Thomas Edison didn't invent the light bulb—but here's what he did do
![Thomas Edison didn't invent the light bulb—but here's what he did do](https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7703d334-3d50-4235-b85b-743c55f60cdb/GettyImages-3320155_square.jpg)
With more than a thousand patents to his name, the legendary inventor's innovations helped define the modern world.
![](https://i.natgeofe.com/n/6c6795b0-2cbc-472c-95d6-8a54db801e47/2E0NNDH_16x9.jpg)
Here's the history of basketball—from peach baskets in Springfield to global phenomenon
Sneha Reddy (@sneha_tumu) / X
Sneha Reddy (@sneha_tumu) / X
![](https://patentyogi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PatentYogi_On-January-19-1878-Thomas-Edison-patented-speaking-telegraph.jpg)
This Day In Patent History On January 19, 1878, Thomas, 45% OFF
![](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6d/3c/67/6d3c67391bd87c87792cb9ceab1d3eee.jpg)
Thomas Edison's Impact on Modern Inventions
![](https://pineconesandacorns.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Monday-musings-hello-Monday-coffee.jpg)
Monday Musings No. 34 - Pinecones and Acorns
![](https://static.nationalgeographic.co.uk/files/styles/image_3200/public/gettyimages-96771935.jpg?w=760&h=533)
Thomas Edison didn't invent the light bulb—but here's what he did do
![](https://i.natgeofe.com/n/d4b25bc4-5c65-4aba-ab26-2dbea1fc5871/GettyImages-81932586_16x9.jpg)
Inventors
![](https://static.nationalgeographic.co.uk/files/styles/image_3200/public/8f168043-155d-451f-67e5200a43532915original.jpg?w=760&h=963)
Thomas Edison didn't invent the light bulb—but here's what he did do
![](https://static.nationalgeographic.co.uk/files/styles/image_3200/public/gettyimages-3320155.jpg?w=1600)
Thomas Edison didn't invent the light bulb—but here's what he did do