People & History · Science

Thomas Edison

1847–1931 · American scientist

Quick answerThomas Edison (1847–1931) was an American scientist. Thomas Edison is best known for The practical incandescent light bulb, The phonograph, Electric power distribution, 1,093 US patents and Motion pictures. Born in Milan, Ohio, United States. His inventions turned electricity from a curiosity into an everyday force.

Thomas Edison (1847–1931) was an American inventor who held a world-record 1,093 patents and built the first industrial research laboratory. His practical incandescent lamp, the phonograph and the first electric power stations turned electricity from a curiosity into the everyday force that lights homes and runs cities.

Key facts

Born1847 in Milan, Ohio, United States
Died1931
NationalityAmerican
FieldScience
Known forThe practical incandescent light bulb, The phonograph, Electric power distribution, 1,093 US patents, Motion pictures

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Last updated: . Figures are shown with their year; where sources disagree, the value is left out rather than estimated.