The True Story Behind the Invention of the Light Bulb
Written on
The Debate Over Light Bulb Invention
In a recent press conference in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Joe Biden stirred controversy by asserting that Thomas Edison was not the original inventor of the light bulb. His statement raised eyebrows and left many wondering who he believed the real inventor to be. Biden stated:
"Why in God’s name don’t we teach history in history classes? A black man invented the light bulb. Not a white guy named Edison. Okay? There’s so much. Did anybody know?" — Joe Biden, September 3, 2020
While I wholeheartedly agree that our history education is lacking, the latter part of his claim feels more like a barroom conversation starter than an established fact. But is there any truth to his assertion that an African American invented the light bulb?
The answer is nuanced.
Inventorship and Patent Controversies
Disputes over the rightful claim to inventions are far from new. It's important to recognize that advancements in technology usually arise from collaborative efforts rather than singular breakthroughs. Various prototypes, patents, and teamwork contribute to the evolution of new inventions, but often one individual ends up credited for the entire process.
This pattern is evident across many fields, from astronomy to mathematics, where debates persist about who truly deserves recognition for various discoveries.
In 1879, Thomas Edison was awarded the first patent for a commercially viable electric light bulb—this is a verifiable fact. However, Edison's initial light bulb design was far from perfect, often failing to meet practical needs.
The first modern electric light bulb is credited to Warren de la Rue, a European inventor who developed his version in 1840 using a platinum filament. Despite its historical significance, de la Rue's bulb was not a practical option for widespread use.
Enter Lewis Howard Latimer
Lewis Howard Latimer, likely the African American inventor Biden was referring to, was a remarkable scientist and the son of a former slave. His achievements are particularly impressive given his challenging background in post-Civil War America.
Latimer's significant contributions during the "Current War" involved the development of carbon filaments. While Edison's early bulbs utilized paper filaments that burned out quickly, Latimer's innovative work on carbon filaments greatly improved the durability and efficiency of electric light bulbs.
According to an MIT profile, in 1881, he sold his idea to the United States Electric Company, leading to a patent for the "Incandescent Electric Light Bulb with Carbon Filament." This invention laid the groundwork for the modern bulbs we use today, providing a more durable and affordable lighting solution.
So, Was Biden Correct?
The short answer is both yes and no. Technically speaking, Edison did not invent the light bulb; earlier designs predated his contributions. However, it's important to clarify that Lewis Latimer also did not invent the light bulb itself. Instead, he significantly enhanced it with his advancements in carbon filament technology.
Both Edison and Latimer played pivotal roles in making electric lighting practical and accessible to the general public, but they each built on the work of others from the 19th century. For instance, Edison improved upon de la Rue's designs while Latimer refined Edison's concepts.
Warren de la Rue had aimed to create a bulb that could be safely used indoors, drawing inspiration from Humphry Davy's electric arc lamp—an invention that, while bright, was also hazardous for everyday use. Davy's work was influenced by Alessandro Volta, who invented the voltaic pile, allowing for consistent electricity generation in 1800.
Ultimately, inventions are rarely the result of a single individual's genius; they stem from a collective effort spanning many years and involving numerous contributors.
Biden's point about the complexity of history is valid. The nuances of these developments are often overlooked in educational settings. Instead of an in-depth exploration of the fascinating "Current War," students frequently learn a simplified narrative: Edison invented the light bulb, and that's that.
This oversimplification is not only lazy but detrimental to a comprehensive understanding of history. While Biden's assertion contains a grain of truth, the way we teach history often obscures these complexities.
Let’s advocate for a richer, more nuanced approach to history education. Edison did not solely invent the light bulb.
The first video titled "Who Invented The Lightbulb? | Black Inventors + Scientists In History | THE FAB LAB" explores the contributions of various inventors, including those often overlooked in traditional narratives.
The second video, "A Trip Down Energy Lane: Black History - Lewis Howard Latimer," delves into the life and achievements of Latimer, emphasizing his role in the development of the light bulb.