And ..er.. Mr Edison was slightly pre-dated by Mr Swan's patent, although Edison's inventive genius and business nous created the first practical bulbs. They became partners.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Swan

Not forgetting Sir Humphrey Davy, who predated both of them by over 70 years....


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb

In fact over 20 types of heated filament lamps are known between Davey and Edison's models.




Wood work but can't!