The invention of the light bulb is often attributed to Thomas Edison. However, the development of the light bulb was a gradual process involving many inventors over several decades.
Thomas Edison is credited with creating the first commercially practical incandescent light bulb in 1879. Edison’s version was able to last for over 1,200 hours, making it a viable option for widespread use. His design used a carbon filament and an improved vacuum inside the bulb, which significantly increased its lifespan.
Before Edison, several other inventors made significant contributions. In 1802, Humphry Davy created the first electric light by passing current through a platinum strip. Later, in 1840, Warren de la Rue developed a platinum filament bulb, but it was too expensive for practical use. Joseph Swan, a British physicist, also developed a working incandescent light bulb around the same time as Edison, and the two eventually collaborated.
In summary, while Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the light bulb, it was the result of cumulative efforts by many inventors. Edison’s version was the most practical and commercially successful, leading to its widespread adoption.