When Edison reached the age February 1887, he
had achieved more than many men their whole lifetimes. distributed
electricity for light and power few blocks the
commercial district lower Manhattan.
(Illus 1-1, Edison Metallurgy Lab. The apex his
career was his development electricity commercial
product his Menlo Park laboratory.) successful
manufacturer stock tickers, Edison had gained profits and
some influential friends Wall Street.
Once Edison had demonstrated the commercial potential of
his invention, formed several companies promote his
system lighting and manufacture the lamps and machines to
. After his most famous
invention 1879, Edison spent many years designing and
installing the first electric lighting system. Although the Pearl
Street Station did not look like impressive engineering
feat, proved that electricity supply was technologically
feasible. was triumph for Edison and the beginning a
great new industry. New York's Pearl
Street central station was completed 1882.1
CHAPTER ONE
THE BEST LAB EVER. The invention the
phonograph had brought him world-wide fame
