Chemistry Laboratory In 1887 this building was one of the best-equipped chemistry laboratories in the world. Within its walls, Thomas Edison and his chemists experimented on everything from phonograph records to rubber. "Grand science, chemistry," Edison once said, "I like it best of all the sciences." Beginning in the late 1890s, Edison and his staff worked for more than a decade to develop a practical storage battery for electric automobiles. After thousands of experiments, they produced a nickel-iron-alkaline battery by 1909. Although not practical for electric autos, Edison's durable battery was used in industry, mining, and railroad applications. Building 2 Thomas Edison (above) experimenting with rubber, 1929. Edison's chemists (below) at work, 1910 Submitted by @lampbane