Notes

The invention of the light bulb changed the world in many ways, including facilitating the creation of large power grids, changing the social and economic structure of society and bringing other appliances into the home. Although many inventors had experimented with incandescent light bulbs, Thomas Edison created the first widely distributed model in 1879.

The implementation of light bulbs led to the need for a widespread electrical-distribution system, and the world's first large-scale power station was built at Niagara Falls in 1895. The power was distributed only locally at first, but some was also transmitted to nearby Buffalo, where it was used to power streetlights and streetcars. The transmission to Buffalo proved that long-distance power distribution was efficient, and this eventually led to a national system of large, interconnected power stations. The light bulb also had wide-reaching social and economic consequences. Interior lighting changed the structure of society, allowing activities to extend into the night. Industrial plants and other businesses could operate all night long, dramatically increasing profits. Electric lighting also allowed cities to stay active into the night, changing the natural rhythm of society and allowing people to stay up later. Electric lights necessitated the installation of electric wiring, which allowed for the development of other electric appliances for the home. Toasters, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuums and air conditioning systems all became common, making life far more convenient.

1920s - The first frosted lightbulb is produced and adjustable power beam bulbs for car headlamps, and neon lighting.
1930s - The thirties saw the invention of little one-time flashbulbs for photography, and the fluorescent tanning lamp.
1940s - The first ’soft light’ incandescent bulbs.
1950s - Quartz glass and halogen light bulb are produced
1980s – New low wattage metal halides are created
1990s – Long life bulbs and Compact Fluorescent bulbs make their debut.

In fact, some historians claim there were over 20 inventors of incandescent lamps prior to Edison’s version. However, Edison is often credited with the invention because his version was able to outstrip the earlier versions because of a combination of three factors: an effective incandescent material, a higher vacuum than others were able to achieve and a high resistance that made power distribution from a centralized source economically viable.