Sir, In her article (“Good riddance to frosted light bulbs”, Thunderer, Sept 1), Natalie Haynes uses the term “the Edison versions” with reference to the light bulbs of the type used for about 130 years, to be banned by European decree. The term symbolises the sad lack of knowledge in this country of the identity of the inventor of the incandescent electric lamp.
A working electric lamp was first produced at the end of 1878 by an Englishman, Joseph Swan of Newcastle, who in January and February 1879 gave public demonstrations of lighted electric lamps. The second of these was on February 3, at the Literary and Philosophical Society in Newcastle.
It was not until about ten months later that Thomas Edison was able to produce a working electric lamp. These facts are well documented.
Swan was my great-grandfather, and I am — justly I trust — proud of his achievements. Too often has Edison been given the credit for the invention. It is time that, at least in Britain, due credit should be given to one of her own citizens, Sir Joseph Swan, as the true inventor of the electric light.
Christopher Morcom, QC
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Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2