Schoolchildren around the USA are taught at an early age that Thomas Alva Edison was probably the greatest inventor who ever lived. And there is no argument that he did create some of the most spectacular technology the world has ever seen, and he did hold more than 1,000 patents. But a little research seems to indicate that he would go to any lengths to claim credit for inventions of other people’s work and creativity.

Here are three examples.

Edison is credited with the fluoroscope, which first made x-rays possible. Needless to say, the…