THOMAS ALVA EDISON

Science is a search for knowledge regarding the nature of the universe. Sciedtists devote their whole life in searching for the answers as to how certain things happen. Scientists carry out experiments to test their theories and observations, and make conclusions which become laws of science.

Different scientists have carried our observations and experiments and discovered different things. For example Sir Issac Newton discovered the force of gravity, the Wright brothers invented the aeroplane and Thomas Alva Edison the electric bulb. Infact, Edison has a number of inventions to his credit.

My favourite scientist is Edison (1847-1931). He was a famous American inventor whose inventions have had a dramatic effect on modern life all over the world.

As a boy he sold newspapers at a railroad station and learnt how to use the telegraph machine for sending messages. It was during these days as a telegraphist that he invented many electrical gadgets. People began to pay for his inventions and his fame spread. In 1876 he moved to Mento Park in New Jersy, and the world came to know him as the ‘Wizard of Mento Park’. A year later he invented the phonograph or the record player.

In 1879 he invented the most useful of the things – the electric light bulb. The arklight used in this time was costly and could not be used on a large scale. He thought of a filament which could produce light when charged with electricity. He tried various materials for the filament but they soon burnt out. He finally obtained a special type of material for the purpose. The lamp he now made burnt for several days and nights. The invention was perfected and today there is light not only in the streets but also in every house. Edison truly converted the darkness of night into light.

Another great contribution that Edition made to the world of science is his work in the field of cinematography which helped in the development of cinema as an industry through out the world.  

Edison has more than 1100 inventions to his credit and it is impossible to mention all of them. Edison is certainly a scientist to be revered, for his inventions have now not only become indispensable to mankind, but have served as a stepping stone for advanced research.

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