Thomas A. Edison and the Modernization America - Book Review

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The first successful device Edison developed was the phonograph. The idea of the phonograph stemmed off the creation of the telephone and his process of how to come about the recording device was from working with telephones and telegrams. In comparison to the phonograph, Edison created his most famous invention known today by seeing an opportunity to make it cheaper, more reliable, and last longer. The light bulb had been created by few others before Edison, but instead used platinum wires as the energy source.

Edison’s idea to use carbon filaments transformed the cost and duration of all types of electricity. From Edison’s first showcase of the light bulb outside Menlo Park to installing over 100 lamps with four Edison dynamos on a steamboat, and then later creating an underground station of electric cables to illuminate big cities like New York; Edison had transformed the future of power and energy sources for America.

In order to keep competitors from outshining Edison in the creation of light, Edison made compatible generators to work with his system. As Melosi said, “Edison ultimately invented a system because one was needed.”[5] Another invention that changed America completely was the Kinetographic Theater. Not only did he create the first American production studio, but also the device to view the motion pictures.

The developments of both electricity and motion picture have still impacted the world today. Thomas Edison left a legacy of innovations. Over the years, Edison created over hundreds of patents proving that one man can acquire to be both a leader as an engineer and the risk tolerance of an industrialist.

Along with the in depth description of Edison’s life, the book also gave insight about the developments going on through the 19th century. By learning about the background and transformation of the gadget, one saw the steps that were taken in order to create the contraptions and who else was in line to compete against Edison. By sacrificing the luxury of family and good health, Edison earned the title of a leader of the 19th century and a model for future innovators of the world.

Bibliography

Melosi, Martin V. Thomas A. Edison and the modernization of America.

Edited by Mark C. Carnes. 2nd ed. Library of American Biography. NY: Pearson; Longman, 2008.

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