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[Opinions] Re: NO (m)
I inadvertently linked his electricity experiments and his x-ray experiments. Through his Xray experiments, he killed Clarence Madison Daily, even though other scientists had warned that experiments with Xrays would be harmful on humans and animals. The electrical chair story and the electrocution of animals is not made up. There are videos of Topsy being electrocuted and he electrocuted other animals before testing on Topsy. Xrays: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ist/?next=/history/clarence-dally-the-man-who-gave-thomas-edison-x-ray-vision-123713565/Electric Chair: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/edison-vs-westinghouse-a-shocking-rivalry-102146036/Maybe she should name a son Tesla instead: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/tesla

This message was edited 3/16/2015, 1:36 AM

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Well, okay, but I can't conclude he was a sadistic or cruel character. He had the sensibilities of a businessman of his era. I don't think it ruins the name. I think it's good to remember that even our heroes are just humans who can do dumb and wrong things, but I think it's weirdly petty to associate the name Edison with animal cruelty instead of his inventions. Sort of like associating Tesla with having your work exploited.

This message was edited 3/16/2015, 9:12 AM

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I'd have to agree with you. I've read about many scientists, philosophers, businessmen, etc.... They all have their flaws. To boil a persons history down to some choices that were poor or seemed cruel in hindsight is arguable at best. I happen to like the name Edison - outside of the relationship to Thomas Edison. And, I am not sure that Mareasi even mentioned that it would be in honor or relation to the scientist/business we are all discussing. Maybe it would be in honor of the town in New Jersey, or a TV character, or even a brother named Edward (that is why we considered the name). I can think of Edison on it's own merits, and I like it.
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