Artifact #20 close-up

Historic Edison Collection

Most Famous Lamps in the World

Famous Edison Lamp Collection DISCOVERED After Century in Darkness

Lamp 20 - The mysterious phenomena that once seemed to allow electricity to defy the laws of physics was eventually identified as the electron by Joseph J. Thomson, but not until a decade after Edison's discovery. This lamp is the earliest known to be used by Edison himself in his 1883 Edison Effect experiments (source verification). John A. Fleming later developed the phenomena into the electron valve "diode" (Fleming patent, 1904) and for his achievement he received the honor of Knighthood. Thomson was Knighted as well and was also awarded the 1906 Nobel Prize.

Observe the gap between the thin metal rod tip and the curved bamboo filament, look at the vacuum where invisible electrons first worked for man and if a heightened sense of awe comes to mind, don't feel alone. Without question, to anyone who has interest in the timeline of man's development, it may be a mystical experience to see this 1883 Edison lamp and understand this is the earliest instrument of science known where man first took control of the electron. With that in mind, it is hard not to wonder what Edison and his colleagues were thinking as they tested this lamp for the first time. Now, for just a moment, stop and reflect on what it has developed into. The simplicity of this artifact seems to defy the significance it unleashed, no other instrument crafted from the hand of man has brought about so many beneficial advances. It has touched and lifted just about every aspect of our existence including art, science, medicine, education, invention, manufacturing, business, entertainment, mobility, flight, space exploration, safety, military security, and personal privacy. This international treasure is perhaps the most significant historic first in man's technology archive.

Go Back to Lamp 20

Go To the Collection Group Exhibit

# # #