inventor and pioneer industrialist. Three days later, on October 21, 1931, electric lights were dimmed for one minute throughout the United States(Pathways). Thomas was dismissed from school as retarded and was taught at home, he suffered from severe deafness, and survived scarlet fever. He defied all odds and became one of the greatest inventors, manufacturers, businessman, and founders of research ever. He is thus recognized as a hero of his times and one of the most prolific inventors of all time....