Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847-October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman. Nicknamed "The Wizard of Menlo Park" by a newspaper reporter, Edison is credited with creating both the first industrial research lab and the electric light bulb. The research lab was the first institution set up with the purpose of producing constant innovation and technological improvement. But he didn't stop there! Edison is considered to be one of the most innovative inventors in history, holding 1,097 US patents in his name. A true inventor at heart, Thomas Edison once said, "Genius is about 1% inspiration and 99% percent perspiration."