Thomas Alva Edison ( 11th Feb 1847 - 18 Oct 1931 )

The great scientist who invented the electric light bulb and many other important devices – Thomas Alva Edison, was born on February 11, 1847, at Milan, Ohio, in the United State of America. He came from a poor family. His parents admitted him to the local primary school. This inquisitive child always posed questions to his teachers. But his teachers instead of providing him with answers considered him stupid and rejected him. Finally, his self-respecting mother stopped his schooling and took upon herself the task of teaching him. Coupled with this, Edison loved to experiment. He would experiment with any object he could lay his hands on.

After getting permission from his father, at the age of 12, Edison started selling newspapers in trains. He would travel the 96 km distance from Huron port to Michigan City and sell newspapers. He liked his work, besides it brought him money. In 1869, he purchased a printing press. In a railway compartment he would print his journal Grand Trunk Herald. Most of the contest was written by him. He would also perform experiments during his spare time. During one such experiment, phosphorus fell on the floor and the compartment got engulfed in the fire. The rail guard arrived and threw out all the contents of his laboratory. The enraged guard slapped Edison due to which he was left short of hearing in one ear.

Scientist Thomas Edison

It seemed as if the world had come to an end. But Edison didn’t admit defeat and give up. It came as a blessing in disguise. Now he started selling newspapers at the station itself. He gradually got interested in electricity. His experience with engines and railroad repair shops turned his thoughts towards machines and inventions. One bright morning Edison was talking to the telegraph operator Mackenzie, whose little son Jimmie was playing at the station. In the middle of the conversation, Edison saw the little baby crawling along the stony track, in front of a small box-car. Edison realized the danger and rushed towards the child. He seized the child and jumped to safety, but the car struck him on the legs and ear. It was the second blow on his ear. As a reward for the brave deed, Mackenzie offered to teach Edison telegraphy and promised him a job on the line. A thrilled Edison grabbed the opportunity. He was lucky to have an offer for a paid job at the Port Huron telegraph office and at a station in Canada, on the Grand Trunk Railway. Every hour he had to send ‘signal six’ which proved that the operator was awake. The signal came through from Edison’s station exactly at the correct time. But attempts to get him over his own phone frequently failed. One night an official came to check and found Edison fast asleep. Beside him was a mechanism connecting the telegraph with the clock and when the clock struck the hour, the small machine sent the signal over the wire. He was fired. After work hours, he used his time to develop a ‘Vote Recorder’ which worked on electricity.

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After a few days, he decided to move to New York for the better opportunities. But life was not easy. Finding a job was difficult. While searching for a job, he landed up at a company office, which sold information to its clients about stock exchange rates through its machines. One of their machines, ‘Gold Indicator’ had broken down. Edison checked the machine and repaired it in minutes. The manager was pleased and immediately offered him a job besides rewarding him for his repair work. With this money he started a workshop in New Jersey. In association with another engineer, he developed a telegraphic equipment which fetched him a good price.

In 1876, he went to Menlow Park and improved upon the telephone invented by Alexander Graham Bell, by providing better sound quality by inventing carbon granule microphone. He also went on to invent a talking machine called the Phonograph. This machine could reproduce the pre-recorded sounds on a steel disc revolving on it. A German scientist improved the machine and made the gramophone in 1887. Edison gained quite a bit of reputation with his phonograph. But the height of his popularity came with the invention of the electric light bulb. In 1879, with the help of 30 assistants, he organized a public demonstration. He had covered a part of Menlow Park with electric light bulbs. The spectators were taken aback when he switched on the bulbs. The next morning the New York Herald published the news of this wonderful invention and Thomas Alva Edison became a famous man.

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Within two years he again surprised the world with yet another spectacular invention. This time it was the kinetograph, a kind of movie camera. He even created a machine that could project visuals on a screen, which he called Kinetoscope. He connected the phonograph with it and projected audio-visual images on the screen.

This genius had 1069 patents to his credit. He had noted down the intricacies of his inventions in about 3500 notebooks. It is most surprising that this scientist was not awarded a Nobel Prize for his inventions, though he is considered as the greatest inventor of all times. In 1914, at the age of 67, Edison expressed his gratitude towards his nation by gifting the American Army with about 40 useful inventions.

On October 18, 1931, Edison died at the age of 84. He was buried at West Orange in New Jersey. This great inventor was honoured across America when electric light bulbs across the nation dimmed for a minute. He had worked his way up with great difficulty. He believed that his success was 1 % inspiration and 99% perspiration. We are grateful to this self-made man who made this world a better place with hard work and perseverance, aided with extraordinary genius.

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James Clerk Maxwell (13 June 1831- 5 November 1879)

James Clerk Maxwell

The pioneer of electromagnetism and contributor to the kinetic theory of gases James Clerk Maxwell, was born on November 13, 1831 at Edinburgh, Scotland. He was from a rich, famous and landowning family. This family had many a famous and promising personalities who brought laurels and honour to it. James spent his childhood in the rural areas. His father had studied law but never practiced. He was interested in educating his son and maintaining the family property. Little James had the hobby of dismantling mechanical toys and understanding their mechanism carefully. He would open up newly acquired toys and fix them again. He had a very curious and sharp mind.

He lost his mother when he was 9 years. His father took up the twin responsibilities of a mother and father in bringing up James then. At ten, James was admitted at the Edinburgh Academy. His father brought him specially stitched clothes and shoes. Other students at the academy would laugh and poke fun at him because of his old-fashioned dress. But soon the students began respecting him for his intelligence and knowledge. They found him very moody.

At 16, Maxwell entered the Edinburgh University. His excellence in mathematics astonished everyone. He began experimenting in science. He also wrote poetry, but it was not of high standard. Yet, he continued writing poems all his life.

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In 1850, he entered Combridge University for higher studies in mathematics. He topped at the all examinations in mathematics. Mathematics competition was held every year for clever students. To ensure success at the examinations, he was put under William Hopkins’ guidance. Maxwell stood second at the examinations. In 1854, Maxwell graduated from college in mathematics. For higher studies, he joined the Trinity College, Cambridge. Here he conducted many experiments on colors and their mixtures. He created a colorful top indication primary colours – red, green and blue and other colours by mixing them in proper proportions. He even published a paper on this. The colours we see on our Television sets are based on the principles put forth by Maxwell. He was awarded the Rumsford Medal for this.

Around this time, his father was not keeping well. He planned to go to his father and take his care, returning from Edinburgh. Meanwhile, he got appointed as a professor at Marischal College, Aberdeen. But before he could join the college, his dear father died. After some time, he met the daughter of the college principal and soon married her. Now, Maxwell focused his attention on research and experimentation. He had researched on the rings of Saturn and had developed certain mathematical equations with reference to them. Even today, scientists follow the mathematical model he had developed then.

The researches and findings of Maxwell in the fields of electricity and magnetism are considered to be path breaking and original. Maxwell was inspired and influenced by Michael Faraday’s electromagnetic theory. He arrived at the principles of electromagnetic theory. He arrived at the principles of electromagnetic lines of force always exist in a closed circuit and are circular in form without and end.

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Changes in the magnetic field create an electric field and changes in the electric field create a magnetic field. This way, magnetic field model was crystallised in Maxwell’s mind. Earlier, Faraday had used the terms, lines of force and tube of force. He explained the changes taking place when a magnet is placed close to it. Maxwell went a step further to develop Faraday’s ideas and put forward the unified theory of electromagnetism. Much later, his prediction of electromagnetic waves was verified by Heinrich Hertz.

To study further on electromagnetic forces and magnetic force fields, he left his job for a short time and proceeded to stay at his estate in Glinar. He wrote many books on heat, mathematics, color vision and physical sciences. During this period, he came close to his neighbors and socialized with them. He would even play with children from the neighborhood.

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Maxwell also did monumental work in developing the kinetic theory of gases. He, together with his wife, conducted some experimental work on viscosity of gases.
Under pressure from the public, the Cambridge University decided to create a post of professor in the experimental physical sciences department to teach heat, electricity and magnetism. The Duke of Devonshire, Chancellor of the University, who was directly related to Henry Cavendish, provided necessary funds for establishing Canvendish Laboratory. Maxwell was requested to head the new laboratory. Maxwell was to direct research activities was also empowered to buy new equipment for the laboratory.

Over and above the activities mentioned earlier, he would also write on diverse subjects. He would edit the writings of Henry Cavendish to ensure that the general public would be informed of his works. This way he would keep himself busy. He dedicated his life to science in this manner.

During the last two years of his life, he took care of ailing wife. He was also aware that he was suffering from cancer, but did not let anyone know about it. Finally, on November 5, 1879 he died at the age of 48. World was  unfortunately denied further benefits of researches and experiments of this esteemed scientist. Ten years later, Hertz invented the radio transmitter and receiver, thus validating the mathematical theory of Maxwell.

Maxwell’s electromagnetic radiation theory played an important role in the understanding and making of Randar and microwaves. In reality Maxwell’s theory contributed in clearly understanding the propagation of heat and light waves, radio waves, X-rays, gamma rays or any other type of electromagnetic radiation.

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Georg Simon Ohm (16 March 1789 – 6 July 1854)

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Georg Simon Ohm was born in South-Eastern Germany on March 16, 1787. His father was a locksmith who also manufactured and repaired guns. Since generations his family was involved in the business and his father inherited the same from his grandfather. He would move all over the cities of Germany and France to earn his living. At 40, he came to settle down in the village of Allergen. For 40 years his father conducted this business. After his arrival here, he got married and had two sons – Georg and Martin. His life took a turn thereafter. 

Georg’s father was now attracted towards education, particularly in mathematics and science. He became involved in mechanical instruments and conducted research on his own. He began concentrating on mathematics and science. He even went on to cultivate similar interest for the subjects in his two sons. The two sons grew up to graduate in mathematics from the University of Erlangen and later, became professors.

At a young age of 18, Ohm was appointment professor at Swiss Canton in the city of Gottstadt in Berne. The supervisor who scrutinized his application for the job was a bit disappointed when he saw the young man. Ohm’s appearance was short and skinny, like a boy. But in a short while, his disappointment vanished. He was thoroughly happy and impressed to find the new professor’s depth of knowledge and his simple method of teaching. Ohm also became involved in further studies and research. Ultimately, after 6 years of extensive research and study, in 1811, Ohm earned the doctorate degree. At that time he felt like joining the armed movement against Napoleon and his army. He left his job and prepared himself to join the army. It was his father who stopped him from taking such a step, making him realize and convince him in a practical way. Thus, he continued to work as a professor.

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In 1817, at the age of 30, he got an invitation to join the Jesuit College at cologne as professor and a departmental head. He happily accepted this position.  Here, he taught as well as conducted research. As a result, in 1827, he published a detailed essay based on the research that he had had conducted for years. It was one of the foremost researches ever conducted in the field of electricity at that time. Sadly, it did not gain acceptance nor recognition for more than twenty years. Ohm was very disappointed by this. He had proposed certain basic equations and fundamental principles in the field of electricity that made solving mathematical problems in the field easy. Known as Ohm’s law, it is the basic law that every student of physics has to learn and understand. The equation I=V/R was given by him, where I = current, V=electromotive force or voltage and R = resistance.

In electricity, Ohm’s law experimentally determines the relationship that the amount of steady current through a large number of materials is directly proportional to the potential difference or voltage across the materials. Alternatively, Ohm’s law can be stated as the current I in the conductor equals the potential difference V across the conductor divided by the resistance of the conductor, or simply I=V/R, and that the potential difference across a conductor equals the product of the current in the conductor and its residence, V=IR. In a circuit where the potential difference or voltage is constant, the current may be decreased by adding more resistance or increased by removing some resistance.

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In 1827, he published a book titled Die galvanische kette mathematics bearbeitet (The Galvanic Circuit Investigated Mathematically). He was under the impression that it would earn him fame and promotion. But it was not to be. The scientific world ignored this remarkable work. Those who read his work found nothing new in it. Ohm was very sentimental. At 40, he resigned from the college. Being Jobless, he had to face difficulties. It became so difficult for him that even to buy things of daily use, he had to think twice.
After 6 years, he again began working. No one appreciated his work in Germany, but Britain did return him his dues. The Royal Society of London Presented and honoured him with the Copley Medal in 1854.
In the same year (1854), Ohm died at Munich at the age of 67. In 1881, at the Electrical Engineers International Congress, a resolution was passed that the unit of electrical resistance be called ohm, in his honour. He was finally honoured posthumously for the discovery he made during his lifetime.

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Sir Humphry Davy (17 December 1778 – 29 May 1829)

Humphry Davy was born in Penzance village, Cornwall, South Western part of England, On December 17, 1778. His poor father would make a living out of wood crafting, carpentry and farming. Humphry had his scholling in Penzance and later, he had higher education from nearby Truro. Soon after completion of his primary education, Davy went to a local chemist Thomas Beddoes of Bristol, who trained him in making drugs. Beddoes had a personal library where Davy would spend his free time, reading books. He cultivated great interest in reading here and specifically, in chemistry. He also experimented on the basis of the books that he had read then.

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Due to his thirst for reading and experimenting, he came in touch with Watt Jr. the son of Sir James Watt, the famous engineer and inventor. He introduced Davy to the president of The Royal Society, Dr. Gilbert. Impressed by Davy’s interest and dedication, Gilbert wrote a recommendation letter to the founder of the then newly established Medical Pneumatic Institution. This institute conducted research studies on the use of different gases in the field of medicine. He was immediately employed here. Not only that, Davy who had not even seen the University, was lucky enough to get work of his choice. It was here that he worked hard and sincerely to become the youngest head of the institution at the age of 20.

Davy, who had come up in life the hard way, was rather, whimsical in nature. His work led him to propose that electrical forces hold the elements of a chemical compound together. Davy must have known of Lavoisier’s suggestion that the alkali earths were oxides of unknown metals. At first, he tried to separate the metals by electrolyzing aqueous solutions of the alkalis, but this yielded only hydrogen gas. The important discovery he made in the 1799 brought him fame from all over the world. He prepared Nitrous Oxide gas in his laboratory. This gas is used even today as anesthesia for making patients unconscious and then, conduct surgical operations. The operation thus performed is painless and easy to conduct for the surgeon, as the patient remains unconscious throughout the period of operation. However, in his lifetime, this discovery was not put to use. It was in the year 1844 that an American doctor used this medicine to extract his decayed tooth painlessly. The medicine numbed the area near the tooth so that the operation could be conducted without pain and with least effort. 

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There occurred another interesting incident when he discovered this medicine. He drank it instead of smelling it and he had and intoxicating feeling. He would laugh without any rhyme or reason and that is the reason why it was called laughing gas. Davy attained fame due to this very interesting discovery. 

Around this period, Count Rumford, an American scientist, arrived in London and set up the Royal Institute. He extended invitation to Davy for giving lectures in chemistry. Davy had no prior experience as a teacher, yet the manner in which he delivered them and the popularity that he achieved, earned him the title of professor. The reason for this was that he was very good public speaker too. His easy style of communicating and the manner of simplifying and putting forth the most complex issues of chemistry impressed the Agricultural Board of the Royal Institute. They requested him to take up the issues relating to agriculture and provide necessary guidance to them.

He then spent the next ten years of his life conducting deep research and studies in the field of agriculture. He provided necessary inputs and guidance in this field and developed fertilizers so as to help increase the agricultural production.

Apart from this, he developed electro-chemical process in chemistry. Commonly known as caustic soda, a wet piece of sodium hydroxide is placed in a platinum cup. One end of the wire was connected to one terminal of the battery and the other end to a piece of caustic soda. Another wire connected the second terminal of the battery and the platinum cup. This way an electrolytic chemical reaction took place that produced sodium vapor. Today our roads and streets are lit with the help of sodium vapor lamps. He also isolated potassium with the help of electro-chemical process. Similarly, he also obtained sodium, magnesium, strontium, calcium, chlorine and barium through this process in the year 1808. Following the same process, Charles Martin in the year 1886, isolated aluminum from aluminum oxide. As part of further development, Davy also invented the arc lamp.

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Impressed by the invention of the electrochemical process of separating sodium and potassium and its technique, Napoleon, the French Emperor presented him with the French Institute Medallion. Even as England and France were at war, Davy, at the age of 30, was presented the medallion at the special ceremony. The arc lamp invented lit brighter than any other lamp that was available then. Such arc lamps have applications in the film industry and making of military searchlights.

In 1812, a young man named Michael Faraday came to meet him. He would attend every lecture or speech of his and jot down in his beautiful handwriting. He showed those notes to Davy. Learning of his careful and enthusiastic approach, Davy was impressed and he immediately employed him as an assistant. Another reason was that he had suffered from the blinding effects of the experiments he was conducting in the mines and needed a helping hand. This young man, Faraday later went on to become one of the world’s most famous scientists.

The same year, the king of England bestowed him the Knighthood. Three days later, he married Jane Apreece, a rich widow. After a few days, the couple accompanied by Faraday as Davy’s  assistant and valet went on a world tour to deliver lectures and learn more about the scientific activity that was taking place all over. In Paris, Davy was honoured and made the member of the French Institute. In Italy, he conducted research  on the torpedo fish that produced electricity. At Genoa, the famous Italian city, he burnt diamond with the help of arc lamp to prove that it is made of carbon. Visiting Sweden and Germany, he turned back to England and reached there in the year 1815.

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Now he was faced with a very complex problem. He found its solution by conducting a new and useful research for the world. In the coal mines of Newcastle, frequent accidents used to take place. Due to this, many miners lost their lives and production of coal was also affected. The reason for this was the lamp with flame that was taken inside the mine. The gases present in the mine would catch fire and blasts would occur simultaneously. After in-depth study, Davy invented the now famous lamp known as the Davy safety lamp. To ensure that the heat does not ignite fire, a round wire gauge mesh was placed around the flame. The gases never came in contact with the flame. This way, the number of accidents was reduced and many a lives were saved. This was the period when the battery torch was not yet invented. Davy was so humble that he refused to patent the invention and for the safety of the miner he allowed his invention to be freely used without any charge. The mine owners were happy for this gesture of his and presented him a silver dinner set. As per Davy’s will, the silver set was melted on his death and sold. Davy medal was instituted in his memory out of the money collected and is presented every year to scientists of Europe and America who make significant contribution in the field of chemistry.

In 1818, Davy was made the Baronet and honoured. In 1820, he was made the president of the Royal Society. He was not well mannered nor polite due to which did he become very unpopular. He earned more enemies than friends and had to finally give up the position.

Finally, in 1829,  Sir Humphry Davy died at the age of 48, in Geneva. The inventor of the safety lamp and are lamp and discoverer of six important chemical elements was honoured as the “Father of Electrochemical process”

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