Why did it take so long to invent a longer-lasting bulb? Zachary Crockett finds the answer illuminating.

• SOURCES:
  • Heather Dillon, mechanical engineering professor at the University of Washington in Tacoma.
  • Jane Brox, author of the 2010 book Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light.
  • Markus Krajewski, philosopher and historian of technology at the University of Basel in Switzerland.

• RESOURCES:
  • "Thomas Edison, tinkerer," by Eric Gilliam (Works in Progress, 2023).
  • "It's Official: Stores Can No Longer Sell Most Incandescent Lights," by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times, 2023).
  • "The Mystery of the Centennial Bulb: an Incandescent Light Bulb," by Martin Kykta (MAK Electro-Optics, 2021).
  • "The Great Lightbulb Conspiracy," by Markus Krajewski (IEEE Spectrum, 2014).
  • "Compact Fluorescent Lighting in America: Lessons Learned on the Way to Market," by L.J. Sandahl, T.L. Gilbride, M.R. Ledbetter, H.E. Steward, and C. Calwell (U.S. Department of Energy, 2006).

• EXTRAS:
  • "Why Do Candles Still Exist?" by Freakonomics Radio (2025).
  • "The Story of Byron the Bulb," by Thomas Pynchon (Gravity's Rainbow, 1973).

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.