Many of us recall Thomas Edison to be the brilliant mind behind the invention of the light bulb. However, not many people are aware of the fact that there’s a far more interesting and deeper history involved with the development of the first incandescent light bulbs.
Historians can track several other notable scientists and inventors who were able to come up with the idea of the incandescent light bulb before Edison. However, what set Thomas Edison apart from the others was his ability to select an improved material and produce a higher vacuum, making his light bulbs significantly more efficient.
The ability to heat a wire to incandescence was tracked to as early as the 18th century. Since then, it took another 100 years before the first viable incandescent filament lamps could be adapted for commercial use. At this point, Joseph Swan and Thomas Edison were the first to implement mass production of the first light bulbs. Among those who have contributed to their success through their previous research, we can list names such as Marcellin Jobard, Warren de la Rue and James Bowman Lindsay.
Aside from Edison’s later commercial success in developing DC electric generators that were to become some of the first viable power generation devices, the development of the light bulb was his greatest success, placing Edison permanently into the history books. JM Electric provides some of the best electricians in Denver and know everything there is to know about lighting, and are thankful for the brilliant minds that invented the light bulb and electricity.