Tech History Today

October 18

It seems like the Great Scientist Thomas Alva Edison had some fortune attached to this date, October 18. The date is responsible for a number of significant events related to the Edison’s life.

1878: Edison Brings Electricity into the Homes

In 1878, inventor Thomas Edison saw a market for a system that could bring electric lighting directly into a customer’s business or home.

1879: Edison Manufactures his first Incandescent Light Bulb

Edison, in 1879, came up with a fully effective incandescent light bulb. The bulb followed the demonstrations of Alessandro Volta,  Henry Woodward and Mathew Evans,  Humphry Davy, James Bowman Lindsay, Moses G. Farmer, William E. Sawyer, Joseph Swan and Heinrich Göbel.

Edison’s bulb stood out because of its high resistance, the capability to run at a relatively lower voltage (around 110 volts), and economic viability.

1931: Thomas Alva Edison Dies

The death of the inventor also took place on the same date which had marked itself as one for some of his inventions’ inception. He died in New Jersey while going under the complications of diabetes.

His last breath was captured in a test tube, which is on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.