity and embarked on a scientific journey.

In 1863, Edison served as a telegraph operator at the Stratford Junction Station of the Grand Trunk Railway. From 1864 to 1867, he worked as a telegraph operator in various places in the Midwest and lived a wandering life. His footprints include Stratford, Adrian, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, Tennessee, Memphis, Louisville, Huron and other places.

In 1868, Edison came to Boston as a telegraph operator. In the same year, he received his first invention patent. This is a device that automatically records votes. Edison thought the device would speed up the work of Congress and that it would be welcomed. However, one MP told him that they had no intention of speeding up the agenda and that sometimes voting slowly was politically necessary. From then on, Edison decided not to make any inventions that people didn't need.

In early June 1869, he came to New York to look for work. While he was waiting to be summoned at a broker's office, a telegraph machine broke down. Edison was the only one there who could fix the telegraph, and he got a better job than he expected. In October, he and Pope jointly established a "Pop-Edison Company" to specialize in scientific instruments for electrical engineering. Here, he invented the "Edison Printing Press." He dedicated the printing press to the manager of a large Wall Street company. He wanted to ask for $5,000, but he lacked the courage to say it. So he asked the manager to give him a price, and the manager gave him $40,000.

Edison used the money to build a factory on Ward Street in Newark, New Jersey, specializing in manufacturing various electrical machinery. He worked all night long.

He trained many capable assistants, and at the same time, he also happened to meet the diligent Mary, his future first bride. In Newark, he made inventions such as wax paper and mimeograph machines. From 1872 to 1875, Edison invented the double and quadruple telegraph machines, and helped others build the world's first English typewriter.

In the spring of 1876, Edison moved again, this time to "Menlo Park" in New Jersey. Here he built the first "invention factory", which "marked the beginning of collective research." In 1877, Edison improved the telephone invented by Bell earlier and put it into practical use. He also invented one of his pet projects - the phonograph. The telephone and the telegraph "were a revolution that expanded human sensory functions"; the phonograph was one of the three great inventions that changed people's lives. "From the perspective of his inventive imagination, this was his most significant inventive achievement." By this time, he was known as "The Magician of Menlo Park."

While inventing the phonograph, Edison finally made a breakthrough in the research on electric lights after numerous failures. On October 22, 1879, Edison ignited the first electric light with widespread practical value. In order to extend the life of the filament, he tried again and tried more than 6,000 fiber materials before he found a new luminous body - Japanese bamboo filament, which can last for more than 1,000 hours, achieving the purpose of durability. In a way, this invention was the pinnacle of Edison's life. He then created a power supply system that allowed distant lamps to distribute power from a central power station, a major technological achievement.

His first purely scientific discovery appeared in 1883. While experimenting with electric lamps, he observed what he called the Edison effect: a charge inside a lit bulb traveling from a hot filament through space to a cold plate. Edison patented his discovery in 1884 but did not pursue further research. Other scientists used the Edison effect to develop the electronics industry, especially radio and television.

Edison also attempted to do for the eyes what the phonograph had done for the ears, and this is where the movie camera came into being. Using a strip of George Eastman's newly invented celluloid film, he took a series of photographs and projected them onto a screen in rapid succession, creating the illusion of movement. He first experimented with film in the laboratory in 1889 and applied for a patent in 1891. In 1903, his company produced its first feature film, "The Train Robbery." Edison did much to organize and standardize the motion picture industry.

After Edison moved his laboratory to West Orange in 1887, he founded many commercial companies to manufacture and market his many inventions; these companies later merged into Edison General Electric Company, later known as General Electric Company. Thereafter, his interests turned to fluoroscopy, ore crushers, magnetic separation of iron, batteries and railway signaling devices.

During World War I, he developed torpedo mechanisms, flamethrowers and underwater periscopes.

On October 21, 1929, on the 50th anniversary of the invention of the electric light, people held a grand celebration for Edison. Famous scientists such as Einstein of Germany and Marie Curie of France congratulated him. . Unfortunately, at this celebration, when Edison was giving a speech, he suddenly fainted due to excessive excitement. From then on, his health deteriorated. On October 18, 1931, this scientist who had made great contributions to mankind died of illness at the age of 84.

Edison had a very low level of education, but made such a huge contribution to mankind. What is the "secret" here? In addition to having a curious heart and an instinct for personal experimentation, he also has infinite energy and determination to work hard that are beyond ordinary people. When someone called Edison a "genius", he explained: "Genius is two percent inspiration and ninety-eight percent perspiration." In his "invention factory", he organized people from many different professions There are more than 100 scientists, engineers, technicians, and workers inside. Many of Edison's major inventions relied on the strength of this collective to achieve success. His achievements are mainly due to his hard work, creative talent and collective strength. In addition, his wife also played a very important role.

Chronology of Edison's inventions:

On October 11, 1868, he invented the "voting counter" and obtained his first patent.

In October 1869, he co-founded the "Pop-Edison Company" with friends.

Invented the general-purpose printing press in 1870 and sold the patent rights for US$40,000. Set up its own manufacturing plant in New York.

From 1872 to 1876, he invented the electric telegraph, the automatic repeater telegraph method, the double and quadruple telegraph methods, and manufactured wax paper carbon resistors.

The acoustic wave analysis resonator was invented in 1875.

In 1876, a laboratory was established in Menlo Park, New Jersey - the first industrial research laboratory. It was the origin of the modern concept of a "study group." Invented the carbon rod microphone. Apply for a patent for the telegraph automatic recording machine.

In 1877, the early telephone invented by Bell was improved and put into practical use in Menlo Park. Obtained three patents: perforated pen, pneumatic stylus and ordinary stylus. On August 20th, what proved to be one of Edison's favorite projects - the phonograph - was invented.

In 1878, Edison claimed to solve the problem of electric lighting. The Royal Society holds a gramophone exhibition. Improved phonographs, designed microphones, amplifiers, aerial speakers, sound engines, tuning engines, microthermometers, taste testers, etc. Obtained patent for phonograph on February 19th. In July, he went to Wyoming with Professor Parker of the University of Pennsylvania to observe the total solar eclipse, and used the thermometer he invented to measure the overall temperature around the sun. Returned to Menlo Park in August and returned to scientific research and experiments. Britain approves Edison's patent application for "Video Recorder". William Wallace visited Connecticut in September. Started research into inventing the electric light. On October 5, a patent application for a platinum wire "electric lamp" was filed.

In 1879-1880, after thousands of setbacks, the high-resistance incandescent lamp was invented. Improved generator. Design new current distribution methods, circuit alignment and calculation methods. Invented the light bulb holder and switch. Invented the magnetic mineral separation method.

On August 30, 1879, Edison and Bell each demonstrated telephone devices at Saratoga Creek City Hall. Edison's phone turned out to be clearer than Bell's. On October 21, the high-resistance incandescent lamp was invented, which burned continuously for 40 hours. Application for carbon filament lamp patent on November 1st. On December 21, the New York Express reported on Edison's incandescent light bulb. A public light show was held in Menlo Park on December 25 for 3,000 visitors from New York City.

Helicopter research in 1880. Obtained patent rights for electric light invention. Made into a magnetic screener. On January 28, the patent document for "Electric Power Transmission and Distribution System" was submitted. On February 18, "Scribe's Monthly" published the article "Edison's Electric Light", officially announcing the invention of the electric light. In May, the first ship "Columbia" illuminated by electric lights successfully made its trial voyage.

New York Edison Electric Lighting Company was established in December.

1881 New York Fifth Avenue headquarters established. An incandescent lamp factory is established in New York City. Set up manufacturing plants for generators, underground wires, and electric light parts. Experimenting with trolleys in Menlo Park.

The three-wire current distribution system was invented in 1882. Applied for 141 patents. The first central factory was established on September 4. At the end of December, more than 150 small power stations were established across the United States.

A patent for wireless telegraphy was filed on May 23, 1885.

From 1887 to 1890, he improved the cylindrical phonograph and obtained more than 80 patent rights for phonographs. Engaged in manufacturing and selling phonographs, records, talking machines, etc.

The phonograph gramophone was invented in 1888.

Participated in the Centennial Exposition in Paris in 1889. Invented many types of electric railways. Complete the moving movie machine.

1890-1899 Designed large stone crushers and grinders. Personally directed the large-scale development of iron ore using new methods at the Ogden Mine.

In 1891, he invented the "Edison Concentrator" and began to operate his own mining business. Obtained the patent for "Kinet Cinema Projector". The first successful movable motion picture telescope was demonstrated to the public on May 20 at the Edison Laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey.

In 1893, the world's first movie "studio" was built in the courtyard of Edison's laboratory.

On April 14, 1894, the first kinetoscope theater was opened in New York.

On April 23, 1896, the "Vita Projector" was used for the first time to show a film at Coster-Beyer's Music Hall in New York, and it was warmly welcomed by the public.

In 1902, a test using a new type of battery for vehicle power was successful. The range was 5,000 miles and it could travel 100 miles per charge.

In 1903, Edison's company produced its first feature film, "Train Robbery."

In 1909, after ten years of research, the battery was finally successful. Make a fax telegram. Obtained design patents for raw material machine, fine grinding machine and long kiln.

From 1910 to 1914, the disc-type phonograph was completed, with damage-free records and diamond records. Completed talkie machine.

The "disc record" was invented in 1910.

The "talkie" was invented in 1912. Developed into a speech phonograph.

In 1914-1915, the comprehensive manufacturing method of carbolic acid was invented, and a phonograph and a telegraph machine were combined into a remote writing machine. One party's telephone could automatically record the other party's speech. Manufacture benzene, indigo oil, etc. by ourselves.

39 inventions were completed from 1915 to 1918, the most famous of which are torpedo mechanical devices, flamethrowers and underwater periscopes.

Completed long-term recording in 1927.

In 1928, rubber was successfully extracted from wild grasses.

Thomas Alva Edison (1847～1931) was a famous American inventor and entrepreneur.

Born on February 11, 1847, in a farmer's family in Milan, Ohio, USA. He entered school at the age of 8. He only studied for three months before he had to drop out and go home. His mother, who had been a rural teacher, tutored him in self-study. When he was 12 years old, his family life was difficult, so he started selling newspapers on the train. At the age of 16, he invented the automatic timer. After that, inventions continued to come out. He completed more than 2,000 inventions in his life. In 1928, he was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. Special quality medal. On October 18, 1931, Edison died in West Orange at the age of 84. On October 21, 1931, the lights were turned off across the United States in mourning. Scientific Achievements

Edison is a world-famous great inventor. His lifetime of inventions are unparalleled in the world. Edison's main contributions are:

1. Edison's most significant contribution to science and technology was the invention of the phonograph and the incandescent electric light. Today, it’s hard to imagine living without electricity—not being able to turn on a light, listen to a record, go to a movie theater, or make a phone call to someone. Yet all of these things we take for granted are the result of the practical inventions of one man—Thomas Edison. Before Edison, only dim gas lamps that were lit by hand could be used on the roads, in homes, and in factories. As night falls, the factories close. Edison did not invent electricity or the telephone. But his practical inventions and improvements pushed the use of electricity and telephones to every corner. Edison may be the greatest inventor of all time, and he pioneered technological innovation in the modern world. This tireless inventor took us from the steam age into the 20th century.

2． Edison also made many famous inventions in movies, trams, mining, construction, and weapons.

3. Edison also observed the phenomenon of thermionic emission in a vacuum bulb, which later generations called the "Edison effect." The discovery of thermionic emission laid the foundation for the development of electron tubes

Chronology of Major Events

On February 11, 1847, Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio, USA

In 1854, Edison’s family moved to Port Huron, Michigan. Soon Edison got scarlet fever and became seriously ill. This serious illness became the main cause of his subsequent deafness.

In 1855, Edison studied at Ingalls School for 3 months.

In 1859, 12-year-old Edison became a newsboy on the Port Huron-Detroit train.

The American Civil War broke out in 1861

The Battle of Shiloh in 1862; Edison used telegraphs to make newspapers reporting on the battle popular

16-year-old Edison in 1863 He became a telegraph operator and spent the next few years traveling around and doing telegraph work

In 1868, Edison arrived in Boston and found a job at the Western Union Telegraph Company. He applied for his first patent (for a voting machine), and news of his two-way telegraph appeared in the Telegraph Operators' Trade Magazine.

In January 1869, Edison became a free inventor. He applied for a second patent, an improved stock ticker.

In April, the two-way telegraph test failed.

In October, Edison formed a partnership with electrical engineer Franklin L. Pope.

In 1871, Edison opened a store in Newark, New Jersey.

In December, Thomas Edison married Mary Stillwell.

In 1874, Edison successfully built a multiplex telegraph system, a quadruple transmission system that could transmit two messages simultaneously in two directions through a single line.

In January 1876, Edison began building a new laboratory in Munro Park, New Jersey, and moved in soon after.

In March, Alexander Graham Bell obtained the patent for his newly invented telephone

In January 1877, Edison began research on a carbon telephone microphone.

In November, Edison used lamp black to make a major improvement in the effectiveness of the carbon microphone.

In December, Edison invented the phonograph

In 1878, Edison began to study electric lights and power transmission systems

In the summer of 1879, "Low-waisted Mary Ann" The generator design is completed. In October 1879, Edison discovered that using carbonized cotton thread as a filament and putting it into a highly vacuumed glass bulb would continue to shine for many hours before burning out.

In 1880, an electric train was built and put into use at Munro Park.

In 1881, Edison left Munro Park and returned to New York.

In 1882, while studying electric lamps, Edison noticed some black deposits inside the bulb, which was the first proof of the "Edison Effect".

On February 4, the power station on Pearl Street in New York was started

In 1884, Edison’s wife Mary passed away

In 1886, Thomas Edison and Mina Miller married and settled with her at "Grandmont," a large estate in New Jersey's Orange Valley.

In 1887, Edison began research on improving the phonograph; and built a new laboratory in West Orange

In 1888, Edison saved an iron factory built in the 1970s. Ore processing companies.

In the following years, he purchased a large area of ??iron ore land in New Jersey and opened a mineral processing plant and a mine.

In 1891, Edison applied for a patent for his "Continuous Photo Projector for Moving Objects" in the United States. [

In 1899, Edison began researching batteries for electric vehicles.

In 1900, Edison's research on iron ore processing finally stopped.

In 1902, Edison successfully opened a cement products factory. (He developed road construction and home construction projects from this business.)

In 1912, Edison began designing an electric automatic starter for Ford's Model T automobile, which replaced the electric starter on the market. car.

1914-1918 When World War I broke out, Edison spent a lot of time on the scientific development of the U.S. Navy.

In 1927, Edison established a laboratory in Florida to study domestic rubber resources to replace the usual Malayan products.

In August 1931, Edison was mentally and physically exhausted and was diagnosed as seriously ill.

On October 18, Thomas Alva Edison died at the age of 84.

On October 21st, lights were turned off across the United States to express condolences.