Hmm,
On the one hand we have scientific research, backed by decades of
practial experience all over the world.
On the other hand we have a 30 year old memory of museum tour guide.

Note that the closer a bulb approximates "off", the longer it lasts.
This part is not a joke, just basic engineering.

Richard Reid, LC
Luminous Views

wrote:
RnR wrote:

Not based on what the Thomas Edison museum in Florida told me in the
70's. Back then, they said the old bulbs (on at the time) of T.
Edison could last forever. It made everyone on the tour, gasp in
amazement. Of course I'd like to hear from others who have been on
that tour 20 plus years later to tell me if those bulbs were still on.

Don't know about the Edison museum (in Florida?) but the oldest
continuously burning light bulb can be seen he
http://www.centennialbulb.org/

It's in a fire house in California.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.