Back In Time: The Inventor of Television

Have you ever stopped to wonder who invented television? The thought had absolutely never crossed my mind until I was flipping through the magazine American History and noticed an article about Philo Farnsworth. It’s funny isn’t it, how little interest most of us have in the creator of something we use so often?

image source; modified by Alyssa J Freitas

Farnsworth was a farm boy from Idaho who, at the age of 14, had the revolutionary idea that the previously considered “mechanical” television idea would have to give way to “electronic” television. After working for years to make the idea a reality, and facing set backs including a fire which destroyed his lab and a patent battle with a spy from RCA, Farnsworth was ultimately recognized as the inventor but did not reap any of the rewards. Instead, RCA, who he ended up having a licensing agreement with, benefited from this technological marvel.

Farnsworth was a genius who is largely under appreciated for his contributions (he also came up with the idea of magnetizing ignition keys so that they would be unique. Previously, all Model T ignition keys were identical so stealing was a breeze). Let’s all take a moment to say a silent thanks to Philo Farnsworth who made television a reality!