Thomas A. Edison: Flamboyant inventor: Shrewd and nonconformist in many respects, Edison helped create modern electrical engineering, yet he never became a professional engineer himself

In the spring of 1884 Thomas A. Edison was one of the small group of prominent men interested in electrical technology who issued an invitation from New York City for others to join them in founding the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. But while Edison lent his name to the formation of the first U.S. society of electrical engineers and even served nominally as one of its directors during its first year, he did not play any active role in the professional life of the group.