Thomas Edison is often celebrated as one of the greatest inventors in history. Many people believe he created numerous groundbreaking inventions that changed the world. His name is synonymous with innovation, making it easy to overlook that some of his most famous achievements were not solely his own.
In reality, Edison benefited from the work of many talented individuals who laid the groundwork for his inventions. While he built on their ideas, he skillfully promoted himself as a pioneer. This listicle explores some inventions that Edison took credit for, allowing us to appreciate the broader landscape of innovation during his time.
The Electric Chair
Edison is commonly credited with inventing the electric chair, which was first used in 1890 as a more “humane” form of execution than hanging. However, the credit should go to Harold P. Brown and Edward F. Davis, who developed the concept and design for the electric chair and even received a patent for it in 1881. Although Edison did work on improving the design by suggesting alternating current instead of direct current, his involvement was limited.
Movie Camera
Edison is often called the father of motion pictures but was not the first to invent a working movie camera. Louis Le Prince created a functional film camera in 1888, four years before Edison’s team debuted the Kinetoscope. However, Edison monopolized the industry with his patent on the Kinetograph and Kinetoscope, leading many to believe that he was solely responsible for cinema as we know it.
The Light Bulb
Perhaps one of his most famous inventions, Edison’s light bulb, has become synonymous with his name. But in reality, he improved upon existing designs by scientists such as Joseph Swan and Humphry Davy. These individuals had already discovered and demonstrated the concept of an electric light, but Edison was able to perfect the technology and make it practical for everyday use.
Storage Batteries
Edison is often credited with inventing the storage battery, but in reality, he purchased the rights to a pre-existing patent from French inventor Gaston Plante. While Edison did make some improvements to the battery and made it more commercially viable, he was not the original creator of this technology.
Wax Paper
Wax paper was another invention that Edison claimed as his own, but it was invented by Gustave Le Gray in 1851. Le Gray used wax-coated paper to protect photographs and artwork, while Edison used the material to insulate electric wires.
The Power Generator
While Edison is often credited with inventing the power generator, he was not the first to develop this idea. German inventor Werner von Siemens patented a dynamo machine in 1867, which used electromagnetic principles to generate electricity. Edison’s innovations were mainly focused on improving the efficiency of these machines.
Record Player, But He Invented Record Recorder
Edison is often credited with inventing the record player, but he only created the technology to record sound onto a cylinder in 1877. The phonograph, invented by French inventor Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville in 1857, could play back recorded sounds but could not record them.
The Fluoroscope
The fluoroscope was a groundbreaking medical invention that allowed doctors to see inside the human body without surgery. While Edison is often credited with inventing this device, a German scientist, Wilhelm Roentgen, discovered the X-ray technology.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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