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An Invention that Changed the World The modern world is surrounded by thousands of electronic devices, many of which deserve a place on a list of significant inventions. The light bulb, however, has changed the world by illuminating the night and making it easier to perform a wide range of activities. People no longer have to restrict their work habits to the period from dawn to dusk. As a result of Thomas Edison’s tireless efforts in 1879, the world can easily function 24 hours a day. The idea for electric lighting occurred well before Edison’s time, however. In 1802, Sir Humphrey Davy discovered that by passing an electric current through strips of metal, he could make them hot enough to glow brightly for a few seconds before burning up. However, this device, known as an "arc lamp," was impractical for most uses. The light was simply too bright to be used in residences and most businesses.
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