Thomas Edison: The Great Inventor

Thomas Edison, a pivotal inventor, revolutionized the world with the electric light bulb and numerous other innovations. Born in 1854, he began his career selling newspapers and working as a telegraph operator, which sparked his interest in electrical science. Edison's Menlo Park laboratory was a groundbreaking invention hub, producing the first practical incandescent bulb and many other devices. He held 1,093 patents, including those for the phonograph and motion picture camera. Despite his immense contributions, Edison's estate was modest due to legal battles and the Great Depression. His philosophy emphasized hard work, encapsulated in his famous quote about inspiration and perspiration.

Where was Thomas Edison born?

• Chicago, Illinois

• Boston, Massachusetts

• Milan, Ohio

• New York, New York

What was Edison's first job?

• Telegraph operator

• Newspaper seller on the Railroad

• Stock ticker operator

• Electrician

What was Edison's first invention to sell?

• Motion picture camera

• Stock ticker

• Electric light bulb

• Phonograph

What was unique about the Menlo Park laboratory?

• It was the largest laboratory in the world

• It was the first of its kind and could be called an incubator today

• It was located in New York

• It was funded by the government

What year did Edison invent the practical incandescent bulb?

• 1890

• 1880

• 1900

• 1876

How many patents did Thomas Edison acquire in his lifetime?

• 1,500

• 1,000

• 2,000

• 1,93

Which of the following was NOT invented by Edison?

• Storage battery

• Motion picture projector

• Phonograph

• Telephone

In what year did Congress value Edison's work at $15 billion?

• 1920

• 1928

• 1940

• 1931

What was the value of Edison's estate when he died?

• $20 million

• $15 million

• $12 million

• $10 million

What did Edison believe genius was composed of?

• 50% inspiration and 50% perspiration

• 75% inspiration and 25% perspiration

• 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration

• 99% inspiration and 1% perspiration