Historical1879
Edison Tests the Incandescent Light Bulb
Thomas Edison successfully tested a practical incandescent light bulb at his Menlo Park laboratory, achieving over 13 hours of continuous light. His invention, protected by U.S. Patent No. 223,898, would transform American life and industry.
Why It Matters
Edison's invention demonstrated the power of America's patent system to incentivize innovation, a principle embedded in the Constitution's intellectual property clause.