95: "Several Thousand Things that Won't Work:" Thomas Alva Edison and His Electric Light
History That Doesn't Suck
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Arc Lamps Aren't Just for Street Lights, Warships, or Street Lighthouses
In 18 78, arc lamps are lighting a few public spaces in Paris. But they aren't practical for residential use. How do we turn the corner into domestic lighting? Subdividing light and finding a long lasting, cheap filament appear nearly insurmountable. Yet here comes thomas alva edison with all the swagger in the world, boasting that he'll quickly light up all of lower manhattan. He's taken ously because of his past accomplishments. A man with a brag like that, alva better produced something fast.
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