2 great books by and about one of my heros: Nikola Tesla’s autobiography “My Inventions”. Mark J Seifer “Wizard”. Nikola Tesla (1856-1943); Part visionary, part mad scientist, and absolute genius, Tesla should be as famous as Edison but is largely forgotten. Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, physicist, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and futurist. He is best known for his contributions to the modern alternating current electrical system. Tesla’s patents and theoretical work helped form the basis of wireless communications and radio is also known for his high-voltage high-frequency experiments in New York and Colorado Springs, experiments in x-rays, and his ill-fated attempt at intercontinental wireless transmission of electricity in his unfinished Wardenclyffe Tower. Tesla is credited as the inspiration for radio, robots, and even radar, has been called the patron saint of modern electricity. Considered by many to be the founding father of modern electrical technology among his creations were polyphase alternating current, florescent and neon lighting, wireless telegraphy, and the giant turbines that harnessed the power of Niagara Falls. He made a great deal of money from his patents, but he also spent a lot on numerous experiments over the years. In the last years of his life he ended up living in diminished circumstances as a recluse in a series of New York City hotel rooms, occasionally issuing unusual statements to the press. Tesla gained a reputation in popular culture as the arch typical “mad scientist”. He died penniless and in debt on 7 January 1943.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 12:02:55 +0000