Thomas Edison

On August 27, 1878, Thomas Edison began his experiments with electric lighting. Just a few months later, on November 15th, the Edison Electric Light Company (later to become General Electric) was incorporated. Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb, as many people believe. Edison perfected the incandescent light bulb by using an improved carbon filament which made it economically practical to use. Edison filed for his first patent with his high-resistance carbon filament (U.S. Pat. 223,898) on November 1, 1879.

Now, California politicians are working to close this chapter in history by banning the sale of all incandescent light bulbs by the year 2012. The author of this bill, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, calls this the “How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?” act. According to Levine, the intent of his bill is to phase out the standard, incandescent bulb in favor of more energy-efficient models such as the compact fluorescent lamp. The bill has become controversial because of the significant price difference for consumers, as well as the general distrust that arises whenever politicians become involved in household decisions.

Still, I think Thomas Edison would approve. General Electric, Philips, Sylvania, and other major light bulb manufacturers will likely support the bill, which makes sense as they are also the manufacturers of the more expensive fluorescent bulbs. Although the fluorescent bulbs currently retail for as much as $9 each, they can burn 10 times longer and save roughly $50 in electricity over the life of the bulb.

There are two quotes from Edison that I think would express his viewpoint today:

“There’s a way to do it better - find it.”

“Waste is worse than loss. The time is coming when every person who lays claim to ability will keep the question of waste before him constantly. The scope of thrift is limitless.”

The bill is still being debated, with a similar bill having been proposed by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael which would ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs by the year 2018. The two politicians are working to merge their measures once they can agree on specifics.