Often the only name anyone remembers regarding the light bulb is Thomas Edison. Though Edison certainly proved invaluable in producing a small device that would change our lives, he was not the first or the last to attempt this. Edison's model brought electric light bulb availability to the masses. However, others before him successfully experimented with the concept and others after him improved upon it. The light bulb, however we came to have it, certainly brought change to the world. The falling of the sun no longer meant that darkness must prevail. With the light bulb, activities could go on after dark. Significance The light bulb changed the way we live. Before the light bulb, candles, gas and oil lamps provided some illumination at night however, that light paled in comparison to the light of incandescent bulbs. Candles, gas and oil provided a dull, intermittent and expensive source of light in comparison. With the light bulb came opportunities to engage in business and social activities at night. People became more productive and the economy flourished with the extra business hours.