Carbon Filament Collection

THOMAS EDISON (1847-1931). American inventor. With his Edison Effect lamps in his West Orange, New Jersey, laboratory. Photograph, 1915, digitally colored by Granger, NYC

Swan incandescent filament light fitting in a table light
5312171 Swan incandescent filament light fitting in a table light; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Swan incandescent filament light fitting in a table light)

Swan incandescent light globes
5312173 Swan incandescent light globes; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Swan incandescent light globes. The carbon filament here is of cotton threads hardened by soaking in sulphuric acid)

A Swan incandescent light globe and fitting
5312174 A Swan incandescent light globe and fitting; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a Swan incandescent light globe and fitting, shown at the International Electric Exhibition at the Crystal Palace)

Edisons incandescent light globe in a table lamp fitting, 1891. The filament here is carbonised bamboo fibres. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), American physicist and inventor

Edisons incandescent lamps showing various forms of carbon filament, 1883. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), American physicist and inventor, produced the first successful electric light bulb

Edisons carbon filament lamp, 1880. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), American physicist and inventor, produced the first successful electric light bulb

THOMAS A. EDISON, 1879. Thomas Edison testing the first successful incandescent lamp at Menlo Park, New Jersey. The test was completed on 21 October 1879 after the lamp had burned for forty hours

ELECTRIC POWER STATION. An 1886 American newspaper advertisement for the Westinghouse electric power stations

An Edison incandescent lightbulb. Wood engraving, late 19th century
EDISON LAMP, 19th CENTURY. An Edison incandescent lightbulb. Wood engraving, late 19th century

Patent drawing, dated 27 January 1880, for Thomas Alva Edisons electric lamp
EDISON ELECTRIC LAMP, 1880. Patent drawing, dated 27 January 1880, for Thomas Alva Edisons electric lamp

ELECTRICAL EXPOSITION, 1881. A view of the stairway at the Paris Electrical Exposition of 1881, lit by the electric lamps of Thomas Edison and Joseph Swan. Wood engraving, French, late 19th century

LANE FOX INCANDESCENT LAMP. English inventor St. George Lane Fox (1856-1932), introduced electric lighting to Great Britain in the 1880s. Line engraving

MAXIM INCANDESCENT LAMP. American inventor Hiram Percy Maxims incandescent lightbulb. Line engraving, late 19th century

LIGHTBULB AD, 1900. At Whose Bright Presence Darkness Flies Away. English advertisement for the Renewable Electric Lamp Company, 1900

THOMAS EDISON (1847-1931). American inventor. Photographed with his Edison Effect lamps in his West Orange, New Jersey, laboratory in 1915. Oil over a photograph

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"Shining a Light on Innovation: The Carbon Filament Revolution" In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison, an American inventor known for his groundbreaking contributions to technology, embarked on a journey that would forever change the way we illuminate our world. With his relentless pursuit of innovation and countless hours of experimentation, Edison introduced the carbon filament – a pivotal advancement in incandescent lighting. Edison's tireless efforts paid off when he unveiled his revolutionary invention in 1880 – the carbon filament lamp. This remarkable creation marked a significant leap forward from previous attempts at electric lighting. By utilizing carbonized bamboo fibers as filaments, Edison was able to achieve longer-lasting and more efficient light sources. The significance of this breakthrough became evident with each subsequent development. In 1883, Edison showcased various forms of carbon filaments that further enhanced durability and brightness in incandescent lamps. His ingenuity continued to shine through as he tested the first successful incandescent bulb in 1879, paving the way for widespread adoption of electric lighting. As demand for electricity grew rapidly during this era, power stations emerged across America to meet these needs. Westinghouse Electric Power Station played a crucial role by providing reliable energy supply through their automatic engines – an achievement proudly advertised in newspapers throughout 1886. Wood engravings from this period depict the iconic image of an Edison incandescent lightbulb illuminating homes and streets alike. These illustrations capture not only the physical appearance but also symbolize progress and enlightenment brought about by technological advancements pioneered by visionaries like Thomas Edison. Today, we can still appreciate how far we have come since those early days thanks to innovations like carbon filaments. They continue to serve as essential components within modern-day light bulbs while reminding us of our rich history rooted in human curiosity and determination. Thomas Edison's legacy lives on through every flicker emitted by these humble yet transformative strands of carbon filament.