When I think of young geniuses, I think of all the
characters that I grew up watching on television such as Jimmy Neutron, Dexter
from “Dexter’s Laboratory,” and Doogie from “Doogie Howser M.D.” Little did I
know that a young genius actually invented television! The name of this
intelligent young boy is Philo T. Farnsworth.
Farnsworth was a farm boy raised in Rigby, Idaho.
The idea of electronic television came to him at age 14 when he was plowing a
field for his family’s farm. The back and forth lines caused by his plow’s motion
inspired his idea of the “image dissector”: the idea that a lens can direct
light into a glass camera tube, in which the image is split into electrons that
are transmitted one line at a time on the screen. This concept became a reality
years later and has not only changed broadcasting, but also society forever!
Sadly, even though Farnsworth gets credit for the original idea, the blueprint
and prototype for the electronic television, he did not become as rich as most
people thought he would be. Later in life, however, he held over 300 patents
including a "fusor." Farnsworth's life proves that ideas can change
lives no matter the age of its creator. Many people did not grasp Philo's
concept when he first came up with it, but Farnsworth did not let that stop
him. To me, that kind of determination at a young age is inspiration in
itself. Even though Farnsworth might not be a huge name in most history
books, his legacy in the broadcast world cannot be overlooked!
Good post. I had heard of Farnsworth befor this class but it seems supersizing that he is not really well known. I agree that he is a true inspiration because of what he accomplished at such a young age. Who knows what tv would be if it had not been for him. There is a animated show called Futurama and one of the characters is Professor Farnsworth, an inventor. The writers of the show probably added him for a sign of respect to the real man. Again, good post on an important person.
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