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DC generator

Explore Edison’s ‘Long-legged Mary-Ann’ DC generator! A 1890 masterpiece showcasing early electrical engineering. Unique industrial art for collectors.

Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931): American inventor of the light bulb, phonograph & motion pictures. Pioneer of industrial research with 1093+ patents. Explore his legacy!

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options.

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

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DC generator

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Collectible Description

Edison built this DC generator based on his 1878 design. The two long, vertically oriented black cylinders are the field coils that generate the magnetic field in which the rotor turns. The shape of those coils led the lab workers who worked on this design – all of whom were men – to refer it as ‘The Long-legged Mary-Ann’. The rotor is on the bottom, behind an upright lever. The lever controls a switch that can be set so the power generated by the rotor flows through the field coils in a parallel circuit, allowing the generator to create its own field. This type of generator was built in various sizes, and there are versions up to two metres high. Large horizontal versions were used for the world

Artist Biography

Thomas Alva Edison: A Life of Innovation

Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman whose inventions profoundly shaped the modern industrialized world. He is widely considered one of history’s greatest inventors.

Early Life and Education

Born in Milan, Ohio, Edison had a limited formal education due to a hearing impairment and his mother's decision to homeschool him. This early experience fostered his self-reliance and independent learning skills. He began his career as a telegraph operator, which sparked his interest in electrical technology.

Early Inventions & Menlo Park

Edison’s inventive spirit emerged early on. While working as a telegrapher, he developed devices to improve the efficiency of communication systems. In 1876, he established his first industrial research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey – often called his “invention factory.” This marked a turning point, shifting invention from individual effort to organized scientific teamwork.

Major Achievements

  • The Phonograph (1877): Edison’s phonograph was the first machine capable of recording and replaying sound. It revolutionized entertainment and communication.
  • The Incandescent Light Bulb (1879): While not the *first* to invent a light bulb, Edison created a practical, long-lasting incandescent lamp and an entire system for electrical power generation and distribution.
  • Motion Pictures: Edison played a pivotal role in developing motion picture technology, creating both the Kinetoscope (a viewing device) and the Kinetograph (a camera). His Black Maria studio was the first film studio.
  • DC Generator: Edison’s ‘Long-legged Mary-Ann’ DC generator demonstrated his mastery of electrical engineering principles.

Botanical Research & Later Years

Later in life, Edison collaborated with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone on botanical research at a laboratory in Fort Myers, Florida, seeking alternative sources for rubber production. He continued to innovate until his death, exploring areas like cement manufacturing and ore separation.

Influences & Legacy

Edison was influenced by the scientific advancements of his time and the practical needs he observed around him. He, in turn, profoundly influenced countless inventors and engineers who followed. His emphasis on systematic research and development established a model for modern industrial laboratories.

Historical Significance

Edison’s inventions transformed daily life, ushering in the age of electricity and mass communication. He held over 1,093 US patents (and many more internationally), making him one of the most prolific inventors in history. His work laid the foundation for numerous technologies we rely on today, cementing his place as a legendary figure in American innovation.

thomas alva edison

thomas alva edison

1847 - 1931 , United States of America

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: February 11, 1847
  • Birth Place: Milan, United States of America
  • Death Date: October 18, 1931
  • Name: Thomas Alva Edison
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Works:
    • Phonograph
    • Motion picture camera
    • Electric light bulb
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