Timeline of Electricity and Light History

1809 - The first "light bulb", created by Sir Humphrey Davy, consists of an electric arc passed between two poles. The light did not last long however.

1820 - A fellow named Warren De la Rue tried to create an incandescent light bulb. Using platinum coil, he passed a current of electricity through a tube. The light bulb worked, however the platinum coil proved too expensive to mass-produce.

1841 - Frederick de Moleyns using powdered charcoal filters and is granted the first patent for incandescent lamps.

1850 - Edward Shepard uses a charcoal filament to create an incandescent lamp. Joseph Swan also starts using carbon as filaments during this time. Carbon provided a lower cost and more efficient filament material than other metal alternatives at this time.

1854 - A German inventor used a filament made of carbonized bamboo to produce an incandescent electric bulb.

1860 - Joseph Swan demonstrated a decent light bulb using carbonized filaments, but failed to create a proper vacuum and enough electricity to produce a lasting light.

1879 - Thomas Edison introduces the carbonized paper filament to create a lasting light bulb.

1881 - Lewis Latimer patents a process that allows carbon filaments to be manufactured more efficiently. His process extends the life of Edison's carbon filaments, producing a longer lasting bulb.

1898 - Karl Auer tried to use osmium as a filament material for light bulbs. The substance did offer a longer life however the brightness of the bulb was compromised.

1906 - GE patents tungsten filaments for use in light bulbs.

1907 - Tungsten filaments become the standard for light bulbs, extending their efficiency and light.

The most common light bulb manufacturers include:

• GE
• Sylvania
• Phillips

More on the story! - Fun Facts About Light Bulbs - Back to Guide

• For information about purchasing cheap light bulbs online,
  Please visit our Light Bulb Buyers Guide