Changes

In 1878-81 Edison was at the peak of his intellectual powers. He sought solutions to technological problems through scientific investigations, experimented with multiple ways of technical problem solving, calculated costs and pricing, established methods of production, evaluated the character of potential business partners, negotiated contracts and business partnerships one day and raved back to the lab to scrutinize technical details the next. His development of central-station lighting systems for cities was focused the energy of Edison and his closest associates for months on end.

In 1878-81 Edison was at the peak of his intellectual powers. He sought solutions to technological problems through scientific investigations, experimented with multiple ways of technical problem solving, calculated costs and pricing, established methods of production, evaluated the character of potential business partners, negotiated contracts and business partnerships one day and raved back to the lab to scrutinize technical details the next. His development of central-station lighting systems for cities was focused the energy of Edison and his closest associates for months on end.

==Busineeman==

==Entrepreneur==

In the early 1880s Edison made the transition from entrepreneurial inventor to mass manufacturer and business entrepreneur. Leaving the laboratory of Menlo Park to demonstrate his electric lighting system in a “real world” context, Edison establish his system in Britain and in Europe. He delegated much of the work to his most trusted assistants and hired talented new associates. Edison steadily improved his business acumen, the court system (where many patent suits were decided), the media, and his judgment of people's character. As always he relied on his intuitive ability to solve technological problems one step at a time.  

In the early 1880s Edison made the transition from entrepreneurial inventor to mass manufacturer and business entrepreneur. Leaving the laboratory of Menlo Park to demonstrate his electric lighting system in a “real world” context, Edison establish his system in Britain and in Europe. He delegated much of the work to his most trusted assistants and hired talented new associates. Edison steadily improved his business acumen, the court system (where many patent suits were decided), the media, and his judgment of people's character. As always he relied on his intuitive ability to solve technological problems one step at a time.  

[[Image:Edison and phonograph.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Edison and phonograph.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Edison1925.jpg|thumb|320px|left]]

[[Image:Edison1925.jpg|thumb|320px|left]]

==Later years==

==Later years==

Edison gained worldwide acclaim for his inventions. He continued working even with advancing age and in frail health, amassing a total of 1093 patents, more than any other inventor at that time. His last patent was obtained at age 83. He died at age 84, Oct 18th, 1931 in New Jersey. His inventions live on in everyday use by millions of people worldwide.

Edison gained worldwide acclaim for his inventions. He continued working even with advancing age and in frail health, amassing a total of 1093 patents, more than any other inventor at that time. His last patent was obtained at age 83. He died at age 84, Oct 18th, 1931 in New Jersey. His inventions live on in everyday use by millions of people worldwide.