Elihu Thomson was an electrical pioneer who made significant contributions to the development of electricity. He was born in 1853 and was a prolific inventor, holding over 700 patents in his lifetime. He is best known for his work on alternating current (AC) systems, which revolutionized the way electricity was used and distributed. He also developed the first electric arc lighting system and the first electric welding machine. Thomson's inventions helped to shape the modern world and he is remembered as one of the most influential electrical pioneers of all time.