Edison as the Wizard of Menlo Park

This iconic illustration, from the front page of the 9 July 1879 New York Daily Graphic, captures a popular image of Edison. At the time, he was searching for platinum to use as a "burner" in his incandescent lamp. His robe is covered with drawings of his inventions; the device on his hat is a galvanometer. The paper at his feet is a copy of the circular he sent to every major mining area in the country, asking the recipient "if the metal platinum occurs in your neighborhood."

Edison as the Wizard of Menlo Park.
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