Edison was half quirkiness, half tech genius. Doggedness helped him formulate the best light bulb filament possible with the technology of the time. Only when tungsten became feasible was it beat. But he was fighting the laws of physics with his visions of a DC power distribution system. AC yielded the option of being able to distribute the same power with less loss, and being able to stabilize end user voltages whether near or far. Since Tesla also had quirky, quixotic visions that had nothing to do with what we know as the engineering advantages of AC — like transmission of power for free through the air — this could have complicated Edison’s perceptions.
Completely agree. And he acknowledged the hack he was. Edison largely attributed his success to perseverance; something any craftsman, engineer, artist, writer, etc. would understand.
Those were both glorious and sacrificial years. Plenty of controversy, and second guessing, but here we are enjoying the spoils...
Good to hear from ya’, FRiend.