Genre:

Abstract

Publications abstracted:

George P Lathrop Harper's New Monthly Magazine

Subjects:

Electricity, Genius, Invention, Creativity, Telegraphy, Patents, Deduction, Light, Theory, Imagination, Creation, Chemistry

People mentioned:

Thomas A Edison

    Lathrop's interviews with Edison reveal details of his upbringing, working practices, and beliefs. His method of invention is to work at a theory 'till it is proved to be incorrect', and he is 'much given to dreaming' and constantly employs 'his scientific imagination'. In answer to a question on the reality of an intelligent creator, Edison replies, 'The existence of such a God can, to my mind, almost be proved from chemistry'.