Final answer:
The claim that Thomas Edison was motivated solely by scientific understanding and not by profits is FALSE. Edison, a prolific inventor and savvy businessman, clearly recognized the commercial potential of his inventions and worked to capitalize on them, amassing over a thousand patents and running a successful research lab.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Thomas Edison was not motivated by profits and that his inventions were for pure scientific understanding only is FALSE. While Edison had a deep interest in scientific inquiry and the process of invention, he was also quite aware of the commercial potential of his inventions. Edison wasn't just an inventor; he was also a savvy businessman who understood the value of patents and the importance of turning innovative ideas into profitable enterprise. In fact, he held over a thousand patents and led a large research laboratory that aimed at continuous innovation and development of inventions that could be commercialized.
Edison famously stated that "genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration," which indicates his understanding that hard work, and by extension the practical application and commercial success of his inventions, were integral to his method of operation. His Menlo Park laboratory was not just a place for scientific exploration but was also a hub for turning innovative ideas into products that the market could use and from which his ventures could profit. Therefore, contrary to the claim, profits were certainly a motivating factor for Edison alongside his contributions to scientific understanding.