Thomas Alva Edison: The Man of a Thousand Inventions

“I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it (Sullivan 5).” These are the word that Thomas Alva Edison lived his life by. This is why he is known as the greatest inventor in Americas history. Thomas was granted 1093 patents over his life time. Some of the main inventions that changed the world are the electric light bulb, phonograph and movie camera and projector and much more(Jenkins 1). Thomas Edison is well known for his invention of electricity but he has made many more contributions to society.

Edison was born on February 11, 1887 in Malian, Ohio. He had seven siblings and he was the youngest. When he was born he was very sick and had a very big head. The doctor thought he was infected with brain fever but he survived and was a very intelligent and active child. He question ever thing from the time he could walk always wondering how and why things worked. Edison was a poor student in school the only thing he enjoyed doing was reading science books and self exploring. The teachers thought he was a mixed up kid so he dropped out and was home schooled by his mother. By age nine he was an excellent reader and loved to experiment from the things he read in the science books. His mother was his biggest supporter. From the ages nine through

twelve he had read many chemistry books one in particular was called a school compendium of natural and experimental philosophy he also proceeded to read all the books in the town library pertaining in science and chemistry . Anther book that influenced him throughout his life was called the age of reason (Dolan 20).

Edison had many mishaps in the lad and his father had shut down it, so he decided that he would read different books and found ...

... middle of paper ...

...lting board to come and help with a project. They needed help in developing a better plan to protect us ships from under water attacks from the Germans. For 18 months he worked in the government lab and perfected several items for use against submarine attacks. In 1928 Thomas Alva Edison was awarded congressional medal of honor. This award was given to him because of the practical and imaginative talent he used to life easer for the people of the United States (Dolan 109).

Thomas Alva Edison was considered one of the greatest inventors and industrial leader. He had over 1000 inventions but none greater then his ability to develop a system that would provide people with a wide safe stable and efficient light and power. This also lead to other countries such as Europe and South America to follow this wonderful invention that modernized the world forever.