Many people believe that Thomas Edison was the inventor of the electric light.

However, in reality, Edison purchased a patent for the concept of "filling a glass bulb with nitrogen to energize a carbon rod for illumination" from two Canadian electrical technicians.

Then he made improvements to the filament, which resulted in the creation of a carbonized bamboo filament lamp capable of producing continuous light for up to 1200 hours by the year 1880.

The earliest documented electric light was invented in 1801 by Humphrey Davy, who used a platinum filament to create electrified light, marking a significant technological breakthrough in electric lighting.

In 1810, he invented the electric candle, which consisted of 2,000 batteries and two charcoal rods, creating arc lamps.

In 1854, Henry Goebbels achieved a milestone in the history of electric lighting by electrifying a carbonized bamboo wire in a vacuum glass bottle.

This marked the world's first true electric light invention, and Goebbels managed to keep it shining for an impressive 400 hours. However, he failed to apply for a patent in time.

In 1860, Joseph Swan also created a carbon filament electric lamp, but his efforts were hindered by technical limitations related to maintaining a proper vacuum environment for the carbon filaments.

It wasn't until 1878, when vacuum technology had advanced significantly in England, that Swan was able to invent a successful carbon-filament the light bulb in a vacuum environment, which he subsequently patented.

His own home became the first in England, and indeed the world, to be illuminated by electric light.

Edison's significant contribution was in enhancing the filament, but more importantly, he was the first to commercialize electric light by developing a generator and an electricity production system.

Edison and his team were responsible for making electric light accessible to thousands of ordinary families.

In the broader context of human cultural development, the invention of electric light holds profound cultural significance. It represented not just a replacement for kerosene lamps but an entirely new way of life and mode of production.

Nowadays, electric lighting has become an integral part of the urban landscape in many cities, driving tourism and development.

Compared to kerosene and candle lighting, electric light is far more cost-effective and convenient. Its promotion gave rise to a new concept of time, transforming the structure of production and economic philosophy.

Electric light fundamentally altered people's understanding of natural day and night cycles.

It's important to recognize that every technological innovation is more than just a tool; it corresponds to a particular culture and way of life.

The invention of electric light brought about a fundamental shift in human society, altering our understanding of time and reshaping how we live and work.