The Evolution of Light: From Candles to Cartels

Why did it take so long to invent a longer-lasting bulb? Zachary Crockett finds the answer illuminating.

• SOURCES:
  • Heather Dillon, mechanical engineering professor at the University of Washington in Tacoma.
  • Jane Brox, author of the 2010 book Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light.
  • Markus Krajewski, philosopher and historian of technology at the University of Basel in Switzerland.

• RESOURCES:
  • "Thomas Edison, tinkerer," by Eric Gilliam (Works in Progress, 2023).
  • "It's Official: Stores Can No Longer Sell Most Incandescent Lights," by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times, 2023).
  • "The Mystery of the Centennial Bulb: an Incandescent Light Bulb," by Martin Kykta (MAK Electro-Optics, 2021).
  • "The Great Lightbulb Conspiracy," by Markus Krajewski (IEEE Spectrum, 2014).
  • "Compact Fluorescent Lighting in America: Lessons Learned on the Way to Market," by L.J. Sandahl, T.L. Gilbride, M.R. Ledbetter, H.E. Steward, and C. Calwell (U.S. Department of Energy, 2006).

• EXTRAS:
  • "Why Do Candles Still Exist?" by Freakonomics Radio (2025).
  • "The Story of Byron the Bulb," by Thomas Pynchon (Gravity's Rainbow, 1973).