Jára Cimrman 1869 - 1966 approx. Bohemian philosopher, adventurer and inventor. Jára Cimrman invented the electric light bulb assisted by local inventor Joseph Swan. Thomas Edison later copied the idea and patented it in his own name. Cimrman is also noted for donating Jesmond Dene to the people of Newcastle after winning it from Lord Armstrong in a game of cards.