The light bulb was invented by Henry Woodward, not Thomas Edison. So why is Edison’s name in all the history books?

The difference is that Thomas Edison was the first to create a light bulb that was developed for practical use. His light bulb was the first that could actually be sold and used commercially. Many other inventors developed components of the incandescent light bulb and even functional light bulbs, but Edison was the first to put all the components together. 

Henry Woodward was actually the first to develop a light bulb that worked. Along with his partner Matthew Evans he got a patent in Canada for his bulb. Woodward put nitrogen in glass and drilled electrodes. His version of the light bulb does not use a filament like the Edison bulb, but rather a carbon burner. 

While a great accomplishment, Woodward’s light bulb failed to have any lasting impact on society. Only Edison can claim that right. Though his incandescent bulb has since been replaced by fluorescent lights in many homes and businesses, the design of his bulb has still made history! 

(Source)