HISTORY
Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was a Serbian American inventor and engineer known for pioneering alternating current (AC) technology. He discovered the rotating magnetic field, developed the three-phase power system, and invented the Tesla coil in 1891.
Born in Smiljan (now Croatia) to a Serbian family, Tesla showed exceptional creativity from a young age. He studied engineering in Austria and Prague, later working for the Continental Edison Company in Paris. In 1884, he immigrated to the U.S., briefly working with Thomas Edison before partnering with George Westinghouse to promote AC power. Tesla’s innovations revolutionized electricity and radio technology.
EARLY LIFE
Education & Early Interests:
Tesla studied in Gospic, later attending the Polytechnic School in Graz and the University of Prague. Passionate about electricity, he once declared he would harness Niagara Falls’ energy.
Early Challenges:
He had a strained relationship with his parents, suffered a serious illness at 12, and avoided forced enlistment in war.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Tesla pioneered AC electricity, wireless communication, and X-ray tech; he envisioned inventions like the thought camera and death ray.
- He lived in hotels, often evicted for unpaid bills.
- A germaphobe, he feared doctors and avoided medical help.
- He loved pigeons, even naming a favorite.
- He had a photographic memory and exceptional recall.
- Walking up to four hours daily helped him think.
- He celebrated birthdays by promoting inventions.
- He was close friends with Mark Twain.
- He despised pearls for unknown reasons.
- He foresaw smartphones, AI, and self-driving cars.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Alternating Current (AC) System – Developed and promoted AC electricity, which became the global standard for power transmission.
- Rotating Magnetic Field – Discovered the principle behind AC motors, leading to efficient electric power.
- Tesla Coil (1891) – Invented the Tesla coil, essential for early radio technology and wireless power experiments.
- Induction Motor – Designed the first practical AC induction motor, widely used in industry.
- Wireless Power Transmission – Conducted experiments on transmitting electricity wirelessly, laying the foundation for modern wireless technology.
- Radio Wave Experiments – Worked on early radio transmission before Marconi, contributing to radio development.
- Remote Control (1898) – Demonstrated the first remote-controlled boat using radio waves.
- X-ray Research – Conducted pioneering experiments with X-rays before Wilhelm Röntgen’s discovery.
- Hydroelectric Power at Niagara Falls (1895) – Helped build the first large-scale hydroelectric plant, proving AC’s efficiency.
- Visionary Predictions – Predicted wireless communication, smartphones, artificial intelligence, and self-driving vehicles.