Edison worked at breakneck speed during the decade following 1876. Not alone was his own tireless constitution responsible for this pace; the period was one of unending competition and no holds were barred by his competitors. Despite his almost inhuman capacity for work, others in some instances gained recognition for creations that were rightfully his. On one occasion, a lawyer entrusted to file applications for fifty-seven new patents stole the papers instead and sold them to Edison's rivals.

     The desire for revenge formed no part of Edison's character, as revealed by his reaction to the theft of these patents. Even after long years had gone by he steadfastly refused to name the dishonest attorney. "His family might suffer," he told associates who suggested that he make public the lawyer's name.

     Edison followed a policy which, absurd though it may sound today in contrast to the secrecy now surrounding most inventive endeavors, permitted the press to know and report even minute advances he made in experiments leading to the perfection of the first practical incandescent lamp.

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