Engineer Lewis Latimer Improved on the Incandescent Light Bulb
Lewis Howard Latimer, born in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1848, was an accomplished African American inventor and engineer. He made significant contributions to the development of the electric lamp and the electric power industry. Latimer began his career as an office boy at Alexander Graham Bell’s patent law firm, and later worked for the company that became General Electric. He received patents for his inventions, including a process to manufacture carbon filaments for incandescent light bulbs, making them longer-lasting and more reliable. Latimer also wrote several books, including a handbook for electric lighting. By inventing a method of manufacturing carbon filaments for use in incandescent light bulbs, Latimer made the bulbs more reliable and long-lasting. He also wrote several books, including a handbook for electric lighting. Latimer’s work played a significant role in establishing the widespread use of electric lighting and power.