Invention and History of the Electric Lamp

There have been many important inventions during the last hundred years. During this time we have seen the invention of the television, automobile, telephone and the computer. All of these inventions have made big contributions to the lives of people. However, one of the most enlightening inventions is that of electricity in general, but the electric lamp in particular.

Prior to the invention of the electric lamp, people had to rely on lanterns which were powered by fuel. The lanterns provided some light for people but the use of kerosene was messy, sometimes it didn't smell very well and was also dangerous because of the threat of fire because of misuse. By creating an electric light bulb and electric lamp, people now had the ability to light up a dark room so that they could see properly, while maintaining a safe home or business.

The electric lamp was the invention of one of the greatest American inventors – Thomas Edison. Through the efforts of Edison and his co-workers at Menlo Park in New Jersey. Edison after several attempts created the first incandescent lamp which was patented in 1880. Over the next few years others took the idea for the electric lamp and did changes with materials and methods of illuminating the lamp. Men like Sir Joseph Wilson Swan and Alexander Nikolayevich Lodygin were responsible for further changes to the lamp.

The electric lamp has been an important part of our lives. Here are some additional information to learn more about the developments in the electric lamp.

First Electric Lamp

• The Electric Lamp – Informative page which documents the work that Thomas Edison did on the first lamp.

• Electric Lamp Information – Useful page which provides a history and information on various types of lamps.

• Early Lighting - Web page which provides a historical look at the early forms of lighting.

• Edison's Light Bulb – Historical page which offers a look at the first demonstration of the electric light bulb.

How Lamps Work

• Incandescent Light – General information about the light bulb and electric lamp and how it works.

• Light Bulbs and Lamps – Helpful page which provides information on the workings of light bulbs and lamps.

Thomas Edison

• Edison Home Page - Official website which is dedicated to the life and work of Thomas Edison.

• The Life of Thomas A. Edison – Informative information from the Library of Congress about the life of Edison.

• Thomas Alva Edison Biography – Informative page which provides a detailed look into the work of Edison.

• Light Bulb Patent – Web page which provides background and patent information on the electric light bulb.

• Edison Inventions – Useful page which contains information on the inventions of Edison with a focus on his work with the electric light bulb.

• Achievements of Thomas Edison – Overview on some of the many achievements of Thomas Edison.

Sir Joseph Wilson Swan

• Light Bulbs – Information on the work that Sir Joseph Wilson Swan did in developing the light bulb.

• Swan Information – Brief biographical information on the life and work of Swan.

• Joseph Wilson Swan – Information on the British born electric pioneer and his career accomplishments.

Alexander Nikolayevich Lodygin

• Alexander Nikolayevich Lodygin – Information on the Russian born inventor and his work on the early electric bulb.

• Lodygin Reference Material – Resourceful page which contains information on the life of Lodygin.

Content Courtesy of David Miller