Biography Of Nikola Tesla Pt 1

Wizard, the life and times of Nicola Wizard, the life and times of Nicola Tesla. Biography of a Tesla. Biography of a Tesla. Biography of a genius by Mark J. Cipher. Narrated by genius by Mark J. Cipher. Narrated by genius by Mark J. Cipher. Narrated by Simon Prebble. Copyright 1996 by Mark J. Simon Prebble. Copyright 1996 by Mark J. Simon Prebble. Copyright 1996 by Mark J. Cipher. This unabbridged audio book is Cipher. This unabbridged audio book is Cipher. This unabbridged audio book is published by arrangement with Mark J. published by arrangement with Mark J. published by arrangement with Mark J. Cipher Care of John W. a white literary Cipher Care of John W. a white literary Cipher Care of John W. a white literary agency and was produced in the year 2011 agency and was produced in the year 2011 agency and was produced in the year 2011 by Tantor Media Incorporated which holds by Tantor Media Incorporated which holds by Tantor Media Incorporated which holds the copyright there the copyright there the copyright there too. Forward Nicolola Tesla was my too. Forward Nicolola Tesla was my too. Forward Nicolola Tesla was my father's uncle and as such he was father's uncle and as such he was father's uncle and as such he was treated by our family much as any uncle treated by our family much as any uncle treated by our family much as any uncle might have been who lived at a might have been who lived at a might have been who lived at a considerable distance and was advanced considerable distance and was advanced considerable distance and was advanced in years. But there were stronger bonds in years. But there were stronger bonds in years. But there were stronger bonds between my father and Tesla than might between my father and Tesla than might between my father and Tesla than might otherwise have been the case. They came otherwise have been the case. They came otherwise have been the case. They came from identical social backgrounds, sons from identical social backgrounds, sons from identical social backgrounds, sons of Serbian Orthodox priests, born and of Serbian Orthodox priests, born and of Serbian Orthodox priests, born and raised a few miles apart in the raised a few miles apart in the raised a few miles apart in the AustroHungarian military frontier AustroHungarian military frontier AustroHungarian military frontier district county of Lea in the province district county of Lea in the province district county of Lea in the province of Croatia. My grandmother was Tesla's of Croatia. My grandmother was Tesla's of Croatia. My grandmother was Tesla's sister, Angelina.

sister, Angelina. sister, Angelina. They were the only members of a They were the only members of a They were the only members of a relatively limited extended family to relatively limited extended family to relatively limited extended family to immigrate to America and they were the immigrate to America and they were the immigrate to America and they were the only members to undertake science and only members to undertake science and only members to undertake science and technology as their life's work. My technology as their life's work. My technology as their life's work. My father Nicholas father Nicholas father Nicholas Jbo Nicolola Yoo Taberovich was 30 years Jbo Nicolola Yoo Taberovich was 30 years Jbo Nicolola Yoo Taberovich was 30 years younger than his uncle came to America younger than his uncle came to America younger than his uncle came to America 30 years after him and died 30 years 30 years after him and died 30 years 30 years after him and died 30 years after Tesla. Tesla was already famous as after Tesla. Tesla was already famous as after Tesla. Tesla was already famous as my father was growing up and he became a my father was growing up and he became a my father was growing up and he became a model for my father's technical career. model for my father's technical career. model for my father's technical career. Father held about 175 US and foreign Father held about 175 US and foreign Father held about 175 US and foreign patents. The most important of which was patents. The most important of which was patents. The most important of which was his 1923 basic patent of the Hypoid gear his 1923 basic patent of the Hypoid gear his 1923 basic patent of the Hypoid gear used on the vast majority of the world's used on the vast majority of the world's used on the vast majority of the world's cars since 1930. A hypoid gear cars since 1930. A hypoid gear cars since 1930. A hypoid gear introduced advanced mathematics to the introduced advanced mathematics to the introduced advanced mathematics to the art of gear design much as Tesla's work art of gear design much as Tesla's work art of gear design much as Tesla's work united electrical theory and electrical united electrical theory and electrical united electrical theory and electrical engineering. Tesla henceforth proudly engineering. Tesla henceforth proudly engineering. Tesla henceforth proudly referred to my father as my nephew the referred to my father as my nephew the referred to my father as my nephew the mathematician. that these patterns mathematician. that these patterns mathematician. that these patterns brought considerable financial as well brought considerable financial as well brought considerable financial as well as professional recognition to my father as professional recognition to my father as professional recognition to my father was also not lost on the often cash poor was also not lost on the often cash poor was also not lost on the often cash poor Tesla. Because the ethnic and Tesla. Because the ethnic and Tesla. Because the ethnic and professional similarities between Nicola professional similarities between Nicola professional similarities between Nicola Tesla and my father were so striking, I Tesla and my father were so striking, I Tesla and my father were so striking, I feel that I've been granted a special feel that I've been granted a special feel that I've been granted a special privilege through this comparison in privilege through this comparison in privilege through this comparison in understanding Tesla's private

understanding Tesla's private understanding Tesla's private personality, including his personality, including his personality, including his well-developed sense of humor and his well-developed sense of humor and his well-developed sense of humor and his often cavalier disregard for money. Once often cavalier disregard for money. Once often cavalier disregard for money. Once when Tesla was visiting us in the early when Tesla was visiting us in the early when Tesla was visiting us in the early 1930s, my father took him to lunch at 1930s, my father took him to lunch at 1930s, my father took him to lunch at the Book Cadillac Hotel, then the finest the Book Cadillac Hotel, then the finest the Book Cadillac Hotel, then the finest in Detroit. They arrived late, only a in Detroit. They arrived late, only a in Detroit. They arrived late, only a few minutes before a cover charge of $2 few minutes before a cover charge of $2 few minutes before a cover charge of $2 or $3, would end. This was equivalent to or $3, would end. This was equivalent to or $3, would end. This was equivalent to $20 or $30 by today's standards. My $20 or $30 by today's standards. My $20 or $30 by today's standards. My father suggested waiting, but Tesla father suggested waiting, but Tesla father suggested waiting, but Tesla would hear none of it. They sat down would hear none of it. They sat down would hear none of it. They sat down amid a flurry of waiters, and Tesla amid a flurry of waiters, and Tesla amid a flurry of waiters, and Tesla ordered a chafing dish, bread and milk, ordered a chafing dish, bread and milk, ordered a chafing dish, bread and milk, and proceeded to prepare his own lunch and proceeded to prepare his own lunch and proceeded to prepare his own lunch to his own specifications, to my to his own specifications, to my to his own specifications, to my father's amusement and the unease of the father's amusement and the unease of the father's amusement and the unease of the matraee. matraee. matraee. I had not yet reached 13 when Tesla died I had not yet reached 13 when Tesla died I had not yet reached 13 when Tesla died in January in January in January 1943, and I did not have the sense of 1943, and I did not have the sense of 1943, and I did not have the sense of the ending of an epoch marked by his the ending of an epoch marked by his the ending of an epoch marked by his passing, both for our family and for an passing, both for our family and for an passing, both for our family and for an era of individualism in scientific era of individualism in scientific era of individualism in scientific discovery. I may have reflected with discovery. I may have reflected with discovery. I may have reflected with some uneasiness that I had had the some uneasiness that I had had the some uneasiness that I had had the opportunity to meet Tesla some 3 or 4 opportunity to meet Tesla some 3 or 4 opportunity to meet Tesla some 3 or 4 years earlier, and that no further years earlier, and that no further years earlier, and that no further meetings would ever happen again. I meetings would ever happen again. I meetings would ever happen again. I remembered my reluctance to be dragged remembered my reluctance to be dragged remembered my reluctance to be dragged to the meeting in his suite at the Hotel to the meeting in his suite at the Hotel to the meeting in his suite at the Hotel New Yorker when my mother and I were New Yorker when my mother and I were New Yorker when my mother and I were spending a few days in New York before spending a few days in New York before spending a few days in New York before returning to Detroit after our summer returning to Detroit after our summer returning to Detroit after our summer vacation at the Jersey Shore. I would

vacation at the Jersey Shore. I would vacation at the Jersey Shore. I would have preferred spending more time at have preferred spending more time at have preferred spending more time at Radio City Music Hall or at the docks Radio City Music Hall or at the docks Radio City Music Hall or at the docks watching the ocean watching the ocean watching the ocean liners. I was shy, rather overwhelmed, liners. I was shy, rather overwhelmed, liners. I was shy, rather overwhelmed, and spoke hardly a word to this very and spoke hardly a word to this very and spoke hardly a word to this very tall, very gaunt old man. I would have tall, very gaunt old man. I would have tall, very gaunt old man. I would have been repelled, as any young all-American been repelled, as any young all-American been repelled, as any young all-American boy should have been, to be hugged and boy should have been, to be hugged and boy should have been, to be hugged and kissed by this stranger, if my father kissed by this stranger, if my father kissed by this stranger, if my father hadn't often done the same. This is the hadn't often done the same. This is the hadn't often done the same. This is the way my mother's women friends often way my mother's women friends often way my mother's women friends often acted, but my American mother's brother acted, but my American mother's brother acted, but my American mother's brother would have only given me a firm would have only given me a firm would have only given me a firm handshake. Little did I realize that handshake. Little did I realize that handshake. Little did I realize that Tesla's hugging, kissing, and patting my Tesla's hugging, kissing, and patting my Tesla's hugging, kissing, and patting my head would bely his famous idiosyncrasy head would bely his famous idiosyncrasy head would bely his famous idiosyncrasy of an overriding phobia of germs. Surely of an overriding phobia of germs. Surely of an overriding phobia of germs. Surely a young boy would have been teeming with a young boy would have been teeming with a young boy would have been teeming with germs. One could therefore speculate germs. One could therefore speculate germs. One could therefore speculate that this idiosyncrasy was possibly an that this idiosyncrasy was possibly an that this idiosyncrasy was possibly an affectation designed to preserve his affectation designed to preserve his affectation designed to preserve his space. While Tesla lived, some space. While Tesla lived, some space. While Tesla lived, some considerable degree of his fame endured considerable degree of his fame endured considerable degree of his fame endured in no small measure because of his in no small measure because of his in no small measure because of his ability to stimulate the media. However, ability to stimulate the media. However, ability to stimulate the media. However, after his death, the nation and the after his death, the nation and the after his death, the nation and the world were occupied with other more world were occupied with other more world were occupied with other more pressing matters. War and pressing matters. War and pressing matters. War and reconstruction, international political reconstruction, international political reconstruction, international political realignments, an unmatched explosion of realignments, an unmatched explosion of realignments, an unmatched explosion of new technology, a new consumer society, new technology, a new consumer society, new technology, a new consumer society, and Tesla's fame and recognition nearly and Tesla's fame and recognition nearly and Tesla's fame and recognition nearly evaporated. Only a few in the US and evaporated. Only a few in the US and evaporated. Only a few in the US and international scientific communities and international scientific communities and international scientific communities and the abiding respect and admiration of the abiding respect and admiration of the abiding respect and admiration of Serbs and all Yuguslavs worldwide kept

Serbs and all Yuguslavs worldwide kept Serbs and all Yuguslavs worldwide kept his name alive. My awareness of a his name alive. My awareness of a his name alive. My awareness of a resurgence of interest in the life and resurgence of interest in the life and resurgence of interest in the life and works of Nicola Tesla began in the early works of Nicola Tesla began in the early works of Nicola Tesla began in the early 1970s when I moved from Los Angeles 1970s when I moved from Los Angeles 1970s when I moved from Los Angeles where it seemed no one had ever heard of where it seemed no one had ever heard of where it seemed no one had ever heard of Tesla to Washington DC where at least Tesla to Washington DC where at least Tesla to Washington DC where at least the name was recognized. In February the name was recognized. In February the name was recognized. In February 1975, my mother phoned to tell me that 1975, my mother phoned to tell me that 1975, my mother phoned to tell me that she had read in the Los Angeles Times she had read in the Los Angeles Times she had read in the Los Angeles Times that Uncle Nicola was to be inducted that Uncle Nicola was to be inducted that Uncle Nicola was to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame into the National Inventors Hall of Fame into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and that I should look into it. I chance and that I should look into it. I chance and that I should look into it. I chance to notice on a local TV news program to notice on a local TV news program to notice on a local TV news program that evening a short segment monitoring that evening a short segment monitoring that evening a short segment monitoring the Hall of Fame and an interview with a the Hall of Fame and an interview with a the Hall of Fame and an interview with a girl of 10 or 12 who had invented a new girl of 10 or 12 who had invented a new girl of 10 or 12 who had invented a new can opener or some such. I dismissed the can opener or some such. I dismissed the can opener or some such. I dismissed the hall as a commercial promotion and went hall as a commercial promotion and went hall as a commercial promotion and went on to something else. Only later did I on to something else. Only later did I on to something else. Only later did I read a newspaper account about the read a newspaper account about the read a newspaper account about the induction of Tesla along with Orville induction of Tesla along with Orville induction of Tesla along with Orville and Wilbur Wright Samuel FP Morse and and Wilbur Wright Samuel FP Morse and and Wilbur Wright Samuel FP Morse and Tesla's nemesis Gulimo Maronei and Tesla's nemesis Gulimo Maronei and Tesla's nemesis Gulimo Maronei and citing the whole sponsorship by the US citing the whole sponsorship by the US citing the whole sponsorship by the US Department of Commerce's patent and Department of Commerce's patent and Department of Commerce's patent and trademark office. The closest living trademark office. The closest living trademark office. The closest living relative of each honore was to receive relative of each honore was to receive relative of each honore was to receive the induction diploma at an elaborate the induction diploma at an elaborate the induction diploma at an elaborate ceremony. Lacking any Tesla or even any ceremony. Lacking any Tesla or even any ceremony. Lacking any Tesla or even any tebo to represent the family, an officer tebo to represent the family, an officer tebo to represent the family, an officer of the Institute of Electrical and of the Institute of Electrical and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, E accepted the

Electronics Engineers, E accepted the Electronics Engineers, E accepted the Tesla diploma. The EE considers Tesla Tesla diploma. The EE considers Tesla Tesla diploma. The EE considers Tesla one of the 12 apostles of electrical one of the 12 apostles of electrical one of the 12 apostles of electrical science and continues to offer an annual science and continues to offer an annual science and continues to offer an annual prize in the field of power engineering prize in the field of power engineering prize in the field of power engineering in his name. When I presented myself at in his name. When I presented myself at in his name. When I presented myself at the patent office a few weeks later, the patent office a few weeks later, the patent office a few weeks later, they were delighted and made they were delighted and made they were delighted and made arrangements to make a second arrangements to make a second arrangements to make a second presentation to me at the 1976 awards presentation to me at the 1976 awards presentation to me at the 1976 awards ceremony held that year at Congress Hall ceremony held that year at Congress Hall ceremony held that year at Congress Hall in Philadelphia as part of the US in Philadelphia as part of the US in Philadelphia as part of the US bicesentennial year celebration. bicesentennial year celebration. bicesentennial year celebration. Since then, there has been an earnest Since then, there has been an earnest Since then, there has been an earnest revival of interest in the technological revival of interest in the technological revival of interest in the technological accomplishments of Nicola Tesla and in accomplishments of Nicola Tesla and in accomplishments of Nicola Tesla and in his personality, philosophy and culture his personality, philosophy and culture his personality, philosophy and culture as well. Part of the drama of his life as well. Part of the drama of his life as well. Part of the drama of his life is that he was a man who not only is that he was a man who not only is that he was a man who not only revolutionized the generation and revolutionized the generation and revolutionized the generation and distribution of electrical energy and distribution of electrical energy and distribution of electrical energy and made basic contributions to many other made basic contributions to many other made basic contributions to many other facets of modern technology, but that he facets of modern technology, but that he facets of modern technology, but that he did so without the specific aim of did so without the specific aim of did so without the specific aim of amassing great wealth. This altruism, amassing great wealth. This altruism, amassing great wealth. This altruism, which is often criticized as poor which is often criticized as poor which is often criticized as poor business sense, imposed a monetary business sense, imposed a monetary business sense, imposed a monetary limitation on future experimentation to limitation on future experimentation to limitation on future experimentation to test his new test his new test his new innovations. Who knows what advances innovations. Who knows what advances innovations. Who knows what advances might have been possible if he'd been might have been possible if he'd been might have been possible if he'd been able to validate them through rigorous able to validate them through rigorous able to validate them through rigorous experimentation. New science is an experimentation. New science is an experimentation. New science is an expensive endeavor, and finding expensive endeavor, and finding expensive endeavor, and finding financial support is a frustrating task financial support is a frustrating task financial support is a frustrating task for even those as focused as Tesla.

for even those as focused as Tesla. for even those as focused as Tesla. Among the associations that have Among the associations that have Among the associations that have supported the Tesla Renaissance are the supported the Tesla Renaissance are the supported the Tesla Renaissance are the Tesla Memorial Society, which I helped Tesla Memorial Society, which I helped Tesla Memorial Society, which I helped found in 1979 and of which I am pleased found in 1979 and of which I am pleased found in 1979 and of which I am pleased to be its honorary chairman and chairman to be its honorary chairman and chairman to be its honorary chairman and chairman of its executive board and the of its executive board and the of its executive board and the International Tesla Society founded in International Tesla Society founded in International Tesla Society founded in 1983 and of which I am a life member. It 1983 and of which I am a life member. It 1983 and of which I am a life member. It was while speaking at the first IT was while speaking at the first IT was while speaking at the first IT bianual Tesla symposium in 1984 that I bianual Tesla symposium in 1984 that I bianual Tesla symposium in 1984 that I first met a fellow speaker Dr. Mark J. first met a fellow speaker Dr. Mark J. first met a fellow speaker Dr. Mark J. Cipher in person. His paper the lost Cipher in person. His paper the lost Cipher in person. His paper the lost wizard was the seed from which his new wizard was the seed from which his new wizard was the seed from which his new Tesla biography has sprung. I have been Tesla biography has sprung. I have been Tesla biography has sprung. I have been impressed with Dr. Cipher's dedication impressed with Dr. Cipher's dedication impressed with Dr. Cipher's dedication and scholarship in developing his early and scholarship in developing his early and scholarship in developing his early theories into a well-rounded examination theories into a well-rounded examination theories into a well-rounded examination of the mystery of Tesla's great genius. of the mystery of Tesla's great genius. of the mystery of Tesla's great genius. One of the things that has most One of the things that has most One of the things that has most intrigued me about a new work on this intrigued me about a new work on this intrigued me about a new work on this topic is how much new information keeps topic is how much new information keeps topic is how much new information keeps surfacing. Dr. Cipher has researched surfacing. Dr. Cipher has researched surfacing. Dr. Cipher has researched minor characters in Tesla's life as well minor characters in Tesla's life as well minor characters in Tesla's life as well as the many major ones. This has given as the many major ones. This has given as the many major ones. This has given him additional insight into Tesla's life him additional insight into Tesla's life him additional insight into Tesla's life and allowed the development of new and and allowed the development of new and and allowed the development of new and different interpretations of many different interpretations of many different interpretations of many important events such as the failure of important events such as the failure of important events such as the failure of the Warden Cliff Tower project. Dr. The the Warden Cliff Tower project. Dr. The the Warden Cliff Tower project. Dr. The cipher provides a new look at Tesla's cipher provides a new look at Tesla's cipher provides a new look at Tesla's college years, a time when many of his college years, a time when many of his college years, a time when many of his epocal ideas were forming. He's epocal ideas were forming. He's epocal ideas were forming. He's uncovered new information on Tesla's uncovered new information on Tesla's uncovered new information on Tesla's relationship with a number of key

relationship with a number of key relationship with a number of key individuals such as his editor Thomas individuals such as his editor Thomas individuals such as his editor Thomas Kmerford Martin and financial backers Kmerford Martin and financial backers Kmerford Martin and financial backers John Jacob Aster and John Hayes Hammond. John Jacob Aster and John Hayes Hammond. John Jacob Aster and John Hayes Hammond. A great strength of Wizard is its A great strength of Wizard is its A great strength of Wizard is its adherence chapter by chapter to a rather adherence chapter by chapter to a rather adherence chapter by chapter to a rather strict chronology which makes it easy to strict chronology which makes it easy to strict chronology which makes it easy to follow the breadth and scope of Tesla's follow the breadth and scope of Tesla's follow the breadth and scope of Tesla's life and achievements in an orderly life and achievements in an orderly life and achievements in an orderly fashion. I congratulate Dr. Cipher on a fashion. I congratulate Dr. Cipher on a fashion. I congratulate Dr. Cipher on a decade's journey with Nicola Tesla and decade's journey with Nicola Tesla and decade's journey with Nicola Tesla and I'm pleased to introduce to you Wizard I'm pleased to introduce to you Wizard I'm pleased to introduce to you Wizard William H. Turbo, honorary chairman William H. Turbo, honorary chairman William H. Turbo, honorary chairman Tesla Memorial Society. preface. In 1976, while involved in preface. In 1976, while involved in research at the New York Public Library, research at the New York Public Library, research at the New York Public Library, I stumbled upon a strange text entitled I stumbled upon a strange text entitled I stumbled upon a strange text entitled Return of the Dove, which claimed that Return of the Dove, which claimed that Return of the Dove, which claimed that there was a man not born of this planet there was a man not born of this planet there was a man not born of this planet who landed as a baby in the mountains of who landed as a baby in the mountains of who landed as a baby in the mountains of Croatia in 1856. Croatia in 1856. Croatia in 1856. Raised by Earth parents, an avatar had Raised by Earth parents, an avatar had Raised by Earth parents, an avatar had arrived for the sole purpose of arrived for the sole purpose of arrived for the sole purpose of inaugurating the new age. By providing inaugurating the new age. By providing inaugurating the new age. By providing humans with a veritable cornucopia of humans with a veritable cornucopia of humans with a veritable cornucopia of inventions, he had created in essence inventions, he had created in essence inventions, he had created in essence the technological backbone of the modern the technological backbone of the modern the technological backbone of the modern era. His name was Nicola Tesla and his era. His name was Nicola Tesla and his era. His name was Nicola Tesla and his inventions included the induction motor, inventions included the induction motor, inventions included the induction motor, the electrical power distribution the electrical power distribution the electrical power distribution system, fluorescent and neon lights, system, fluorescent and neon lights, system, fluorescent and neon lights, wireless communication, remote control, wireless communication, remote control, wireless communication, remote control, and

and and robotics. Tesla, who's he? I said to robotics. Tesla, who's he? I said to robotics. Tesla, who's he? I said to myself, because my father had been a TV myself, because my father had been a TV myself, because my father had been a TV repairman for several years in the early repairman for several years in the early repairman for several years in the early 1950s, and I had spent part of my 1950s, and I had spent part of my 1950s, and I had spent part of my childhood accompanying him on his house childhood accompanying him on his house childhood accompanying him on his house calls, helping put up antennas, test and calls, helping put up antennas, test and calls, helping put up antennas, test and buy radio tubes, play with buy radio tubes, play with buy radio tubes, play with oscilloscopes, and watch him build TVs. oscilloscopes, and watch him build TVs. oscilloscopes, and watch him build TVs. I was amazed that I had never heard of I was amazed that I had never heard of I was amazed that I had never heard of this man. I remember vividly an event this man. I remember vividly an event this man. I remember vividly an event from my grade school years on Long from my grade school years on Long from my grade school years on Long Island that prepared me for my Island that prepared me for my Island that prepared me for my latter-day interest. It was a Saturday, latter-day interest. It was a Saturday, latter-day interest. It was a Saturday, circa 1959, and I was working on a boy circa 1959, and I was working on a boy circa 1959, and I was working on a boy scout assignment when I came upon a scout assignment when I came upon a scout assignment when I came upon a design for a crystal radio set. My design for a crystal radio set. My design for a crystal radio set. My father and I gathered a glass jar and a father and I gathered a glass jar and a father and I gathered a glass jar and a set of headphones, a crystal detector set of headphones, a crystal detector set of headphones, a crystal detector for changing the ambient AC radio waves for changing the ambient AC radio waves for changing the ambient AC radio waves into audio DC pulses, some thin copper into audio DC pulses, some thin copper into audio DC pulses, some thin copper wire to be wrapped around the jar, a wire to be wrapped around the jar, a wire to be wrapped around the jar, a metal switch that was scraped across metal switch that was scraped across metal switch that was scraped across this coil for the dial, a small plank to this coil for the dial, a small plank to this coil for the dial, a small plank to hold the contraption together, and 100 hold the contraption together, and 100 hold the contraption together, and 100 ft of normal rubbercoated wire for the ft of normal rubbercoated wire for the ft of normal rubbercoated wire for the antenna, which we strung out a second antenna, which we strung out a second antenna, which we strung out a second story window. There was no plug. All story window. There was no plug. All story window. There was no plug. All energy was derived from the broadcast energy was derived from the broadcast energy was derived from the broadcast signals from the nearby radio stations.

signals from the nearby radio stations. signals from the nearby radio stations. However, after hooking it all together, However, after hooking it all together, However, after hooking it all together, the reception was faint. I became the reception was faint. I became the reception was faint. I became discouraged. My father paced the room discouraged. My father paced the room discouraged. My father paced the room considering the problem, muttering, considering the problem, muttering, considering the problem, muttering, "Something's wrong." After a few moments "Something's wrong." After a few moments "Something's wrong." After a few moments of deep thought, he made a motion which of deep thought, he made a motion which of deep thought, he made a motion which said, "I've got it." Walking over to our said, "I've got it." Walking over to our said, "I've got it." Walking over to our radiator and dragging another wire which radiator and dragging another wire which radiator and dragging another wire which he had hooked up to the jar, Dad he had hooked up to the jar, Dad he had hooked up to the jar, Dad attached a ground connection. Suddenly, attached a ground connection. Suddenly, attached a ground connection. Suddenly, all the stations began to come in loud all the stations began to come in loud all the stations began to come in loud and clear, and I marked each of them on and clear, and I marked each of them on and clear, and I marked each of them on the jar along the coil. It was apparent the jar along the coil. It was apparent the jar along the coil. It was apparent to me then that electrical power was to me then that electrical power was to me then that electrical power was being transmitted from these stations by being transmitted from these stations by being transmitted from these stations by wireless means, and that the earth wireless means, and that the earth wireless means, and that the earth somehow was intrinsically linked to this somehow was intrinsically linked to this somehow was intrinsically linked to this system. And now here I was nearly 20 system. And now here I was nearly 20 system. And now here I was nearly 20 years later, two years out of graduate years later, two years out of graduate years later, two years out of graduate school with a master's degree, well read school with a master's degree, well read school with a master's degree, well read and somewhat knowledgeable about and somewhat knowledgeable about and somewhat knowledgeable about electronics. Yet I had never heard of electronics. Yet I had never heard of electronics. Yet I had never heard of the principal inventor of the very the principal inventor of the very the principal inventor of the very device I had spent endless hours with as device I had spent endless hours with as device I had spent endless hours with as a kid. This astonished me in a way a kid. This astonished me in a way a kid. This astonished me in a way difficult to describe. Moreover, when I difficult to describe. Moreover, when I difficult to describe. Moreover, when I asked my father about Tesla, he barely asked my father about Tesla, he barely asked my father about Tesla, he barely knew of him. Because I believe in knew of him. Because I believe in knew of him. Because I believe in seeking original sources, I began to seeking original sources, I began to seeking original sources, I began to research Tesla's life, starting with the research Tesla's life, starting with the research Tesla's life, starting with the two existing biographies, John O'Neal's two existing biographies, John O'Neal's two existing biographies, John O'Neal's classic prodigal genius and Anes Hunt classic prodigal genius and Anes Hunt classic prodigal genius and Anes Hunt and Waneta Drapers, Lightning in His and Waneta Drapers, Lightning in His and Waneta Drapers, Lightning in His Hand. Soon after, I began tracking down Hand. Soon after, I began tracking down Hand. Soon after, I began tracking down numerous turn of the century references numerous turn of the century references numerous turn of the century references and also the weighty Nicola Tesla

and also the weighty Nicola Tesla and also the weighty Nicola Tesla lectures, patents, articles produced by lectures, patents, articles produced by lectures, patents, articles produced by the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia. Thus I was able to ascertain by Thus I was able to ascertain by Thus I was able to ascertain by following his actual patents that indeed following his actual patents that indeed following his actual patents that indeed Tesla existed and that his work was Tesla existed and that his work was Tesla existed and that his work was fundamental to all these fundamental to all these fundamental to all these creations. That Tesla's name was so creations. That Tesla's name was so creations. That Tesla's name was so little known puzzled me. So in 1980, 3 little known puzzled me. So in 1980, 3 little known puzzled me. So in 1980, 3 years after writing my first article on years after writing my first article on years after writing my first article on him, I began a doctoral dissertation on him, I began a doctoral dissertation on him, I began a doctoral dissertation on his life. My major purpose was to his life. My major purpose was to his life. My major purpose was to address the question of name obscurity. address the question of name obscurity. address the question of name obscurity. During the writing of my dissertation, During the writing of my dissertation, During the writing of my dissertation, several notable Tesla works were several notable Tesla works were several notable Tesla works were compiled. These included the compiled. These included the compiled. These included the comprehensive and encyclopedic Dr. comprehensive and encyclopedic Dr. comprehensive and encyclopedic Dr. Nicola Tesla bibliography by Leland Nicola Tesla bibliography by Leland Nicola Tesla bibliography by Leland Anderson and John Ratzloff. Tesla's 1919 Anderson and John Ratzloff. Tesla's 1919 Anderson and John Ratzloff. Tesla's 1919 autobiography republished by Hart autobiography republished by Hart autobiography republished by Hart Brothers. Margaret Cheny's biography Brothers. Margaret Cheny's biography Brothers. Margaret Cheny's biography Tesla man out of time. Two compendiums Tesla man out of time. Two compendiums Tesla man out of time. Two compendiums of Tesla's writing by John Ratzliff. of Tesla's writing by John Ratzliff. of Tesla's writing by John Ratzliff. Colorado Springs notes produced by the Colorado Springs notes produced by the Colorado Springs notes produced by the Tesla Museum and most recently Leland Tesla Museum and most recently Leland Tesla Museum and most recently Leland Anderson's edition of Tesla's private Anderson's edition of Tesla's private Anderson's edition of Tesla's private testimony to his lawyers on the history testimony to his lawyers on the history testimony to his lawyers on the history of wireless of wireless of wireless communication. Even with all this new communication. Even with all this new communication. Even with all this new material, however, no comprehensive all material, however, no comprehensive all material, however, no comprehensive all embracing treatise had been achieved. In embracing treatise had been achieved. In embracing treatise had been achieved. In fact, after studying all these texts, a fact, after studying all these texts, a fact, after studying all these texts, a number of contradictions and glaring number of contradictions and glaring number of contradictions and glaring mysteries remained. These included not mysteries remained. These included not mysteries remained. These included not only Tesla's obscure early years, tenure only Tesla's obscure early years, tenure only Tesla's obscure early years, tenure at college and relationship to such key

at college and relationship to such key at college and relationship to such key people as Thomas Edison, Gulio Mo people as Thomas Edison, Gulio Mo people as Thomas Edison, Gulio Mo Maronei, George Westinghouse, and JP Maronei, George Westinghouse, and JP Maronei, George Westinghouse, and JP Morgan, but also the worth of Tesla's Morgan, but also the worth of Tesla's Morgan, but also the worth of Tesla's accomplishments and his exact place in accomplishments and his exact place in accomplishments and his exact place in the development of these the development of these the development of these inventions. This book attempts to solve inventions. This book attempts to solve inventions. This book attempts to solve the mysteries. Because there have been the mysteries. Because there have been the mysteries. Because there have been significant gaps in the record, a clear significant gaps in the record, a clear significant gaps in the record, a clear chronology of Tesla's life is presented. chronology of Tesla's life is presented. chronology of Tesla's life is presented. Also addressed are such issues as why Also addressed are such issues as why Also addressed are such issues as why his name dropped into obscurity after his name dropped into obscurity after his name dropped into obscurity after being a page one subject in newspapers being a page one subject in newspapers being a page one subject in newspapers around the world at the turn of the around the world at the turn of the around the world at the turn of the century, why he never received the Nobel century, why he never received the Nobel century, why he never received the Nobel Prize even though he was nominated for Prize even though he was nominated for Prize even though he was nominated for one, what Tesla did during the World one, what Tesla did during the World one, what Tesla did during the World Wars, and whether his plan for Wars, and whether his plan for Wars, and whether his plan for transmitting electrical power by transmitting electrical power by transmitting electrical power by wireless was feasible. wireless was feasible. wireless was feasible. Using a psychoistorical perspective, the Using a psychoistorical perspective, the Using a psychoistorical perspective, the text discusses not only those factors text discusses not only those factors text discusses not only those factors that led to Tesla's genius, but also that led to Tesla's genius, but also that led to Tesla's genius, but also quirks that led to his undoing. In this quirks that led to his undoing. In this quirks that led to his undoing. In this vein, it delineates Tesla's relationship vein, it delineates Tesla's relationship vein, it delineates Tesla's relationship to many of his well-known associates to many of his well-known associates to many of his well-known associates such as John Jacob Aster, TC Martin, JP such as John Jacob Aster, TC Martin, JP such as John Jacob Aster, TC Martin, JP Morgan senior and junior, John Hayes Morgan senior and junior, John Hayes Morgan senior and junior, John Hayes Hammond senior and junior, Michael Pin, Hammond senior and junior, Michael Pin, Hammond senior and junior, Michael Pin, Stanford White, Mark Twain, Rajot Stanford White, Mark Twain, Rajot Stanford White, Mark Twain, Rajot Kipling, Franklin Delanar Roosevelt, Kipling, Franklin Delanar Roosevelt, Kipling, Franklin Delanar Roosevelt, George Sylvester Verick, Titus Debbula, George Sylvester Verick, Titus Debbula, George Sylvester Verick, Titus Debbula, and J. Edgar Hoover. Many of these and J. Edgar Hoover. Many of these and J. Edgar Hoover. Many of these people are barely touched upon or are people are barely touched upon or are people are barely touched upon or are not discussed at all in other treatises.

not discussed at all in other treatises. not discussed at all in other treatises. Because Tesla's life is so controversial Because Tesla's life is so controversial Because Tesla's life is so controversial and complex, I also examine such and complex, I also examine such and complex, I also examine such questions as whether Tesla received questions as whether Tesla received questions as whether Tesla received impulses from outer space, why he impulses from outer space, why he impulses from outer space, why he ultimately failed in his partnership ultimately failed in his partnership ultimately failed in his partnership with JP Morgan in constructing a with JP Morgan in constructing a with JP Morgan in constructing a multifunctional global wireless system multifunctional global wireless system multifunctional global wireless system for distributing power and information, for distributing power and information, for distributing power and information, what his exact relationship to Robert what his exact relationship to Robert what his exact relationship to Robert and Katherine Johnson was, and what and Katherine Johnson was, and what and Katherine Johnson was, and what exactly happened to his particle beam exactly happened to his particle beam exactly happened to his particle beam weaponry system and secret papers. Since weaponry system and secret papers. Since weaponry system and secret papers. Since I've based the text largely on firsthand I've based the text largely on firsthand I've based the text largely on firsthand documents rather than on the existing documents rather than on the existing documents rather than on the existing biographies, this book offers an biographies, this book offers an biographies, this book offers an essentially new view of Tesla's life. essentially new view of Tesla's life. essentially new view of Tesla's life. The most recent biography Tesla by Tad The most recent biography Tesla by Tad The most recent biography Tesla by Tad Wise, an admittedly fictionalized Wise, an admittedly fictionalized Wise, an admittedly fictionalized version of the inventor's life, was not version of the inventor's life, was not version of the inventor's life, was not referred to herein, as the goal of the referred to herein, as the goal of the referred to herein, as the goal of the enclosed, is to separate out the myth enclosed, is to separate out the myth enclosed, is to separate out the myth and uncover who Tesla really was. and uncover who Tesla really was. and uncover who Tesla really was. However, one of Wise's most prominent However, one of Wise's most prominent However, one of Wise's most prominent stories that Tesla was responsible for stories that Tesla was responsible for stories that Tesla was responsible for the peculiar explosion that devastated the peculiar explosion that devastated the peculiar explosion that devastated Tungaska, Siberia in June of 1908 is Tungaska, Siberia in June of 1908 is Tungaska, Siberia in June of 1908 is addressed in a new appendix for this addressed in a new appendix for this addressed in a new appendix for this second second second edition. I have visited all major Tesla edition. I have visited all major Tesla edition. I have visited all major Tesla archival centers such as at the archival centers such as at the archival centers such as at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington Smithsonian Institution in Washington Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, Colombia University in New York DC, Colombia University in New York DC, Colombia University in New York City, and the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, City, and the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, City, and the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. And because I've also Yugoslavia. And because I've also Yugoslavia. And because I've also utilized the Freedom of Information Act utilized the Freedom of Information Act utilized the Freedom of Information Act and access the arcane network of Tesla's and access the arcane network of Tesla's and access the arcane network of Tesla's researchers, I've been able to compile

researchers, I've been able to compile researchers, I've been able to compile hundreds of documents that have never hundreds of documents that have never hundreds of documents that have never been discussed before by any Tesla been discussed before by any Tesla been discussed before by any Tesla biographies. In addition, because I'm a biographies. In addition, because I'm a biographies. In addition, because I'm a handwriting analyst, I've also utilized handwriting analyst, I've also utilized handwriting analyst, I've also utilized that expertise to analyze a number of that expertise to analyze a number of that expertise to analyze a number of the key personalities involved. Through the key personalities involved. Through the key personalities involved. Through this means and as a total surprise, I've this means and as a total surprise, I've this means and as a total surprise, I've also been able to discover a hereto for also been able to discover a hereto for also been able to discover a hereto for unreported emotional collapse that the unreported emotional collapse that the unreported emotional collapse that the inventor suffered in 1906 at the time of inventor suffered in 1906 at the time of inventor suffered in 1906 at the time of the failing of his great wireless the failing of his great wireless the failing of his great wireless enterprise. Since Tesla lived until the enterprise. Since Tesla lived until the enterprise. Since Tesla lived until the age of 86, the story spans nearly a age of 86, the story spans nearly a age of 86, the story spans nearly a century. Revered as a demigod by some in century. Revered as a demigod by some in century. Revered as a demigod by some in the new age community, Tesla has at the the new age community, Tesla has at the the new age community, Tesla has at the same time been relegated to virtual same time been relegated to virtual same time been relegated to virtual non-person status by influential non-person status by influential non-person status by influential segments of the corporate and academic segments of the corporate and academic segments of the corporate and academic communities. Often build as a wizard communities. Often build as a wizard communities. Often build as a wizard from another world who drew thunderbolts from another world who drew thunderbolts from another world who drew thunderbolts from the skies. Tesla himself helped from the skies. Tesla himself helped from the skies. Tesla himself helped support the supernatural persona by support the supernatural persona by support the supernatural persona by comparing himself to the Almighty and by comparing himself to the Almighty and by comparing himself to the Almighty and by frequently grabbing headlines with his frequently grabbing headlines with his frequently grabbing headlines with his sensational talk of interplanetary sensational talk of interplanetary sensational talk of interplanetary communication. Because his communication. Because his communication. Because his accomplishments are predicious, accomplishments are predicious, accomplishments are predicious, fundamental and documented, the fundamental and documented, the fundamental and documented, the elimination of his name from many elimination of his name from many elimination of his name from many history books is not forgivable. Only by history books is not forgivable. Only by history books is not forgivable. Only by understanding why this occurred can we understanding why this occurred can we understanding why this occurred can we as a modern people hope to rectify the as a modern people hope to rectify the as a modern people hope to rectify the historical record for future historical record for future historical record for future generations. Curiously, the further away generations. Curiously, the further away generations. Curiously, the further away we've moved from Tesla's death, the more we've moved from Tesla's death, the more we've moved from Tesla's death, the more material on his life has come to the

material on his life has come to the material on his life has come to the four. In particular, we must thank John four. In particular, we must thank John four. In particular, we must thank John O'Neal, the Tesla Memorial Society, the O'Neal, the Tesla Memorial Society, the O'Neal, the Tesla Memorial Society, the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, and the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, and the Tesla Museum in Belgrade, and the International Tesla Society, IT, for International Tesla Society, IT, for International Tesla Society, IT, for this occurrence, and the many Tesla this occurrence, and the many Tesla this occurrence, and the many Tesla researchers who've written so much about researchers who've written so much about researchers who've written so much about him of late and have participated in the him of late and have participated in the him of late and have participated in the various IT conferences held every other various IT conferences held every other various IT conferences held every other year since 1984 at the site of some of year since 1984 at the site of some of year since 1984 at the site of some of his most spectacular experiments in his most spectacular experiments in his most spectacular experiments in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs. Because Tesla's eye was always on the Because Tesla's eye was always on the Because Tesla's eye was always on the future, it seems appropriate to conclude future, it seems appropriate to conclude future, it seems appropriate to conclude this introduction with the opening lines this introduction with the opening lines this introduction with the opening lines from his from his from his autobiography. They are as true today as autobiography. They are as true today as autobiography. They are as true today as we enter the 21st century as they were we enter the 21st century as they were we enter the 21st century as they were three generations ago when they were three generations ago when they were three generations ago when they were written. The progressive development of written. The progressive development of written. The progressive development of man is vitally dependent on invention. man is vitally dependent on invention. man is vitally dependent on invention. It is the most important product of his It is the most important product of his It is the most important product of his creative brain. Its ultimate purpose is creative brain. Its ultimate purpose is creative brain. Its ultimate purpose is the complete mastery of mind over the the complete mastery of mind over the the complete mastery of mind over the material world. The harnessing of the material world. The harnessing of the material world. The harnessing of the forces of nature to human needs. This is forces of nature to human needs. This is forces of nature to human needs. This is the difficult task of the inventor who the difficult task of the inventor who the difficult task of the inventor who is often misunderstood and unrewarded.

is often misunderstood and unrewarded. is often misunderstood and unrewarded. But he finds ample compensation in the But he finds ample compensation in the But he finds ample compensation in the pleasing exercises of his powers, and in pleasing exercises of his powers, and in pleasing exercises of his powers, and in the knowledge of being one of that the knowledge of being one of that the knowledge of being one of that exceptionally privileged class, without exceptionally privileged class, without exceptionally privileged class, without whom the race would have long ago whom the race would have long ago whom the race would have long ago perished in the bitter struggle against perished in the bitter struggle against perished in the bitter struggle against pitilous elements. Speaking for myself, pitilous elements. Speaking for myself, pitilous elements. Speaking for myself, I have already had more than my full I have already had more than my full I have already had more than my full measure of this exquisite enjoyment, so measure of this exquisite enjoyment, so measure of this exquisite enjoyment, so much that for many years my life was much that for many years my life was much that for many years my life was little short of continuous rapture. One, One, heritage. Hardly is there a nation which heritage. Hardly is there a nation which heritage. Hardly is there a nation which has met with a sadder fate than the has met with a sadder fate than the has met with a sadder fate than the Servians. From the height of its Servians. From the height of its Servians. From the height of its splendor, when the empire embraced splendor, when the empire embraced splendor, when the empire embraced almost the entire northern part of the almost the entire northern part of the almost the entire northern part of the Balkan Peninsula and a large portion of Balkan Peninsula and a large portion of Balkan Peninsula and a large portion of what is now Austria, the Serbian nation what is now Austria, the Serbian nation what is now Austria, the Serbian nation was plunged into abject slavery after was plunged into abject slavery after was plunged into abject slavery after the fateful battle of 1389 at the Kosovo the fateful battle of 1389 at the Kosovo the fateful battle of 1389 at the Kosovo Pulier against the overwhelming Asian Pulier against the overwhelming Asian Pulier against the overwhelming Asian hordes.

hordes. hordes. Europe can never repay the great debt it Europe can never repay the great debt it Europe can never repay the great debt it owes to the Serbians for checking by the owes to the Serbians for checking by the owes to the Serbians for checking by the sacrifice of its own liberty that sacrifice of its own liberty that sacrifice of its own liberty that barbarian barbarian barbarian influx. Nicola Tesla. It was during a influx. Nicola Tesla. It was during a influx. Nicola Tesla. It was during a crackling summer storm in Smeilon, a crackling summer storm in Smeilon, a crackling summer storm in Smeilon, a small hamlet at the back edge of a small hamlet at the back edge of a small hamlet at the back edge of a plateau set high in the mountains when plateau set high in the mountains when plateau set high in the mountains when Nicola Tesla was born. The Serbian Nicola Tesla was born. The Serbian Nicola Tesla was born. The Serbian family resided in the province of Lika, family resided in the province of Lika, family resided in the province of Lika, a plateau and gentle river valley in a plateau and gentle river valley in a plateau and gentle river valley in Croatia, where wild boar and deer still Croatia, where wild boar and deer still Croatia, where wild boar and deer still dwell and farmers still travel on dwell and farmers still travel on dwell and farmers still travel on oxdrawn wagons. Only a cart ride from oxdrawn wagons. Only a cart ride from oxdrawn wagons. Only a cart ride from the Adriatic, the land is well protected the Adriatic, the land is well protected the Adriatic, the land is well protected from invasion by sea, by the ridge to from invasion by sea, by the ridge to from invasion by sea, by the ridge to the west, which runs the length of the the west, which runs the length of the the west, which runs the length of the province and towers over the coastline province and towers over the coastline province and towers over the coastline as a steep cliff. and by the dinaric as a steep cliff. and by the dinaric as a steep cliff. and by the dinaric Alps to the east. A chain of mountains Alps to the east. A chain of mountains Alps to the east. A chain of mountains that emerge from Austria span the Balkan that emerge from Austria span the Balkan that emerge from Austria span the Balkan Peninsula and culminate in the south as Peninsula and culminate in the south as Peninsula and culminate in the south as the aisle of Cree. Though hidden, the aisle of Cree. Though hidden, the aisle of Cree. Though hidden, Smeilan was centrally located 15 mi east Smeilan was centrally located 15 mi east Smeilan was centrally located 15 mi east of the tiny seapport of Carlo, 6 milesi of the tiny seapport of Carlo, 6 milesi of the tiny seapport of Carlo, 6 milesi west of the bustling town of Gpitch and west of the bustling town of Gpitch and west of the bustling town of Gpitch and 45 mi southwest of the cascading wonder 45 mi southwest of the cascading wonder 45 mi southwest of the cascading wonder known as Plevitzer lakes, an known as Plevitzer lakes, an known as Plevitzer lakes, an interlinking chasm of caves and streams interlinking chasm of caves and streams interlinking chasm of caves and streams and magnificent waterfalls that lie at and magnificent waterfalls that lie at and magnificent waterfalls that lie at the base of the dinaric chain. In the the base of the dinaric chain. In the the base of the dinaric chain. In the early 1800s, having been briefly part of early 1800s, having been briefly part of early 1800s, having been briefly part of Napoleon's Yrian provinces, Croatia was Napoleon's Yrian provinces, Croatia was Napoleon's Yrian provinces, Croatia was now a domain of

now a domain of now a domain of AustriaHungary. With its neighboring AustriaHungary. With its neighboring AustriaHungary. With its neighboring Slavic countries of Bosnia, Hescoina, Slavic countries of Bosnia, Hescoina, Slavic countries of Bosnia, Hescoina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, Croatia was sandwiched between the Croatia was sandwiched between the Croatia was sandwiched between the ruling Habsburg dynasty to the north and ruling Habsburg dynasty to the north and ruling Habsburg dynasty to the north and the Ottoman Empire to the south. In the Ottoman Empire to the south. In the Ottoman Empire to the south. In ancient times and for many centuries, ancient times and for many centuries, ancient times and for many centuries, much of the coastline along the Adriatic much of the coastline along the Adriatic much of the coastline along the Adriatic was ruled by the Yrianss, a paratical was ruled by the Yrianss, a paratical was ruled by the Yrianss, a paratical tribe believed to have descended from tribe believed to have descended from tribe believed to have descended from regions around Austria, successfully regions around Austria, successfully regions around Austria, successfully protecting their borders from such protecting their borders from such protecting their borders from such rulers as Alexander the Great. Many rulers as Alexander the Great. Many rulers as Alexander the Great. Many Yrians rose into social prominence. Some Yrians rose into social prominence. Some Yrians rose into social prominence. Some at the time of Christ became emperors. at the time of Christ became emperors. at the time of Christ became emperors. Slavs traveling in close-knit clans Slavs traveling in close-knit clans Slavs traveling in close-knit clans known as Sadurugas were first recognized known as Sadurugas were first recognized known as Sadurugas were first recognized by the Baantines in the 2n century AD in by the Baantines in the 2n century AD in by the Baantines in the 2n century AD in the areas around what is now the areas around what is now the areas around what is now Belgrade. Tesla's appearance resembled Belgrade. Tesla's appearance resembled Belgrade. Tesla's appearance resembled the characteristic features of the gags, the characteristic features of the gags, the characteristic features of the gags, a tribe described as being tall and a tribe described as being tall and a tribe described as being tall and having convex shaped noses and flat having convex shaped noses and flat having convex shaped noses and flat skulls.

skulls. skulls. Like other Slavs, these people were Like other Slavs, these people were Like other Slavs, these people were originally pagans and worshiped nature originally pagans and worshiped nature originally pagans and worshiped nature spirits and a god of thunder and spirits and a god of thunder and spirits and a god of thunder and lightning. Tesla's early ancestors were lightning. Tesla's early ancestors were lightning. Tesla's early ancestors were probably born in the Ukraine. They most probably born in the Ukraine. They most probably born in the Ukraine. They most likely traveled down through Romania likely traveled down through Romania likely traveled down through Romania into Serbia and lived near Belgrade into Serbia and lived near Belgrade into Serbia and lived near Belgrade along the Danube. After the battle of along the Danube. After the battle of along the Danube. After the battle of Kosovo in the latter part of the 14th Kosovo in the latter part of the 14th Kosovo in the latter part of the 14th century, they crossed the Kosovo plains century, they crossed the Kosovo plains century, they crossed the Kosovo plains into Montenegro and continued their into Montenegro and continued their into Montenegro and continued their migration northward into Croatia in the migration northward into Croatia in the migration northward into Croatia in the latter part of the 18th century. All latter part of the 18th century. All latter part of the 18th century. All Slavs speak the same language. The major Slavs speak the same language. The major Slavs speak the same language. The major distinction between Croats and Serbs distinction between Croats and Serbs distinction between Croats and Serbs stems from the differences in the stems from the differences in the stems from the differences in the histories of their respective countries. histories of their respective countries. histories of their respective countries. The Croats adopted the pope as their The Croats adopted the pope as their The Croats adopted the pope as their spiritual leader and followed the Roman spiritual leader and followed the Roman spiritual leader and followed the Roman form of Catholicism. The Serbs adopted a form of Catholicism. The Serbs adopted a form of Catholicism. The Serbs adopted a Baantine patriarch and the Greek Baantine patriarch and the Greek Baantine patriarch and the Greek Orthodox view. Whereas Roman priests Orthodox view. Whereas Roman priests Orthodox view. Whereas Roman priests remained celibate, Greek Orthodox remained celibate, Greek Orthodox remained celibate, Greek Orthodox priests may marry. In the east and priests may marry. In the east and priests may marry. In the east and central regions, Slavs were more central regions, Slavs were more central regions, Slavs were more successful in maintaining their own successful in maintaining their own successful in maintaining their own control over what came to be called the control over what came to be called the control over what came to be called the Kingdom of Serbia. Whereas in the west Kingdom of Serbia. Whereas in the west Kingdom of Serbia. Whereas in the west in Croatia, outside rulers such as in Croatia, outside rulers such as in Croatia, outside rulers such as Charlemagne in AD 800 occupied the Charlemagne in AD 800 occupied the Charlemagne in AD 800 occupied the region. While Croatia maintained the region. While Croatia maintained the region. While Croatia maintained the Christianization policies of the Franks, Christianization policies of the Franks, Christianization policies of the Franks, the Serbs and Bulgarians drove out the the Serbs and Bulgarians drove out the the Serbs and Bulgarians drove out the papacy and revived their own pagan papacy and revived their own pagan papacy and revived their own pagan faith, which included animal sacrifice faith, which included animal sacrifice faith, which included animal sacrifice and and and pantheism. Many of the ancient pagan

pantheism. Many of the ancient pagan pantheism. Many of the ancient pagan gods were made saints and were gods were made saints and were gods were made saints and were celebrated in higher esteem than Jesus. celebrated in higher esteem than Jesus. celebrated in higher esteem than Jesus. Tesla's patron St. Nicholas was a 4th Tesla's patron St. Nicholas was a 4th Tesla's patron St. Nicholas was a 4th century god who protected century god who protected century god who protected sailors. To further alienate the two sailors. To further alienate the two sailors. To further alienate the two groups, although speaking the same groups, although speaking the same groups, although speaking the same verbal language, Croitz adopted the verbal language, Croitz adopted the verbal language, Croitz adopted the Latin alphabet, whereas Serbs and Latin alphabet, whereas Serbs and Latin alphabet, whereas Serbs and Bulgarians took on the cerillic alphabet Bulgarians took on the cerillic alphabet Bulgarians took on the cerillic alphabet used by the Greek Orthodox used by the Greek Orthodox used by the Greek Orthodox Church. Before Turkish rule, from the Church. Before Turkish rule, from the Church. Before Turkish rule, from the 9th century until the 1300s, Serbia had 9th century until the 1300s, Serbia had 9th century until the 1300s, Serbia had maintained autonomy. For Serbia, this maintained autonomy. For Serbia, this maintained autonomy. For Serbia, this period was its golden age. As the period was its golden age. As the period was its golden age. As the Baantines accepted its autonomous Baantines accepted its autonomous Baantines accepted its autonomous status, due to the philanthropic nature status, due to the philanthropic nature status, due to the philanthropic nature of its kings, a dynamic medieval art of its kings, a dynamic medieval art of its kings, a dynamic medieval art flourished and great monasteries were flourished and great monasteries were flourished and great monasteries were erected. Croatia, on the other hand, was erected. Croatia, on the other hand, was erected. Croatia, on the other hand, was in much more turmoil. Influenced by in much more turmoil. Influenced by in much more turmoil. Influenced by Western Europe, the ruling class Western Europe, the ruling class Western Europe, the ruling class attempted unsuccessfully to institute a attempted unsuccessfully to institute a attempted unsuccessfully to institute a feudal system of lords and surfs. This feudal system of lords and surfs. This feudal system of lords and surfs. This policy directly opposed the inherent policy directly opposed the inherent policy directly opposed the inherent structure of the democratic zadruis. And structure of the democratic zadruis. And structure of the democratic zadruis. And so Croatia was never able to establish a so Croatia was never able to establish a so Croatia was never able to establish a unified identity. Nevertheless, one unified identity. Nevertheless, one unified identity. Nevertheless, one independent offshoot of Croatia, Raguza independent offshoot of Croatia, Raguza independent offshoot of Croatia, Raguza Dubravnik, which had established itself Dubravnik, which had established itself Dubravnik, which had established itself as a port of commerce and arrival of as a port of commerce and arrival of as a port of commerce and arrival of Venice as a major sea power, became a Venice as a major sea power, became a Venice as a major sea power, became a melting pot for South Slavic culture and melting pot for South Slavic culture and melting pot for South Slavic culture and a symbol for the Aurelian ideal of a a symbol for the Aurelian ideal of a a symbol for the Aurelian ideal of a unified Yugoslavia.

unified Yugoslavia. unified Yugoslavia. The identity of Serbia as a nation, The identity of Serbia as a nation, The identity of Serbia as a nation, however, changed for all time on June however, changed for all time on June however, changed for all time on June the 15th, 1389. The day 30,000 Turks the 15th, 1389. The day 30,000 Turks the 15th, 1389. The day 30,000 Turks obliterated the Serbian nation in the obliterated the Serbian nation in the obliterated the Serbian nation in the Battle of Kosovo. Cruel conquerors, the Battle of Kosovo. Cruel conquerors, the Battle of Kosovo. Cruel conquerors, the Turks destroyed Serbian churches or Turks destroyed Serbian churches or Turks destroyed Serbian churches or converted them to mosques. Drafting the converted them to mosques. Drafting the converted them to mosques. Drafting the healthiest male children into their healthiest male children into their healthiest male children into their armies, they skewered and tortured the armies, they skewered and tortured the armies, they skewered and tortured the men and forced the women to convert and men and forced the women to convert and men and forced the women to convert and marry Turks. Many Serbs fled, taking up marry Turks. Many Serbs fled, taking up marry Turks. Many Serbs fled, taking up residence in the craggy mountains of residence in the craggy mountains of residence in the craggy mountains of Montenegro or the hidden valleys of Montenegro or the hidden valleys of Montenegro or the hidden valleys of Croatia. Some of those that remained Croatia. Some of those that remained Croatia. Some of those that remained became wealthy as Turkish vassels. became wealthy as Turkish vassels. became wealthy as Turkish vassels. Others, mostly of mixed blood, became Others, mostly of mixed blood, became Others, mostly of mixed blood, became paras. The battle of Kosovo is as paras. The battle of Kosovo is as paras. The battle of Kosovo is as important to the Serbs as the Exodus to important to the Serbs as the Exodus to important to the Serbs as the Exodus to the Jews or the crucifixion to the the Jews or the crucifixion to the the Jews or the crucifixion to the Christians. It is commemorated every Christians. It is commemorated every Christians. It is commemorated every year on the anniversary of the tragedy year on the anniversary of the tragedy year on the anniversary of the tragedy as Vidoth Dan, the day when we shall as Vidoth Dan, the day when we shall as Vidoth Dan, the day when we shall see. As one Serb told the author, "It see. As one Serb told the author, "It see. As one Serb told the author, "It follows us always." The massacre and follows us always." The massacre and follows us always." The massacre and ensuing defilement of the kingdom became ensuing defilement of the kingdom became ensuing defilement of the kingdom became the dominant motif of the great epic the dominant motif of the great epic the dominant motif of the great epic poems which served to unify the identity poems which served to unify the identity poems which served to unify the identity of the Serbian people through their of the Serbian people through their of the Serbian people through their centuries of hardship. Unlike the Croats centuries of hardship. Unlike the Croats centuries of hardship. Unlike the Croats who didn't have this kind of all who didn't have this kind of all who didn't have this kind of all embracing exigency, the Serbs had embracing exigency, the Serbs had embracing exigency, the Serbs had Kosifo. Combined with their adherence to Kosifo. Combined with their adherence to Kosifo. Combined with their adherence to the Greek Orthodox religion in a the Greek Orthodox religion in a the Greek Orthodox religion in a two-fold way, Serbs, no matter where

two-fold way, Serbs, no matter where two-fold way, Serbs, no matter where they lived, felt united. The century of they lived, felt united. The century of they lived, felt united. The century of Tesla's birth was marked by the rise of Napoleon. In 1809, the by the rise of Napoleon. In 1809, the emperor rested Croatia from emperor rested Croatia from emperor rested Croatia from Austrohungarian rule and established Austrohungarian rule and established Austrohungarian rule and established French French French occupation. Extending his domain down occupation. Extending his domain down occupation. Extending his domain down the Adriatic coast, Napoleon reunited the Adriatic coast, Napoleon reunited the Adriatic coast, Napoleon reunited the Irian provinces and introduced the Irian provinces and introduced the Irian provinces and introduced French libertarian French libertarian French libertarian ideals. This philosophy helped dismantle ideals. This philosophy helped dismantle ideals. This philosophy helped dismantle the outmoded feudal system of lords and the outmoded feudal system of lords and the outmoded feudal system of lords and surfs and reawaken the idea of a unified surfs and reawaken the idea of a unified surfs and reawaken the idea of a unified Balkan nation. At the same time, the Balkan nation. At the same time, the Balkan nation. At the same time, the occupation created an identity with the occupation created an identity with the occupation created an identity with the French culture. Tesla's paternal French culture. Tesla's paternal French culture. Tesla's paternal grandfather and maternal grandfather and maternal grandfather and maternal great-grandfather both served under the great-grandfather both served under the great-grandfather both served under the French emperor. With support from the French emperor. With support from the French emperor. With support from the Russians, Serbian bands united in 1804 Russians, Serbian bands united in 1804 Russians, Serbian bands united in 1804 under the leadership of the flamboyant under the leadership of the flamboyant under the leadership of the flamboyant hog farmer Gor Petrovvic known as Kajor hog farmer Gor Petrovvic known as Kajor hog farmer Gor Petrovvic known as Kajor in Turkish Black George. A man of in Turkish Black George. A man of in Turkish Black George. A man of Montenegran heritage trained in the Montenegran heritage trained in the Montenegran heritage trained in the Austrian army. However, in 1811, Austrian army. However, in 1811, Austrian army. However, in 1811, Napoleon invaded Russia. Thus, support Napoleon invaded Russia. Thus, support Napoleon invaded Russia. Thus, support for Serbia for Serbia for Serbia evaporated. 40,000 Turks marched against evaporated. 40,000 Turks marched against evaporated. 40,000 Turks marched against the Serbs, leveling towns and butchering the Serbs, leveling towns and butchering the Serbs, leveling towns and butchering citizens. Serbs were often executed by citizens. Serbs were often executed by citizens. Serbs were often executed by impalement, their writhing bodies lined impalement, their writhing bodies lined impalement, their writhing bodies lined up along the roads to the city. All up along the roads to the city. All up along the roads to the city. All males captured above the age of 15 were

males captured above the age of 15 were males captured above the age of 15 were slaughtered, and women and children were slaughtered, and women and children were slaughtered, and women and children were sold as slaves. Kajor fled the country. sold as slaves. Kajor fled the country. sold as slaves. Kajor fled the country. Milos, the new Serbian leader, was a sly Milos, the new Serbian leader, was a sly Milos, the new Serbian leader, was a sly and treacherous character, able to walk and treacherous character, able to walk and treacherous character, able to walk a thin line between Serbs and the a thin line between Serbs and the a thin line between Serbs and the Sultan. In 1817, when Kajor returned, he Sultan. In 1817, when Kajor returned, he Sultan. In 1817, when Kajor returned, he was decapitated, his head sent by Milos was decapitated, his head sent by Milos was decapitated, his head sent by Milos to Istanbul. A tyrant as terrible as any to Istanbul. A tyrant as terrible as any to Istanbul. A tyrant as terrible as any Turkish para, Milos became the official Turkish para, Milos became the official Turkish para, Milos became the official head of Serbia in 1830. head of Serbia in 1830. head of Serbia in 1830. One of the more sapient figures of the One of the more sapient figures of the One of the more sapient figures of the day was the scholar and Serb Vuk Karedic day was the scholar and Serb Vuk Karedic day was the scholar and Serb Vuk Karedic 1787 to 1787 to 1787 to 1864. Schooled in Vienna and St. 1864. Schooled in Vienna and St. 1864. Schooled in Vienna and St. Petersburg, Vuk believed all Yuguslavs Petersburg, Vuk believed all Yuguslavs Petersburg, Vuk believed all Yuguslavs were one. Pleading with Milos to build were one. Pleading with Milos to build were one. Pleading with Milos to build schools and to form a constitution, the schools and to form a constitution, the schools and to form a constitution, the Vulk created with the student a Serbo Vulk created with the student a Serbo Vulk created with the student a Serbo Croatian dictionary that combined the Croatian dictionary that combined the Croatian dictionary that combined the two written languages. He published the two written languages. He published the two written languages. He published the epic folk baths which gained the epic folk baths which gained the epic folk baths which gained the attention of Gerta and through this attention of Gerta and through this attention of Gerta and through this means the Serbian plight and also its means the Serbian plight and also its means the Serbian plight and also its unique literature were translated and unique literature were translated and unique literature were translated and spread to the western world. In Croatia, spread to the western world. In Croatia, spread to the western world. In Croatia, the land of Tesla's birth, Emperor the land of Tesla's birth, Emperor the land of Tesla's birth, Emperor Ferdinand of Austria in 1843 issued a Ferdinand of Austria in 1843 issued a Ferdinand of Austria in 1843 issued a proclamation forbidding any discussion proclamation forbidding any discussion proclamation forbidding any discussion about Yrianism, thereby helping keep the about Yrianism, thereby helping keep the about Yrianism, thereby helping keep the Serbs and Croitz a separate people. In Serbs and Croitz a separate people. In Serbs and Croitz a separate people. In 1867, the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy 1867, the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy 1867, the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy was created and Croatia became a was created and Croatia became a was created and Croatia became a semi-autonomous province of the new semi-autonomous province of the new semi-autonomous province of the new empire. Simultaneously in Serbia, Mikuel

empire. Simultaneously in Serbia, Mikuel empire. Simultaneously in Serbia, Mikuel Orrenovich was finally able to secure Orrenovich was finally able to secure Orrenovich was finally able to secure the departure of the Turkish garrisons the departure of the Turkish garrisons the departure of the Turkish garrisons from Belgrade and convert the state into from Belgrade and convert the state into from Belgrade and convert the state into a constitutional monarchy. Tesla's a constitutional monarchy. Tesla's a constitutional monarchy. Tesla's background was thus a mixture of cross background was thus a mixture of cross background was thus a mixture of cross influences, a monastic environment, a influences, a monastic environment, a influences, a monastic environment, a baantine legacy of a once great culture, baantine legacy of a once great culture, baantine legacy of a once great culture, and incessant battles against barbarous and incessant battles against barbarous and incessant battles against barbarous invaders. As a Serb growing up in invaders. As a Serb growing up in invaders. As a Serb growing up in Croatia, Tesla inherited a rich mix of Croatia, Tesla inherited a rich mix of Croatia, Tesla inherited a rich mix of tribal rituals, egalitarian rule, a tribal rituals, egalitarian rule, a tribal rituals, egalitarian rule, a modified form of Greek Orthodox modified form of Greek Orthodox modified form of Greek Orthodox Catholicism, pantheistic beliefs, and Catholicism, pantheistic beliefs, and Catholicism, pantheistic beliefs, and myriad superstitions. myriad superstitions. myriad superstitions. Women cloaked their bodies in black garb Women cloaked their bodies in black garb Women cloaked their bodies in black garb and men packed a cross in one pocket and and men packed a cross in one pocket and and men packed a cross in one pocket and a weapon in another. Living at the edge a weapon in another. Living at the edge a weapon in another. Living at the edge of civilization, Serbs saw themselves as of civilization, Serbs saw themselves as of civilization, Serbs saw themselves as protectors of Europe from the Asian protectors of Europe from the Asian protectors of Europe from the Asian hordes. They bore that responsibility hordes. They bore that responsibility hordes. They bore that responsibility with their blood for many centuries.

centuries. Two childhood 1856 to 74. Two childhood 1856 to 74. Two childhood 1856 to 74. Now I must tell you of a strange Now I must tell you of a strange Now I must tell you of a strange experience which bore fruit in my later experience which bore fruit in my later experience which bore fruit in my later life. We had a cold snap drier than ever life. We had a cold snap drier than ever life. We had a cold snap drier than ever observed before. People walking in the observed before. People walking in the observed before. People walking in the snow left a luminous trail. As I stroked snow left a luminous trail. As I stroked snow left a luminous trail. As I stroked Marjac's back, it became a sheet of Marjac's back, it became a sheet of Marjac's back, it became a sheet of light and my hand produced a shower of light and my hand produced a shower of light and my hand produced a shower of sparks. My father remarked, "This is sparks. My father remarked, "This is sparks. My father remarked, "This is nothing but electricity, the same thing nothing but electricity, the same thing nothing but electricity, the same thing you see on the trees in a storm." My you see on the trees in a storm." My you see on the trees in a storm." My mother seemed alarmed. Stop playing with mother seemed alarmed. Stop playing with mother seemed alarmed. Stop playing with the cat," she said. "He might start a the cat," she said. "He might start a the cat," she said. "He might start a fire." I was thinking abstractly. Is fire." I was thinking abstractly. Is fire." I was thinking abstractly. Is nature a cat? If so, who strokes its nature a cat? If so, who strokes its nature a cat? If so, who strokes its back? It can only be God, I back? It can only be God, I back? It can only be God, I concluded. I cannot exaggerate the concluded. I cannot exaggerate the concluded. I cannot exaggerate the effect of this marvelous sight on my effect of this marvelous sight on my effect of this marvelous sight on my childish imagination. Day after day, I childish imagination. Day after day, I childish imagination. Day after day, I asked myself, "What is electricity?" and asked myself, "What is electricity?" and asked myself, "What is electricity?" and found no answer. 80 years have gone by found no answer. 80 years have gone by found no answer. 80 years have gone by since and I still ask the same question since and I still ask the same question since and I still ask the same question unable to answer unable to answer unable to answer it. Nicola Tesla. Nicola Tesla descended it. Nicola Tesla. Nicola Tesla descended it. Nicola Tesla. Nicola Tesla descended from a wellestablished frontier Zaduruga from a wellestablished frontier Zaduruga from a wellestablished frontier Zaduruga whose original family name had been whose original family name had been whose original family name had been Gaganic. By the mid700s the clan had Gaganic. By the mid700s the clan had Gaganic. By the mid700s the clan had migrated to Croatia and the Tesla name migrated to Croatia and the Tesla name migrated to Croatia and the Tesla name arose. It was a trade name like Smith or arose. It was a trade name like Smith or arose. It was a trade name like Smith or carpenter which described a woodworking

carpenter which described a woodworking carpenter which described a woodworking axe that had a broad cutting blade at axe that had a broad cutting blade at axe that had a broad cutting blade at right angles to the handle. Supposedly, right angles to the handle. Supposedly, right angles to the handle. Supposedly, the Teslas gained the name because their the Teslas gained the name because their the Teslas gained the name because their teeth resembled this instrument. The teeth resembled this instrument. The teeth resembled this instrument. The inventor's grandfather, also named inventor's grandfather, also named inventor's grandfather, also named Nicola Tesla, was born about 1789 and Nicola Tesla, was born about 1789 and Nicola Tesla, was born about 1789 and became a sergeant in Napoleon's Yrian became a sergeant in Napoleon's Yrian became a sergeant in Napoleon's Yrian Army during the years 1809 to13. Army during the years 1809 to13. Army during the years 1809 to13. Like other Serbs living in Croatia, Like other Serbs living in Croatia, Like other Serbs living in Croatia, Nicola Tesla the Elder was honored by Nicola Tesla the Elder was honored by Nicola Tesla the Elder was honored by fighting for an emperor who sought to fighting for an emperor who sought to fighting for an emperor who sought to unify the Balkan states and overthrow unify the Balkan states and overthrow unify the Balkan states and overthrow the oppressive regime of the the oppressive regime of the the oppressive regime of the Austrohungarians. He came from a region Austrohungarians. He came from a region Austrohungarians. He came from a region known as the military frontier which known as the military frontier which known as the military frontier which stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the plains of the Danube including the plains of the Danube including the plains of the Danube including the province of Leica where the inventor was province of Leica where the inventor was province of Leica where the inventor was born. This so-called corpus separatum in born. This so-called corpus separatum in born. This so-called corpus separatum in the Habsburg monarchy had its own the Habsburg monarchy had its own the Habsburg monarchy had its own military administration different from military administration different from military administration different from the rest of the country and therefore the rest of the country and therefore the rest of the country and therefore they were not subjects of the feudal they were not subjects of the feudal they were not subjects of the feudal lord. Mostly Serbs, these people were lord. Mostly Serbs, these people were lord. Mostly Serbs, these people were warriors whose responsibility was to warriors whose responsibility was to warriors whose responsibility was to protect the territory from the Turks and protect the territory from the Turks and protect the territory from the Turks and in return unlike the Croats, Serbs were in return unlike the Croats, Serbs were in return unlike the Croats, Serbs were able to own their own land. Shortly able to own their own land. Shortly able to own their own land. Shortly after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815, Nicola Tesla married Anna 1815, Nicola Tesla married Anna 1815, Nicola Tesla married Anna Khalinich, the daughter of a prominent Khalinich, the daughter of a prominent Khalinich, the daughter of a prominent officer. After the collapse of Ayria, officer. After the collapse of Ayria, officer. After the collapse of Ayria, the grandfather moved to Gossich where the grandfather moved to Gossich where the grandfather moved to Gossich where he and his wife could raise a family in he and his wife could raise a family in he and his wife could raise a family in a civilized a civilized a civilized environment. On February the 3rd, 1819,

environment. On February the 3rd, 1819, environment. On February the 3rd, 1819, Wutin Tesla, the inventor's father, was Wutin Tesla, the inventor's father, was Wutin Tesla, the inventor's father, was born. One of five children, Mulutin was born. One of five children, Mulutin was born. One of five children, Mulutin was educated in a German elementary school, educated in a German elementary school, educated in a German elementary school, the only one available in the only one available in the only one available in Gorsuch. Like his brother Ysef, Milutin Gorsuch. Like his brother Ysef, Milutin Gorsuch. Like his brother Ysef, Milutin tried to follow in his father's tried to follow in his father's tried to follow in his father's footsteps. In his late teens, he footsteps. In his late teens, he footsteps. In his late teens, he enrolled in an Austrohungarian military enrolled in an Austrohungarian military enrolled in an Austrohungarian military academy, but rebelled against the academy, but rebelled against the academy, but rebelled against the trivialities of regimented life. He was trivialities of regimented life. He was trivialities of regimented life. He was hyper sensitive and dropped out after an hyper sensitive and dropped out after an hyper sensitive and dropped out after an officer criticized him for not keeping officer criticized him for not keeping officer criticized him for not keeping his brass buttons polished. his brass buttons polished. his brass buttons polished. Whereas Yuzip became an officer and Whereas Yuzip became an officer and Whereas Yuzip became an officer and later a professor of mathematics first later a professor of mathematics first later a professor of mathematics first in Gossich and then at a military in Gossich and then at a military in Gossich and then at a military academy in Austria. Malutin became academy in Austria. Malutin became academy in Austria. Malutin became politically active, wrote poetry and politically active, wrote poetry and politically active, wrote poetry and entered the priesthood. Influenced by entered the priesthood. Influenced by entered the priesthood. Influenced by the philosopher Vau Karedic, Malutin the philosopher Vau Karedic, Malutin the philosopher Vau Karedic, Malutin promulgated the Yuguslav idea in promulgated the Yuguslav idea in promulgated the Yuguslav idea in editorials published in the local editorials published in the local editorials published in the local newspapers under the nomiplume Serbin newspapers under the nomiplume Serbin newspapers under the nomiplume Serbin Pravitzich, man of justice. Tesla wrote Pravitzich, man of justice. Tesla wrote Pravitzich, man of justice. Tesla wrote that his father's style of writing was that his father's style of writing was that his father's style of writing was much admired, penning sentences full of much admired, penning sentences full of much admired, penning sentences full of wit and satire. He called for social wit and satire. He called for social wit and satire. He called for social equality among peoples, the need for equality among peoples, the need for equality among peoples, the need for compulsory education for children, and compulsory education for children, and compulsory education for children, and the creation of Serbian schools in the creation of Serbian schools in the creation of Serbian schools in Croatia. Through these articles, Malutin Croatia. Through these articles, Malutin Croatia. Through these articles, Malutin attracted the attention of the attracted the attention of the attracted the attention of the intellectual elite. In 1847, he married intellectual elite. In 1847, he married intellectual elite. In 1847, he married Dauka Mandich, a daughter from one of Dauka Mandich, a daughter from one of Dauka Mandich, a daughter from one of the more prominent Serbian families.

the more prominent Serbian families. the more prominent Serbian families. Their Yuka's maternal grandfather was Their Yuka's maternal grandfather was Their Yuka's maternal grandfather was Toma Toma Toma Buddhis 1777 to 1840. A regal Buddhis 1777 to 1840. A regal Buddhis 1777 to 1840. A regal white-bearded priest who was decorated white-bearded priest who was decorated white-bearded priest who was decorated with the French Medal of Honor by with the French Medal of Honor by with the French Medal of Honor by Napoleon himself in 1811 for providing Napoleon himself in 1811 for providing Napoleon himself in 1811 for providing leadership during the French occupation leadership during the French occupation leadership during the French occupation of Croatia. of Croatia. of Croatia. Sulka Sulka Sulka Buddhis one of Toma's seven children Buddhis one of Toma's seven children Buddhis one of Toma's seven children followed the family tradition by followed the family tradition by followed the family tradition by marrying a Serbian minister Nicolola marrying a Serbian minister Nicolola marrying a Serbian minister Nicolola Mandich who himself came from a Mandich who himself came from a Mandich who himself came from a distinguished clerical and military distinguished clerical and military distinguished clerical and military family. Their daughter Duka who was born family. Their daughter Duka who was born family. Their daughter Duka who was born in 1821 was Tesla's mother. Eldest in 1821 was Tesla's mother. Eldest in 1821 was Tesla's mother. Eldest daughter of eight children Duka's duties daughter of eight children Duka's duties daughter of eight children Duka's duties increased rapidly for her mother was increased rapidly for her mother was increased rapidly for her mother was stricken with failing eyesight and stricken with failing eyesight and stricken with failing eyesight and eventually became blind. eventually became blind. eventually became blind. My mother was a truly great woman of My mother was a truly great woman of My mother was a truly great woman of rare skill and courage, Tesla wrote. rare skill and courage, Tesla wrote. rare skill and courage, Tesla wrote. Probably due to the magnitude of her Probably due to the magnitude of her Probably due to the magnitude of her responsibilities, which included at age responsibilities, which included at age responsibilities, which included at age 16 preparing for burial the bodies of an 16 preparing for burial the bodies of an 16 preparing for burial the bodies of an entire family stricken with cholera. The entire family stricken with cholera. The entire family stricken with cholera. The yuka never learned to read. Instead, she yuka never learned to read. Instead, she yuka never learned to read. Instead, she memorized the great epic Serbian poems memorized the great epic Serbian poems memorized the great epic Serbian poems and also long passages of the Bible.

and also long passages of the Bible. and also long passages of the Bible. Tesla could trace his lineage to a Tesla could trace his lineage to a Tesla could trace his lineage to a segment of the educated aristocracy of segment of the educated aristocracy of segment of the educated aristocracy of the Serbian community. On both sides of the Serbian community. On both sides of the Serbian community. On both sides of the family, and for generations, there the family, and for generations, there the family, and for generations, there could be found clerical and military could be found clerical and military could be found clerical and military leaders, many of whom achieved multiple leaders, many of whom achieved multiple leaders, many of whom achieved multiple doctorates. One of Juka's brothers, Pio doctorates. One of Juka's brothers, Pio doctorates. One of Juka's brothers, Pio Mandich, was a field marshal in the Mandich, was a field marshal in the Mandich, was a field marshal in the Imperial Austrohungarian Army. Another Imperial Austrohungarian Army. Another Imperial Austrohungarian Army. Another Mandich ran an Austrian military Mandich ran an Austrian military Mandich ran an Austrian military academy. academy. academy. Peter Mandich, a third brother and later Peter Mandich, a third brother and later Peter Mandich, a third brother and later favorite uncle of Nicholas, met with favorite uncle of Nicholas, met with favorite uncle of Nicholas, met with tragedy as a young man when his wife tragedy as a young man when his wife tragedy as a young man when his wife passed away. In 1850, Peta entered the passed away. In 1850, Peta entered the passed away. In 1850, Peta entered the Gir monastery where he rose in the Gir monastery where he rose in the Gir monastery where he rose in the clerical hierarchy to become the clerical hierarchy to become the clerical hierarchy to become the regional bishop of Bosnia. In 1848, regional bishop of Bosnia. In 1848, regional bishop of Bosnia. In 1848, through the help of the Mandich name, through the help of the Mandich name, through the help of the Mandich name, Nalutin Tesla obtained a parish at Sen, Nalutin Tesla obtained a parish at Sen, Nalutin Tesla obtained a parish at Sen, a northern coastal fortress located just a northern coastal fortress located just a northern coastal fortress located just 75 mi from the Italian port of Trieste. 75 mi from the Italian port of Trieste. 75 mi from the Italian port of Trieste. From the stone church situated high on From the stone church situated high on From the stone church situated high on austere cliffs, the Lutin and his new austere cliffs, the Lutin and his new austere cliffs, the Lutin and his new bride could overlook the blue green bride could overlook the blue green bride could overlook the blue green Adriatic Sea and the mountainous islands Adriatic Sea and the mountainous islands Adriatic Sea and the mountainous islands of Kirk, Thress, and Rob. For eight of Kirk, Thress, and Rob. For eight of Kirk, Thress, and Rob. For eight years, the Teslas lived in Sen where years, the Teslas lived in Sen where years, the Teslas lived in Sen where they sired their first three children.

they sired their first three children. they sired their first three children. Darn, born in 1849, the first son, and Darn, born in 1849, the first son, and Darn, born in 1849, the first son, and two daughters, Angelina, born the two daughters, Angelina, born the two daughters, Angelina, born the following year, who would later become following year, who would later become following year, who would later become the grandmother to the current honorary the grandmother to the current honorary the grandmother to the current honorary head of the Tesla Memorial Society, head of the Tesla Memorial Society, head of the Tesla Memorial Society, William Tbo, and Milka, who followed two William Tbo, and Milka, who followed two William Tbo, and Milka, who followed two years later. As with her other two years later. As with her other two years later. As with her other two sisters, and like her mother, Mila would sisters, and like her mother, Mila would sisters, and like her mother, Mila would eventually marry a Serbian Orthodox eventually marry a Serbian Orthodox eventually marry a Serbian Orthodox priest. priest. priest. The Yuka was proud of her son Die who The Yuka was proud of her son Die who The Yuka was proud of her son Die who used to sit with the fisherman on the used to sit with the fisherman on the used to sit with the fisherman on the shore and bring back stories of great shore and bring back stories of great shore and bring back stories of great adventure. Like his younger brother who adventure. Like his younger brother who adventure. Like his younger brother who was yet to be born, Die was endowed with was yet to be born, Die was endowed with was yet to be born, Die was endowed with extraordinary powers of idetic imagery. extraordinary powers of idetic imagery. extraordinary powers of idetic imagery. Due to a profound sermon on the subject Due to a profound sermon on the subject Due to a profound sermon on the subject of labor, as a result of which Malutin of labor, as a result of which Malutin of labor, as a result of which Malutin was awarded a special red sash by the was awarded a special red sash by the was awarded a special red sash by the archbishop, the minister was promoted to archbishop, the minister was promoted to archbishop, the minister was promoted to a congregation of 40 homes in the a congregation of 40 homes in the a congregation of 40 homes in the pastoral farming village of Smelan, pastoral farming village of Smelan, pastoral farming village of Smelan, situated only 6 milesi from Gorsbich. situated only 6 milesi from Gorsbich. situated only 6 milesi from Gorsbich. Malutin was returning home where his Malutin was returning home where his Malutin was returning home where his father still lived. In 1855, the young father still lived. In 1855, the young father still lived. In 1855, the young minister, his pregnant wife, and his minister, his pregnant wife, and his minister, his pregnant wife, and his three children packed their oxcart and three children packed their oxcart and three children packed their oxcart and made the 50-mi journey over the velvet made the 50-mi journey over the velvet made the 50-mi journey over the velvet ridge through the Leica Valley to their ridge through the Leica Valley to their ridge through the Leica Valley to their new dwelling. In 1856, Nicola Tesla was new dwelling. In 1856, Nicola Tesla was new dwelling. In 1856, Nicola Tesla was born. He was followed 3 years later by born. He was followed 3 years later by born. He was followed 3 years later by Maricha, mother to be of Sabah Maricha, mother to be of Sabah Maricha, mother to be of Sabah Kasanovich, the first Yugoslavian Kasanovich, the first Yugoslavian Kasanovich, the first Yugoslavian ambassador to the United States and the ambassador to the United States and the ambassador to the United States and the man most responsible for creating the man most responsible for creating the man most responsible for creating the Tesla Museum in Belgrade.

Tesla Museum in Belgrade. Tesla Museum in Belgrade. Smelion was an ideal setting for the Smelion was an ideal setting for the Smelion was an ideal setting for the young boys to grow up in. Nicola, raised young boys to grow up in. Nicola, raised young boys to grow up in. Nicola, raised in large measure by his two older in large measure by his two older in large measure by his two older sisters, appears to have led an Arcadian sisters, appears to have led an Arcadian sisters, appears to have led an Arcadian childhood, annoying the servants, childhood, annoying the servants, childhood, annoying the servants, playing with the local birds and animals playing with the local birds and animals playing with the local birds and animals on the farm, and learning inventions on the farm, and learning inventions on the farm, and learning inventions from his older brother and mother. down from his older brother and mother. down from his older brother and mother. down to the local creek the boys would go to to the local creek the boys would go to to the local creek the boys would go to swim or catch frogs in the spring or swim or catch frogs in the spring or swim or catch frogs in the spring or summer and to build dams in the autumn summer and to build dams in the autumn summer and to build dams in the autumn and early winter in vain attempts to and early winter in vain attempts to and early winter in vain attempts to stop the seasonal flooding of the land. stop the seasonal flooding of the land. stop the seasonal flooding of the land. One of their favorite recreations was a One of their favorite recreations was a One of their favorite recreations was a smooth water wheel, a device which smooth water wheel, a device which smooth water wheel, a device which contained inherent concepts that would contained inherent concepts that would contained inherent concepts that would later form the basis of Tesla's later form the basis of Tesla's later form the basis of Tesla's innovative bladeless steam turbines. innovative bladeless steam turbines. innovative bladeless steam turbines. Other inventions included a cornstalk Other inventions included a cornstalk Other inventions included a cornstalk pop gun, which contained principles that pop gun, which contained principles that pop gun, which contained principles that Tesla later adapted when he fashioned Tesla later adapted when he fashioned Tesla later adapted when he fashioned particle beam weapons, a special fishing particle beam weapons, a special fishing particle beam weapons, a special fishing hook for catching frogs, snares for hook for catching frogs, snares for hook for catching frogs, snares for capturing birds, and a parasol used in capturing birds, and a parasol used in capturing birds, and a parasol used in an unsuccessful attempt to glide off the an unsuccessful attempt to glide off the an unsuccessful attempt to glide off the roof of the barn. Young Nico must have roof of the barn. Young Nico must have roof of the barn. Young Nico must have taken quite a leap because his fall laid taken quite a leap because his fall laid taken quite a leap because his fall laid him up for 6 weeks. Perhaps the boy's him up for 6 weeks. Perhaps the boy's him up for 6 weeks. Perhaps the boy's most ingenious creation was a propeller most ingenious creation was a propeller most ingenious creation was a propeller driven by 16 Maybugs glued or sewn for a driven by 16 Maybugs glued or sewn for a driven by 16 Maybugs glued or sewn for a breast onto the wooden breast onto the wooden breast onto the wooden blades. These creatures were remarkably blades. These creatures were remarkably blades. These creatures were remarkably efficient, for once they were started, efficient, for once they were started, efficient, for once they were started, they had no sense to stop and continued they had no sense to stop and continued they had no sense to stop and continued whirling for hours and hours. All went whirling for hours and hours. All went whirling for hours and hours. All went well until a strange boy came to the well until a strange boy came to the well until a strange boy came to the place. He was the son of a retired

place. He was the son of a retired place. He was the son of a retired officer in the Austrian army. That officer in the Austrian army. That officer in the Austrian army. That urchin ate Maybugs alive and enjoyed urchin ate Maybugs alive and enjoyed urchin ate Maybugs alive and enjoyed them as though they were the finest them as though they were the finest them as though they were the finest bluepoint bluepoint bluepoint oysters. That disgusting sight oysters. That disgusting sight oysters. That disgusting sight terminated my endeavors in this terminated my endeavors in this terminated my endeavors in this promising field, and I have never since promising field, and I have never since promising field, and I have never since been able to touch a maybug or any other been able to touch a maybug or any other been able to touch a maybug or any other insect for that matter. Some of the insect for that matter. Some of the insect for that matter. Some of the inventor's earliest memories when he was inventor's earliest memories when he was inventor's earliest memories when he was three were recalled when he was an three were recalled when he was an three were recalled when he was an octogenarian. octogenarian. octogenarian. Many years before pigeons, Tesla Many years before pigeons, Tesla Many years before pigeons, Tesla showered his affections on the family showered his affections on the family showered his affections on the family cat Mjac, the fountain of my enjoyment. cat Mjac, the fountain of my enjoyment. cat Mjac, the fountain of my enjoyment. I wish that I could give you an adequate I wish that I could give you an adequate I wish that I could give you an adequate idea of the depth of affection which idea of the depth of affection which idea of the depth of affection which existed between me and him. After existed between me and him. After existed between me and him. After dinner, Nico and his cat would rush out dinner, Nico and his cat would rush out dinner, Nico and his cat would rush out of the house and frolic by the church. of the house and frolic by the church. of the house and frolic by the church. Marjac would grab me by the trousers. He Marjac would grab me by the trousers. He Marjac would grab me by the trousers. He tried hard to make me believe he would tried hard to make me believe he would tried hard to make me believe he would bite, but the instant his needle sharp bite, but the instant his needle sharp bite, but the instant his needle sharp incizers penetrated the clothing, the incizers penetrated the clothing, the incizers penetrated the clothing, the pressure ceased, and their contact with pressure ceased, and their contact with pressure ceased, and their contact with my skin was as gentle and tender as that my skin was as gentle and tender as that my skin was as gentle and tender as that of the butterfly al lighting on a petal.

of the butterfly al lighting on a petal. of the butterfly al lighting on a petal. Thesa like best to wallow in the grass Thesa like best to wallow in the grass Thesa like best to wallow in the grass with Marshek. We would just roll and with Marshek. We would just roll and with Marshek. We would just roll and roll in a delirium of delight. In this roll in a delirium of delight. In this roll in a delirium of delight. In this peaceful setting, young Nico was peaceful setting, young Nico was peaceful setting, young Nico was introduced to the barnyard animals. I introduced to the barnyard animals. I introduced to the barnyard animals. I would take one or the other under my arm would take one or the other under my arm would take one or the other under my arm and hug and pet it, he wrote, especially and hug and pet it, he wrote, especially and hug and pet it, he wrote, especially the grand respplendant who liked the grand respplendant who liked the grand respplendant who liked me. It was also at this time that the me. It was also at this time that the me. It was also at this time that the boy began to study flight, a topic of boy began to study flight, a topic of boy began to study flight, a topic of interest that caused him in later life interest that caused him in later life interest that caused him in later life to invent a variety of novel flying to invent a variety of novel flying to invent a variety of novel flying machines. His relationship with birds, machines. His relationship with birds, machines. His relationship with birds, however, was filled with contradictions. however, was filled with contradictions. however, was filled with contradictions. My childhood would have passed My childhood would have passed My childhood would have passed blissfully if I did not have a powerful blissfully if I did not have a powerful blissfully if I did not have a powerful enemy. Our gander, a monstrous ugly enemy. Our gander, a monstrous ugly enemy. Our gander, a monstrous ugly brute with a neck of an ostrich, mouth brute with a neck of an ostrich, mouth brute with a neck of an ostrich, mouth of crocodile, and a pair of cunning eyes of crocodile, and a pair of cunning eyes of crocodile, and a pair of cunning eyes radiating intelligence and understanding radiating intelligence and understanding radiating intelligence and understanding like the human. One summer day, my like the human. One summer day, my like the human. One summer day, my mother had given me a bath and put me mother had given me a bath and put me mother had given me a bath and put me out for a sunwarming in Adam's attire.

out for a sunwarming in Adam's attire. out for a sunwarming in Adam's attire. When she stepped in the house, the When she stepped in the house, the When she stepped in the house, the gander aspied me and charged. The brute gander aspied me and charged. The brute gander aspied me and charged. The brute knew where it would hurt most and seized knew where it would hurt most and seized knew where it would hurt most and seized me by the nape, almost pulling out the me by the nape, almost pulling out the me by the nape, almost pulling out the remnant of my umbilical cord. My mother, remnant of my umbilical cord. My mother, remnant of my umbilical cord. My mother, who came in time to prevent further who came in time to prevent further who came in time to prevent further injury, said to me, "You must know that injury, said to me, "You must know that injury, said to me, "You must know that you cannot make peace with a gander or a you cannot make peace with a gander or a you cannot make peace with a gander or a whom you have taunted. They will whom you have taunted. They will whom you have taunted. They will fight you as long as they live." Tesla fight you as long as they live." Tesla fight you as long as they live." Tesla had runins with other animals as well, had runins with other animals as well, had runins with other animals as well, such as a local wolf, who fortunately such as a local wolf, who fortunately such as a local wolf, who fortunately turned and ran from him, the family cow, turned and ran from him, the family cow, turned and ran from him, the family cow, which Tesla rode and one time fell off which Tesla rode and one time fell off which Tesla rode and one time fell off of, and the giant ravens, whom he of, and the giant ravens, whom he of, and the giant ravens, whom he claimed to have snared with his bare claimed to have snared with his bare claimed to have snared with his bare hands by hiding under the bushes and hands by hiding under the bushes and hands by hiding under the bushes and leaping out of them as a cat would. leaping out of them as a cat would. leaping out of them as a cat would. Tesla also liked to tell the story of Tesla also liked to tell the story of Tesla also liked to tell the story of his two homely aunts, who often visited his two homely aunts, who often visited his two homely aunts, who often visited his home. One, an aunt favor, had two his home. One, an aunt favor, had two his home. One, an aunt favor, had two protruding teeth like the tusks of an protruding teeth like the tusks of an protruding teeth like the tusks of an elephant. She loved me passionately and elephant. She loved me passionately and elephant. She loved me passionately and buried them deep in my cheek in kissing buried them deep in my cheek in kissing buried them deep in my cheek in kissing me. I cried out from pain, but she me. I cried out from pain, but she me. I cried out from pain, but she thought it was from pleasure and dug thought it was from pleasure and dug thought it was from pleasure and dug them in still deeper. Nevertheless, them in still deeper. Nevertheless, them in still deeper. Nevertheless, Tesla recalled, I preferred her to the Tesla recalled, I preferred her to the Tesla recalled, I preferred her to the other, as she used to glue her lips to other, as she used to glue her lips to other, as she used to glue her lips to mine, and suck and suck until by frantic mine, and suck and suck until by frantic mine, and suck and suck until by frantic efforts I managed to free myself, efforts I managed to free myself, efforts I managed to free myself, gasping for breath. One day, when they gasping for breath. One day, when they gasping for breath. One day, when they came over, and Tesla was still small came over, and Tesla was still small came over, and Tesla was still small enough to be held in the arms of his enough to be held in the arms of his enough to be held in the arms of his mother, they asked me who was the mother, they asked me who was the mother, they asked me who was the prettier of the two. After examining

prettier of the two. After examining prettier of the two. After examining their faces intently, I answered their faces intently, I answered their faces intently, I answered thoughtfully, pointing to one of them. thoughtfully, pointing to one of them. thoughtfully, pointing to one of them. This here is not as ugly as the other. This here is not as ugly as the other. This here is not as ugly as the other. Tesla inherited his sense of humor from Tesla inherited his sense of humor from Tesla inherited his sense of humor from his father, who, for instance, once his father, who, for instance, once his father, who, for instance, once cautioned a crosseyed employee who was cautioned a crosseyed employee who was cautioned a crosseyed employee who was chopping wood near the minister and his chopping wood near the minister and his chopping wood near the minister and his son, "For God's sake, do not strike at son, "For God's sake, do not strike at son, "For God's sake, do not strike at what you're looking at, but what you what you're looking at, but what you what you're looking at, but what you expect to hit." Father Tesla was known expect to hit." Father Tesla was known expect to hit." Father Tesla was known to talk to himself, and even carry on to talk to himself, and even carry on to talk to himself, and even carry on conversations with different tones in conversations with different tones in conversations with different tones in his voice, a trait also noted in The his voice, a trait also noted in The his voice, a trait also noted in The Inventor, especially in his later years. Inventor, especially in his later years. Inventor, especially in his later years. Malutin also trained his sons in Malutin also trained his sons in Malutin also trained his sons in exercises in developing memory and their exercises in developing memory and their exercises in developing memory and their intuitive faculties. Able to recite at intuitive faculties. Able to recite at intuitive faculties. Able to recite at length works in several languages, he length works in several languages, he length works in several languages, he often remarked playfully that if some of often remarked playfully that if some of often remarked playfully that if some of the classics were lost, he could restore the classics were lost, he could restore the classics were lost, he could restore them. My father spoke fluently a great them. My father spoke fluently a great them. My father spoke fluently a great many languages and also ranked high as a many languages and also ranked high as a many languages and also ranked high as a mathematician. mathematician. mathematician. He was an omniverous reader and He was an omniverous reader and He was an omniverous reader and possessed a large library from which it possessed a large library from which it possessed a large library from which it was my privilege to gather a great deal was my privilege to gather a great deal was my privilege to gather a great deal of information during my years of life of information during my years of life of information during my years of life spent at home. Texts from this library spent at home. Texts from this library spent at home. Texts from this library included works in German by Gerta and included works in German by Gerta and included works in German by Gerta and Schiller, encyclopedic works in French Schiller, encyclopedic works in French Schiller, encyclopedic works in French by Dalandea and other classics probably by Dalandea and other classics probably by Dalandea and other classics probably in English from the 18th and 19th in English from the 18th and 19th in English from the 18th and 19th centuries. The inventor's colorful centuries. The inventor's colorful centuries. The inventor's colorful autobiography remains the primary source autobiography remains the primary source autobiography remains the primary source of information on his childhood.

of information on his childhood. of information on his childhood. Although Darn and his parents appeared Although Darn and his parents appeared Although Darn and his parents appeared prominently in the work, Tesla's sisters prominently in the work, Tesla's sisters prominently in the work, Tesla's sisters are barely mentioned. Certainly he loved are barely mentioned. Certainly he loved are barely mentioned. Certainly he loved the girls. He exchanged letters with the girls. He exchanged letters with the girls. He exchanged letters with them regularly for the duration of his them regularly for the duration of his them regularly for the duration of his life, but they seemed not to have life, but they seemed not to have life, but they seemed not to have overtly influenced his upbringing. It overtly influenced his upbringing. It overtly influenced his upbringing. It was his mother whose untaring work was his mother whose untaring work was his mother whose untaring work habits and proclivity toward invention habits and proclivity toward invention habits and proclivity toward invention influenced the inventor to be. Whereas influenced the inventor to be. Whereas influenced the inventor to be. Whereas Malutin ran the parish and published his Malutin ran the parish and published his Malutin ran the parish and published his articles, the yuka directed the servants articles, the yuka directed the servants articles, the yuka directed the servants and ran the farm. She had the and ran the farm. She had the and ran the farm. She had the responsibility of growing the crops, responsibility of growing the crops, responsibility of growing the crops, sewing all the clothes, and designing sewing all the clothes, and designing sewing all the clothes, and designing needle work, a practice that made her needle work, a practice that made her needle work, a practice that made her famous in the region. Tesla also famous in the region. Tesla also famous in the region. Tesla also ascribes his proclivity to invention to ascribes his proclivity to invention to ascribes his proclivity to invention to his mother. She conceived of many his mother. She conceived of many his mother. She conceived of many household appliances, including churns, household appliances, including churns, household appliances, including churns, looms, and all kinds of kitchen tools. looms, and all kinds of kitchen tools. looms, and all kinds of kitchen tools. My mother descended from a long line of My mother descended from a long line of My mother descended from a long line of inventors. Starting before dawn, she did inventors. Starting before dawn, she did inventors. Starting before dawn, she did not quit work until 11:00 at night. In not quit work until 11:00 at night. In not quit work until 11:00 at night. In 1863, disaster struck the Tesla 1863, disaster struck the Tesla 1863, disaster struck the Tesla household. D, who was gifted to an household. D, who was gifted to an household. D, who was gifted to an extraordinary degree, was out riding the extraordinary degree, was out riding the extraordinary degree, was out riding the family horse, which was of Arabian family horse, which was of Arabian family horse, which was of Arabian breed, possessed of almost human breed, possessed of almost human breed, possessed of almost human intelligence. The horse may have been intelligence. The horse may have been intelligence. The horse may have been the type easily spooked. The previous the type easily spooked. The previous the type easily spooked. The previous winter it had thrown Malutin in the winter it had thrown Malutin in the winter it had thrown Malutin in the middle of the forest after an encounter middle of the forest after an encounter middle of the forest after an encounter with wolves, and had run home, leaving with wolves, and had run home, leaving with wolves, and had run home, leaving him him him unconscious. The horse, however, was unconscious. The horse, however, was unconscious. The horse, however, was smart enough to bring the search party

smart enough to bring the search party smart enough to bring the search party back to the scene of the accident, and back to the scene of the accident, and back to the scene of the accident, and thus the father was saved. This animal thus the father was saved. This animal thus the father was saved. This animal which was cared for and petted by the which was cared for and petted by the which was cared for and petted by the whole family through the brother as well whole family through the brother as well whole family through the brother as well but Die died of the injuries. The family but Die died of the injuries. The family but Die died of the injuries. The family never really recovered. Die's premature never really recovered. Die's premature never really recovered. Die's premature death left my parents disconulate. The death left my parents disconulate. The death left my parents disconulate. The recollection of his attainments made recollection of his attainments made recollection of his attainments made every effort of mine seemed dull in every effort of mine seemed dull in every effort of mine seemed dull in comparison. Anything I did that was comparison. Anything I did that was comparison. Anything I did that was creditable merely caused my parents to creditable merely caused my parents to creditable merely caused my parents to feel their loss more keenly. So I grew feel their loss more keenly. So I grew feel their loss more keenly. So I grew up with little confidence in myself. up with little confidence in myself. up with little confidence in myself. Upset by his brother's death and the Upset by his brother's death and the Upset by his brother's death and the rejection by his parents, particularly rejection by his parents, particularly rejection by his parents, particularly his mother, the seven-year-old ran away his mother, the seven-year-old ran away his mother, the seven-year-old ran away from home and hid in an inaccessible from home and hid in an inaccessible from home and hid in an inaccessible mountain chapel, which was visited only mountain chapel, which was visited only mountain chapel, which was visited only once a year. By the time he had reached once a year. By the time he had reached once a year. By the time he had reached the place, it was nightfall. There was the place, it was nightfall. There was the place, it was nightfall. There was little the boy could do but force his little the boy could do but force his little the boy could do but force his way in and spend the night intombed. It way in and spend the night intombed. It way in and spend the night intombed. It was an awful experience.

was an awful experience. was an awful experience. Shortly after this tragedy, Malutin was Shortly after this tragedy, Malutin was Shortly after this tragedy, Malutin was promoted and given the parish at the promoted and given the parish at the promoted and given the parish at the ornate onion bulb church in the town of ornate onion bulb church in the town of ornate onion bulb church in the town of Gorsbich. The family moved a few miles Gorsbich. The family moved a few miles Gorsbich. The family moved a few miles to Gorbich where Father Tesla also took to Gorbich where Father Tesla also took to Gorbich where Father Tesla also took a post teaching religion at the local a post teaching religion at the local a post teaching religion at the local gymnasium high school. Nico was of gymnasium high school. Nico was of gymnasium high school. Nico was of school age, so he began his formal school age, so he began his formal school age, so he began his formal education at this time. However, he had education at this time. However, he had education at this time. However, he had great difficulty adjusting to city life, great difficulty adjusting to city life, great difficulty adjusting to city life, for he missed the farm and the idilic for he missed the farm and the idilic for he missed the farm and the idilic existence he had once enjoyed. This existence he had once enjoyed. This existence he had once enjoyed. This change of residence was like a calamity change of residence was like a calamity change of residence was like a calamity to me. It almost broke my heart to part to me. It almost broke my heart to part to me. It almost broke my heart to part from our pigeons, chickens, and sheep, from our pigeons, chickens, and sheep, from our pigeons, chickens, and sheep, and our magnificent flock of geese, and our magnificent flock of geese, and our magnificent flock of geese, which used to rise to the clouds in the which used to rise to the clouds in the which used to rise to the clouds in the morning, and return from the feeding morning, and return from the feeding morning, and return from the feeding grounds at sundown in battle formation, grounds at sundown in battle formation, grounds at sundown in battle formation, so perfect that it would have put a so perfect that it would have put a so perfect that it would have put a squadron of the best aviators of the squadron of the best aviators of the squadron of the best aviators of the present day to shame. The boy would wake present day to shame. The boy would wake present day to shame. The boy would wake up in the middle of the night with up in the middle of the night with up in the middle of the night with nightmares of Donnie's death, which he nightmares of Donnie's death, which he nightmares of Donnie's death, which he claimed to have witnessed, and of the claimed to have witnessed, and of the claimed to have witnessed, and of the funeral, which probably involved an open funeral, which probably involved an open funeral, which probably involved an open casket. A vivid picture of the scene casket. A vivid picture of the scene casket. A vivid picture of the scene would thrust itself before my eyes, and would thrust itself before my eyes, and would thrust itself before my eyes, and persist despite all efforts to banish persist despite all efforts to banish persist despite all efforts to banish it, to free myself of these tormenting it, to free myself of these tormenting it, to free myself of these tormenting appearances. I tried to concentrate my appearances. I tried to concentrate my appearances. I tried to concentrate my mind on something else, by continuously mind on something else, by continuously mind on something else, by continuously conjuring up new images. I was oppressed conjuring up new images. I was oppressed conjuring up new images. I was oppressed by thoughts of pain in life and death by thoughts of pain in life and death by thoughts of pain in life and death and religious fear, swayed by and religious fear, swayed by and religious fear, swayed by superstitious beliefs, and lived in

superstitious beliefs, and lived in superstitious beliefs, and lived in constant dread of the spirit of evil, of constant dread of the spirit of evil, of constant dread of the spirit of evil, of ghosts and ogres and other unholy ghosts and ogres and other unholy ghosts and ogres and other unholy monsters of the dark. It was at this monsters of the dark. It was at this monsters of the dark. It was at this time that Tesla began to have what today time that Tesla began to have what today time that Tesla began to have what today are known as outofbody experiences, are known as outofbody experiences, are known as outofbody experiences, although he never ascribed anything although he never ascribed anything although he never ascribed anything mystical or paranormal to them. blurred mystical or paranormal to them. blurred mystical or paranormal to them. blurred at first, I would see on my journeys new at first, I would see on my journeys new at first, I would see on my journeys new places, cities, and countries, live places, cities, and countries, live places, cities, and countries, live there, meet people, and make there, meet people, and make there, meet people, and make friendships. And however unbelievable, friendships. And however unbelievable, friendships. And however unbelievable, it is a fact that they were just as dear it is a fact that they were just as dear it is a fact that they were just as dear to me as those in actual life, and not a to me as those in actual life, and not a to me as those in actual life, and not a bit less intense in their bit less intense in their bit less intense in their manifestations. Tesla stated he had such manifestations. Tesla stated he had such manifestations. Tesla stated he had such great powers of idetic imagery, that he great powers of idetic imagery, that he great powers of idetic imagery, that he sometimes needed one of his sisters to sometimes needed one of his sisters to sometimes needed one of his sisters to help him tell which was hallucination help him tell which was hallucination help him tell which was hallucination and which was not. and which was not. and which was not. Like Dane, his thoughts were often Like Dane, his thoughts were often Like Dane, his thoughts were often interrupted with annoying flashes of interrupted with annoying flashes of interrupted with annoying flashes of light. These psycho neurological light. These psycho neurological light. These psycho neurological disturbances continued throughout his disturbances continued throughout his disturbances continued throughout his life. On the positive side, the problem life. On the positive side, the problem life. On the positive side, the problem was also attributed to his inventive was also attributed to his inventive was also attributed to his inventive bent. He could use his powers of bent. He could use his powers of bent. He could use his powers of visualization to mold his various visualization to mold his various visualization to mold his various creations and even run and modify them creations and even run and modify them creations and even run and modify them in his mind before committing them to in his mind before committing them to in his mind before committing them to paper and the material world.

paper and the material world. paper and the material world. While still in grade school, Nico had While still in grade school, Nico had While still in grade school, Nico had obtained a post at the local library in obtained a post at the local library in obtained a post at the local library in Gospifying the various books, but he was Gospifying the various books, but he was Gospifying the various books, but he was forbidden to read at night for fear that forbidden to read at night for fear that forbidden to read at night for fear that his eyes would be strained in dim light, his eyes would be strained in dim light, his eyes would be strained in dim light, and Malutin would fly into a rage to and Malutin would fly into a rage to and Malutin would fly into a rage to stop him. Undeterred, Nico would swipe stop him. Undeterred, Nico would swipe stop him. Undeterred, Nico would swipe some household candles, seal up the some household candles, seal up the some household candles, seal up the cracks in his room, and continue reading cracks in his room, and continue reading cracks in his room, and continue reading through the night. The book that Tesla through the night. The book that Tesla through the night. The book that Tesla claimed changed his life was Abbey, a claimed changed his life was Abbey, a claimed changed his life was Abbey, a story translated into Serbian about the story translated into Serbian about the story translated into Serbian about the son of Aba by the Hungarian author son of Aba by the Hungarian author son of Aba by the Hungarian author Yoshika. Up to the age of 8, my Yoshika. Up to the age of 8, my Yoshika. Up to the age of 8, my character was weak and vacasillating. character was weak and vacasillating. character was weak and vacasillating. This work somehow awakened my dominant This work somehow awakened my dominant This work somehow awakened my dominant powers of will, and I began to practice powers of will, and I began to practice powers of will, and I began to practice self-control. self-control. self-control. At first my resolution faded like snow At first my resolution faded like snow At first my resolution faded like snow in April, but in a little while I in April, but in a little while I in April, but in a little while I conquered my weakness and felt a conquered my weakness and felt a conquered my weakness and felt a pleasure I never knew before, that of pleasure I never knew before, that of pleasure I never knew before, that of doing as I willed. Thus, by the age of doing as I willed. Thus, by the age of doing as I willed. Thus, by the age of 12, he was successfully experimenting 12, he was successfully experimenting 12, he was successfully experimenting with acts of self-denial and with acts of self-denial and with acts of self-denial and self-mastery, a paradoxical pattern self-mastery, a paradoxical pattern self-mastery, a paradoxical pattern which played itself out repeatedly which played itself out repeatedly which played itself out repeatedly throughout his life. Simultaneously, throughout his life. Simultaneously, throughout his life. Simultaneously, Tesla began to develop peculiarities, Tesla began to develop peculiarities, Tesla began to develop peculiarities, probably stemming from the stress probably stemming from the stress probably stemming from the stress associated with his brother's death, associated with his brother's death, associated with his brother's death, strained relationships with his parents, strained relationships with his parents, strained relationships with his parents, and denial of his sexual and denial of his sexual and denial of his sexual desires. At this time, he became ill and desires. At this time, he became ill and desires. At this time, he became ill and claimed that a heavy dose of Mark claimed that a heavy dose of Mark claimed that a heavy dose of Mark Twain's writings turned his spirit and Twain's writings turned his spirit and Twain's writings turned his spirit and cured him. 25 years later, when I met

cured him. 25 years later, when I met cured him. 25 years later, when I met Mr. Clemens and we formed a friendship. Mr. Clemens and we formed a friendship. Mr. Clemens and we formed a friendship. I told him of the experience and was I told him of the experience and was I told him of the experience and was amazed to see that a great man of amazed to see that a great man of amazed to see that a great man of laughter burst into tears. During this laughter burst into tears. During this laughter burst into tears. During this period I contracted many strange habits. period I contracted many strange habits. period I contracted many strange habits. I had a violent aversion against the I had a violent aversion against the I had a violent aversion against the earrings of women but other ornaments earrings of women but other ornaments earrings of women but other ornaments such as bracelets pleased me. The sight such as bracelets pleased me. The sight such as bracelets pleased me. The sight of a pearl would almost give me a fit, of a pearl would almost give me a fit, of a pearl would almost give me a fit, but I was fascinated with the glitter of but I was fascinated with the glitter of but I was fascinated with the glitter of objects with sharp edges. I would not objects with sharp edges. I would not objects with sharp edges. I would not touch the hair of other people except touch the hair of other people except touch the hair of other people except perhaps at the point of a revolver. I perhaps at the point of a revolver. I perhaps at the point of a revolver. I would get a fever by looking at a peach. would get a fever by looking at a peach. would get a fever by looking at a peach. Even now, at age 61, I am not insensible Even now, at age 61, I am not insensible Even now, at age 61, I am not insensible to some of these upsetting impulses. to some of these upsetting impulses. to some of these upsetting impulses. The youngster, however, also undertook The youngster, however, also undertook The youngster, however, also undertook normal boyhood adventures, including a normal boyhood adventures, including a normal boyhood adventures, including a few near-death experiences, on one few near-death experiences, on one few near-death experiences, on one occasion by falling headlong into a huge occasion by falling headlong into a huge occasion by falling headlong into a huge kettle of boiling milk just drawn from kettle of boiling milk just drawn from kettle of boiling milk just drawn from the paternal herds. On another occasion the paternal herds. On another occasion the paternal herds. On another occasion nearly drowning after swimming under a nearly drowning after swimming under a nearly drowning after swimming under a raft, and on a third occasion by nearly raft, and on a third occasion by nearly raft, and on a third occasion by nearly being swept over a waterfall at one of being swept over a waterfall at one of being swept over a waterfall at one of the nearby dams. These were rather the nearby dams. These were rather the nearby dams. These were rather unpleasant experiences, but not as bad, unpleasant experiences, but not as bad, unpleasant experiences, but not as bad, according to the inventor, as the according to the inventor, as the according to the inventor, as the following. There was a wealthy lady in following. There was a wealthy lady in following. There was a wealthy lady in town who used to come to the church town who used to come to the church town who used to come to the church gorgeously painted up and attired with gorgeously painted up and attired with gorgeously painted up and attired with an enormous train and an enormous train and an enormous train and attendance. One Sunday I had just attendance. One Sunday I had just attendance. One Sunday I had just finished ringing the bell in the belfry finished ringing the bell in the belfry finished ringing the bell in the belfry and rushed downstairs when this grand

and rushed downstairs when this grand and rushed downstairs when this grand dam was sweeping out, and I jumped on dam was sweeping out, and I jumped on dam was sweeping out, and I jumped on her train and tore it. Levit, my father her train and tore it. Levit, my father her train and tore it. Levit, my father gave me a gentle slap on the cheek, the gave me a gentle slap on the cheek, the gave me a gentle slap on the cheek, the only corporal punishment he ever only corporal punishment he ever only corporal punishment he ever administered to me, but I almost feel it administered to me, but I almost feel it administered to me, but I almost feel it now. Nico became ostracized and avoided now. Nico became ostracized and avoided now. Nico became ostracized and avoided social interaction. Fortunately, he was social interaction. Fortunately, he was social interaction. Fortunately, he was able to redeem himself through his able to redeem himself through his able to redeem himself through his inventive mind. One day, the local inventive mind. One day, the local inventive mind. One day, the local firemen brought out their new engine and firemen brought out their new engine and firemen brought out their new engine and started a fire to demonstrate it. To the started a fire to demonstrate it. To the started a fire to demonstrate it. To the embarrassment of the officials, the embarrassment of the officials, the embarrassment of the officials, the hose, which drew its water from the hose, which drew its water from the hose, which drew its water from the local river, would not work. local river, would not work. local river, would not work. Intuitively, Tesla realized there was a Intuitively, Tesla realized there was a Intuitively, Tesla realized there was a kink in the rigging. Daring off his kink in the rigging. Daring off his kink in the rigging. Daring off his Sunday best, he dived into the water, Sunday best, he dived into the water, Sunday best, he dived into the water, unscrambled the line, and became the unscrambled the line, and became the unscrambled the line, and became the hero of the day. This event became a hero of the day. This event became a hero of the day. This event became a strong inducement for the boy to strong inducement for the boy to strong inducement for the boy to continue his interest in invention. continue his interest in invention. continue his interest in invention. Simultaneously, this act symbolized a Simultaneously, this act symbolized a Simultaneously, this act symbolized a new way to obtain love and admiration, new way to obtain love and admiration, new way to obtain love and admiration, not only from his parents, but also from not only from his parents, but also from not only from his parents, but also from society. Between the ages 10 and 14, society. Between the ages 10 and 14, society. Between the ages 10 and 14, Nico attended the Reyal Gymnasium, Nico attended the Reyal Gymnasium, Nico attended the Reyal Gymnasium, equivalent to junior high school. It equivalent to junior high school. It equivalent to junior high school. It appears that both his father and uncle appears that both his father and uncle appears that both his father and uncle taught there. It was a fairly new taught there. It was a fairly new taught there. It was a fairly new institution with a welle equipped institution with a welle equipped institution with a welle equipped physics department. I was interested in physics department. I was interested in physics department. I was interested in electricity almost from the beginning of electricity almost from the beginning of electricity almost from the beginning of my educational career, he wrote. I read my educational career, he wrote. I read my educational career, he wrote. I read all that I could find on the subject and all that I could find on the subject and all that I could find on the subject and experimented with batteries and experimented with batteries and experimented with batteries and induction induction induction coils. Tesla also began experimenting

coils. Tesla also began experimenting coils. Tesla also began experimenting with water turbines and motors that with water turbines and motors that with water turbines and motors that utilize power derived from differentials utilize power derived from differentials utilize power derived from differentials in air pressure. His goal, though in air pressure. His goal, though in air pressure. His goal, though unobtainable due to a flaw in his logic, unobtainable due to a flaw in his logic, unobtainable due to a flaw in his logic, was a perpetual motion machine that was a perpetual motion machine that was a perpetual motion machine that would work by maintaining a steadystate would work by maintaining a steadystate would work by maintaining a steadystate vacuum and harnessing like a windmill vacuum and harnessing like a windmill vacuum and harnessing like a windmill the rush of incoming air. This movement, the rush of incoming air. This movement, the rush of incoming air. This movement, he hoped, would turn a generator he hoped, would turn a generator he hoped, would turn a generator endlessly. After seeing a drawing or endlessly. After seeing a drawing or endlessly. After seeing a drawing or photograph of Niagara Falls, Tesla photograph of Niagara Falls, Tesla photograph of Niagara Falls, Tesla announced to his uncle Yse that one day announced to his uncle Yse that one day announced to his uncle Yse that one day he would place a gigantic wheel under he would place a gigantic wheel under he would place a gigantic wheel under the falls and thereby harness it. Most the falls and thereby harness it. Most the falls and thereby harness it. Most likely he also visited the magnificent likely he also visited the magnificent likely he also visited the magnificent network of waterfalls at Pviche lakes network of waterfalls at Pviche lakes network of waterfalls at Pviche lakes for additional inspiration as they were for additional inspiration as they were for additional inspiration as they were only a day's journey away. In 1870 at only a day's journey away. In 1870 at only a day's journey away. In 1870 at the age of 14, Nico moved from Gosp to the age of 14, Nico moved from Gosp to the age of 14, Nico moved from Gosp to Carloat Kalat where he saw a locomotive Carloat Kalat where he saw a locomotive Carloat Kalat where he saw a locomotive for the first time to attend the higher for the first time to attend the higher for the first time to attend the higher raal gymnasium located by a swamp on a raal gymnasium located by a swamp on a raal gymnasium located by a swamp on a tributary to the Sarah River near tributary to the Sarah River near tributary to the Sarah River near Zagreb. The youth lived with his aunta, Zagreb. The youth lived with his aunta, Zagreb. The youth lived with his aunta, his father's sister, and her husband his father's sister, and her husband his father's sister, and her husband Kono Branovich old Branovich old warhorse. During his stay at Carloatz, warhorse. During his stay at Carloatz, warhorse. During his stay at Carloatz, he frequently visited his cousin Melik he frequently visited his cousin Melik he frequently visited his cousin Melik Zorich at the family estate in Toming.

Zorich at the family estate in Toming. Zorich at the family estate in Toming. Nico, who would often go there for Nico, who would often go there for Nico, who would often go there for vacations, found it to be a sort of vacations, found it to be a sort of vacations, found it to be a sort of sanctuary. At Carlos, he was trained in sanctuary. At Carlos, he was trained in sanctuary. At Carlos, he was trained in languages and mathematics. His most languages and mathematics. His most languages and mathematics. His most influential professor was Martin influential professor was Martin influential professor was Martin Sakulich, a physics teacher who Sakulich, a physics teacher who Sakulich, a physics teacher who demonstrated the principles by apparatus demonstrated the principles by apparatus demonstrated the principles by apparatus of his own invention. It was a freely of his own invention. It was a freely of his own invention. It was a freely rotatable bulb with tinfoil coatings rotatable bulb with tinfoil coatings rotatable bulb with tinfoil coatings which was made to spin rapidly when which was made to spin rapidly when which was made to spin rapidly when connected to a static machine. It is connected to a static machine. It is connected to a static machine. It is impossible for me to convey an adequate impossible for me to convey an adequate impossible for me to convey an adequate idea of the intensity of feeling I idea of the intensity of feeling I idea of the intensity of feeling I experienced in witnessing his experienced in witnessing his experienced in witnessing his exhibitions of these mysterious exhibitions of these mysterious exhibitions of these mysterious phenomena. Every impression produced a phenomena. Every impression produced a phenomena. Every impression produced a thousand echoes in my mind. Through hard thousand echoes in my mind. Through hard thousand echoes in my mind. Through hard work, Tesla condensed the four years of work, Tesla condensed the four years of work, Tesla condensed the four years of schooling into three and began to plan a schooling into three and began to plan a schooling into three and began to plan a way to approach his father with his way to approach his father with his way to approach his father with his controversial decision not to enter the controversial decision not to enter the controversial decision not to enter the ministry but to study engineering ministry but to study engineering ministry but to study engineering instead. It is not humans that I love, instead. It is not humans that I love, instead. It is not humans that I love, but humanity, he tried to tell his but humanity, he tried to tell his but humanity, he tried to tell his father. During his last year at Kavat, father. During his last year at Kavat, father. During his last year at Kavat, after a day of exploration by a nearby after a day of exploration by a nearby after a day of exploration by a nearby marsh, he caught a fever, which he said marsh, he caught a fever, which he said marsh, he caught a fever, which he said was malaria. The seriousness of his was malaria. The seriousness of his was malaria. The seriousness of his condition may have been exacerbated by condition may have been exacerbated by condition may have been exacerbated by an inadequate diet. I was fed by my aunt an inadequate diet. I was fed by my aunt an inadequate diet. I was fed by my aunt like a canary bird. When the colonel like a canary bird. When the colonel like a canary bird. When the colonel would put something substantial on my would put something substantial on my would put something substantial on my plate, she would snatch it away and say plate, she would snatch it away and say plate, she would snatch it away and say excitedly to him, "Be careful. Nico is excitedly to him, "Be careful. Nico is excitedly to him, "Be careful. Nico is very delicate." I had a voracious very delicate." I had a voracious very delicate." I had a voracious appetite and suffered like tantalus. But

appetite and suffered like tantalus. But appetite and suffered like tantalus. But I lived in an atmosphere of refinement I lived in an atmosphere of refinement I lived in an atmosphere of refinement and artistic taste quite unusual for and artistic taste quite unusual for and artistic taste quite unusual for those times and conditions. those times and conditions. those times and conditions. Upon graduation, Tesla received notice Upon graduation, Tesla received notice Upon graduation, Tesla received notice from his father that he should go on a from his father that he should go on a from his father that he should go on a hunting expedition as there was an hunting expedition as there was an hunting expedition as there was an epidemic in town. The youth returned to epidemic in town. The youth returned to epidemic in town. The youth returned to Gosp anyway. The streets were stacked Gosp anyway. The streets were stacked Gosp anyway. The streets were stacked with corpses, the atmosphere thick with with corpses, the atmosphere thick with with corpses, the atmosphere thick with smoke, for the people mistakenly thought smoke, for the people mistakenly thought smoke, for the people mistakenly thought that cholera was being transmitted that cholera was being transmitted that cholera was being transmitted through the air rather than by drinking through the air rather than by drinking through the air rather than by drinking water. Partly due to his weakened water. Partly due to his weakened water. Partly due to his weakened condition from his earlier illness, condition from his earlier illness, condition from his earlier illness, Tesla quickly became a victim. bedridden Tesla quickly became a victim. bedridden Tesla quickly became a victim. bedridden for 9 months, he nearly died. In one of for 9 months, he nearly died. In one of for 9 months, he nearly died. In one of the sinking spells, which was thought to the sinking spells, which was thought to the sinking spells, which was thought to be the last, my father rushed into the be the last, my father rushed into the be the last, my father rushed into the room. "Perhaps," I said, "I may get well room. "Perhaps," I said, "I may get well room. "Perhaps," I said, "I may get well if you will let me study engineering. if you will let me study engineering. if you will let me study engineering. You will go to the best technical You will go to the best technical You will go to the best technical institution in the world," he solemnly institution in the world," he solemnly institution in the world," he solemnly replied, and I knew that he meant it.

replied, and I knew that he meant it. replied, and I knew that he meant it. The Teslas settled on the polytenic The Teslas settled on the polytenic The Teslas settled on the polytenic school at Grants, Austria, located 170 school at Grants, Austria, located 170 school at Grants, Austria, located 170 mi to the north. First, however, the boy mi to the north. First, however, the boy mi to the north. First, however, the boy would have to serve 3 years in the army. would have to serve 3 years in the army. would have to serve 3 years in the army. With a major war breaking out against With a major war breaking out against With a major war breaking out against the Turks, Nutin directed his son to the Turks, Nutin directed his son to the Turks, Nutin directed his son to pack his gear and go into the hills to pack his gear and go into the hills to pack his gear and go into the hills to avoid the draft. There the youth could avoid the draft. There the youth could avoid the draft. There the youth could maintain a low profile and at the same maintain a low profile and at the same maintain a low profile and at the same time recover his health. For most of time recover his health. For most of time recover his health. For most of this term I roamed in the mountains this term I roamed in the mountains this term I roamed in the mountains loaded with a hunter's outfit and a loaded with a hunter's outfit and a loaded with a hunter's outfit and a bundle of books, and this contact with bundle of books, and this contact with bundle of books, and this contact with nature made me stronger in body as well nature made me stronger in body as well nature made me stronger in body as well as in mind. But my knowledge of as in mind. But my knowledge of as in mind. But my knowledge of principles was very limited. Misguided principles was very limited. Misguided principles was very limited. Misguided inventions of this period included a inventions of this period included a inventions of this period included a submarine tube able to convey letters submarine tube able to convey letters submarine tube able to convey letters and packages across the seas and a ring and packages across the seas and a ring and packages across the seas and a ring around the equator for transporting around the equator for transporting around the equator for transporting people from one end of the globe to the people from one end of the globe to the people from one end of the globe to the other. One day, while playing with other. One day, while playing with other. One day, while playing with snowballs on the side of a mountain, snowballs on the side of a mountain, snowballs on the side of a mountain, however, Tesla discovered the concept of however, Tesla discovered the concept of however, Tesla discovered the concept of hidden trigger mechanisms able to hidden trigger mechanisms able to hidden trigger mechanisms able to unleash great reservoirs of energy. One unleash great reservoirs of energy. One unleash great reservoirs of energy. One found just the right conditions. It found just the right conditions. It found just the right conditions. It rolled until it was a large ball and rolled until it was a large ball and rolled until it was a large ball and then spread out, rolling up the snow at then spread out, rolling up the snow at then spread out, rolling up the snow at the sides as if it were a giant carpet, the sides as if it were a giant carpet, the sides as if it were a giant carpet, and then suddenly it turned into an and then suddenly it turned into an and then suddenly it turned into an avalanche, stripping the mountain side avalanche, stripping the mountain side avalanche, stripping the mountain side clear of snow, trees, soil, and clear of snow, trees, soil, and clear of snow, trees, soil, and everything else it could carry with it.

everything else it could carry with it. everything else it could carry with it. But contact with war was unavoidable, But contact with war was unavoidable, But contact with war was unavoidable, and on occasion the youth chanced upon and on occasion the youth chanced upon and on occasion the youth chanced upon its ravages. its ravages. its ravages. 25 years later, he would recall, "I have 25 years later, he would recall, "I have 25 years later, he would recall, "I have seen men hung, beaten to death, shot, seen men hung, beaten to death, shot, seen men hung, beaten to death, shot, quartered, stuck on a pointed stick, quartered, stuck on a pointed stick, quartered, stuck on a pointed stick, heads chopped off, and children on a heads chopped off, and children on a heads chopped off, and children on a bayonet like quales on at Del bayonet like quales on at Del bayonet like quales on at Del Monikos. Fortunately, Tesla avoided Monikos. Fortunately, Tesla avoided Monikos. Fortunately, Tesla avoided capture and in 1875 he returned to Gospitary Frontier Authority. He began Gospitary Frontier Authority. He began school in Austria the following school in Austria the following school in Austria the following semester. Three college years 1875 to Three college years 1875 to 82. It has cost me years of thought to 82. It has cost me years of thought to 82. It has cost me years of thought to arrive at certain results by many arrive at certain results by many arrive at certain results by many believed to be unattainable for which believed to be unattainable for which believed to be unattainable for which there are now numerous claimments and there are now numerous claimments and there are now numerous claimments and the number of these is rapidly the number of these is rapidly the number of these is rapidly increasing like that of the colonels in increasing like that of the colonels in increasing like that of the colonels in the south after the war. Nicola Tesla 80 the south after the war. Nicola Tesla 80 the south after the war. Nicola Tesla 80 mi south of Vienna in the capital of the mi south of Vienna in the capital of the mi south of Vienna in the capital of the province of Syria was the polytenic province of Syria was the polytenic province of Syria was the polytenic school in Gratz. Milutin had chosen the school in Gratz. Milutin had chosen the school in Gratz. Milutin had chosen the school because it was one of the most school because it was one of the most school because it was one of the most advanced of the region. The physicist advanced of the region. The physicist advanced of the region. The physicist and philosopher Ernst Mark had taught and philosopher Ernst Mark had taught and philosopher Ernst Mark had taught there a few years earlier as had the there a few years earlier as had the there a few years earlier as had the psychoysiologist Gustaf Teoddorf psychoysiologist Gustaf Teoddorf psychoysiologist Gustaf Teoddorf Fecknner. Planning on becoming a Fecknner. Planning on becoming a Fecknner. Planning on becoming a professor, Tesla undertook courses in professor, Tesla undertook courses in professor, Tesla undertook courses in arithmetic and geometry from Professor arithmetic and geometry from Professor arithmetic and geometry from Professor Ragnner, a lecturer known for his

Ragnner, a lecturer known for his Ragnner, a lecturer known for his histrionics, theoretical and histrionics, theoretical and histrionics, theoretical and experimental physics with the experimental physics with the experimental physics with the punctilious German professor Persel and punctilious German professor Persel and punctilious German professor Persel and integral calculus with professor Ali. integral calculus with professor Ali. integral calculus with professor Ali. Ali was the most brilliant lecturer to Ali was the most brilliant lecturer to Ali was the most brilliant lecturer to whom I ever listened. He took a special whom I ever listened. He took a special whom I ever listened. He took a special interest in my progress and would interest in my progress and would interest in my progress and would frequently remain for an hour or two in frequently remain for an hour or two in frequently remain for an hour or two in the lecture room, giving me problems to the lecture room, giving me problems to the lecture room, giving me problems to solve in which I delighted. Other solve in which I delighted. Other solve in which I delighted. Other courses taken included analytical courses taken included analytical courses taken included analytical chemistry, minology, machin, boty, wave chemistry, minology, machin, boty, wave chemistry, minology, machin, boty, wave theory, optics, French, and English. To theory, optics, French, and English. To theory, optics, French, and English. To save money, he roommed with Costa save money, he roommed with Costa save money, he roommed with Costa Kulish, whom he had met at the student Kulish, whom he had met at the student Kulish, whom he had met at the student society of Serbia. Gulish later became a society of Serbia. Gulish later became a society of Serbia. Gulish later became a professor of philosophy in professor of philosophy in professor of philosophy in Belgrade. Tesla plunged into his work Belgrade. Tesla plunged into his work Belgrade. Tesla plunged into his work with great intensity. Studying upwards with great intensity. Studying upwards with great intensity. Studying upwards of 20 hours a day, he changed his major of 20 hours a day, he changed his major of 20 hours a day, he changed his major to engineering and extended his to engineering and extended his to engineering and extended his curriculum to study other languages. He curriculum to study other languages. He curriculum to study other languages. He could speak about nine of them and the could speak about nine of them and the could speak about nine of them and the works of such writers as Decart, Gerta, works of such writers as Decart, Gerta, works of such writers as Decart, Gerta, Spencer, and Shakespeare, many of which Spencer, and Shakespeare, many of which Spencer, and Shakespeare, many of which he knew entirely by heart. I had a he knew entirely by heart. I had a he knew entirely by heart. I had a veritable mania for finishing whatever I veritable mania for finishing whatever I veritable mania for finishing whatever I began, he recalled, reflecting on his began, he recalled, reflecting on his began, he recalled, reflecting on his next self-appointed assignment. The next self-appointed assignment. The next self-appointed assignment. The collected works of Voltater comprised collected works of Voltater comprised collected works of Voltater comprised 100 large volumes in small print which 100 large volumes in small print which 100 large volumes in small print which that monster had written while drinking that monster had written while drinking that monster had written while drinking 72 cups of black coffee per. This task 72 cups of black coffee per. This task 72 cups of black coffee per. This task cured him of the compulsion but did not cured him of the compulsion but did not cured him of the compulsion but did not serve to quell the pattern of relentless

serve to quell the pattern of relentless serve to quell the pattern of relentless self-denial and self-denial and self-denial and self-determination. Because he was self-determination. Because he was self-determination. Because he was praised by his teachers, the other praised by his teachers, the other praised by his teachers, the other students became jealous. But at first, students became jealous. But at first, students became jealous. But at first, Tesla remained Tesla remained Tesla remained unperturbed. Returning home the unperturbed. Returning home the unperturbed. Returning home the following summer, having passed his following summer, having passed his following summer, having passed his freshman year with all A+es, the young freshman year with all A+es, the young freshman year with all A+es, the young scholar expected to be praised by his scholar expected to be praised by his scholar expected to be praised by his parents. Instead, his father tried to parents. Instead, his father tried to parents. Instead, his father tried to persuade his son to stay in Gossich. persuade his son to stay in Gossich. persuade his son to stay in Gossich. Unbeknown to Tesla, the teachers had Unbeknown to Tesla, the teachers had Unbeknown to Tesla, the teachers had written Malutin warning that the boy was written Malutin warning that the boy was written Malutin warning that the boy was at risk of injuring his health by at risk of injuring his health by at risk of injuring his health by obsessively long and intense hours of obsessively long and intense hours of obsessively long and intense hours of study. A rift was created between father study. A rift was created between father study. A rift was created between father and son, perhaps in part because the and son, perhaps in part because the and son, perhaps in part because the military frontier authority had been military frontier authority had been military frontier authority had been abolished and the scholarship was no abolished and the scholarship was no abolished and the scholarship was no longer available. Reacting to the longer available. Reacting to the longer available. Reacting to the ridicule from other students who ridicule from other students who ridicule from other students who resented Tesla for his monastic study resented Tesla for his monastic study resented Tesla for his monastic study habits and close association with the habits and close association with the habits and close association with the faculty, Tesla took up gambling. He faculty, Tesla took up gambling. He faculty, Tesla took up gambling. He began to stay late at the botanical began to stay late at the botanical began to stay late at the botanical garden, the students favorite coffee garden, the students favorite coffee garden, the students favorite coffee house, playing cards, billiards, and house, playing cards, billiards, and house, playing cards, billiards, and chess, attracting a large crowd to watch chess, attracting a large crowd to watch chess, attracting a large crowd to watch his skillful performances. Tesla's his skillful performances. Tesla's his skillful performances. Tesla's father led an exemplary life and could father led an exemplary life and could father led an exemplary life and could not excuse the senseless waste of time not excuse the senseless waste of time not excuse the senseless waste of time and money. I can stop whenever I please, and money. I can stop whenever I please, and money. I can stop whenever I please, he told his father. But is it worthwhile he told his father. But is it worthwhile he told his father. But is it worthwhile to give up that which I would purchase to give up that which I would purchase to give up that which I would purchase with the joys of with the joys of with the joys of paradise. During his sophomore year, a paradise. During his sophomore year, a paradise. During his sophomore year, a direct current Graham Dynamo was direct current Graham Dynamo was direct current Graham Dynamo was delivered from Paris to Professor delivered from Paris to Professor delivered from Paris to Professor Persel's physics class. It was equipped Persel's physics class. It was equipped Persel's physics class. It was equipped with the customary commutator, a device

with the customary commutator, a device with the customary commutator, a device that transferred the current from the that transferred the current from the that transferred the current from the generator to the motor. Electricity in generator to the motor. Electricity in generator to the motor. Electricity in its natural state is alternating. This its natural state is alternating. This its natural state is alternating. This means that its direction of flow changes means that its direction of flow changes means that its direction of flow changes rapidly. An analogous situation would be rapidly. An analogous situation would be rapidly. An analogous situation would be a river that flowed downstream then a river that flowed downstream then a river that flowed downstream then upstream then downstream and so on many upstream then downstream and so on many upstream then downstream and so on many times per second. One can see the times per second. One can see the times per second. One can see the difficulty in harnessing such a river difficulty in harnessing such a river difficulty in harnessing such a river with for instance a water wheel for the with for instance a water wheel for the with for instance a water wheel for the wheel would constantly change its wheel would constantly change its wheel would constantly change its direction as well. The commutator is direction as well. The commutator is direction as well. The commutator is comprised of a series of wire brushes comprised of a series of wire brushes comprised of a series of wire brushes that serve to transfer the electricity that serve to transfer the electricity that serve to transfer the electricity into only one direction of flow that is into only one direction of flow that is into only one direction of flow that is a direct current DC. It is a cumbersome a direct current DC. It is a cumbersome a direct current DC. It is a cumbersome device and sparks device and sparks device and sparks considerably. When Professor Porchel considerably. When Professor Porchel considerably. When Professor Porchel displayed this up-to-date equipment, displayed this up-to-date equipment, displayed this up-to-date equipment, Tesla intuitively deduced that the Tesla intuitively deduced that the Tesla intuitively deduced that the commutator was unnecessary and that commutator was unnecessary and that commutator was unnecessary and that alternating current AC could be alternating current AC could be alternating current AC could be harnessed unencumbered. harnessed unencumbered. harnessed unencumbered. He voiced this opinion which appeared He voiced this opinion which appeared He voiced this opinion which appeared utterly fantastic at the time. Hershel utterly fantastic at the time. Hershel utterly fantastic at the time. Hershel devoted the rest of the lecture to a devoted the rest of the lecture to a devoted the rest of the lecture to a detailed explanation of how this goal detailed explanation of how this goal detailed explanation of how this goal was impossible. Driving the point home, was impossible. Driving the point home, was impossible. Driving the point home, Hershel embarrassed his student by Hershel embarrassed his student by Hershel embarrassed his student by disconnecting the superolous commutator disconnecting the superolous commutator disconnecting the superolous commutator and noting with fain surprise that the and noting with fain surprise that the and noting with fain surprise that the generator no longer worked. Mr. Tesla generator no longer worked. Mr. Tesla generator no longer worked. Mr. Tesla may do many things, but this he cannot may do many things, but this he cannot may do many things, but this he cannot accomplish. His plan is simply a accomplish. His plan is simply a accomplish. His plan is simply a perpetual motion scheme. Tesla would perpetual motion scheme. Tesla would perpetual motion scheme. Tesla would spend the next four years obsessed with

spend the next four years obsessed with spend the next four years obsessed with proving the professor wrong. Another proving the professor wrong. Another proving the professor wrong. Another invention Tesla worked on at the same invention Tesla worked on at the same invention Tesla worked on at the same time, but under the tutilage of time, but under the tutilage of time, but under the tutilage of Professor Ali was that of a mechanical Professor Ali was that of a mechanical Professor Ali was that of a mechanical flying machine. As a child, Tesla had flying machine. As a child, Tesla had flying machine. As a child, Tesla had heard stories from his grandfather about heard stories from his grandfather about heard stories from his grandfather about Napoleon's employment of hot air Napoleon's employment of hot air Napoleon's employment of hot air balloons, which were used to observe balloons, which were used to observe balloons, which were used to observe enemy troop movements and for dropping enemy troop movements and for dropping enemy troop movements and for dropping bombs. No doubt he had also studied the bombs. No doubt he had also studied the bombs. No doubt he had also studied the principles involved in school and quite principles involved in school and quite principles involved in school and quite possibly saw such futuristic creations possibly saw such futuristic creations possibly saw such futuristic creations floating in the Austrian skies when he floating in the Austrian skies when he floating in the Austrian skies when he went off to college. By his third year, went off to college. By his third year, went off to college. By his third year, Tesla was running into difficulties at Tesla was running into difficulties at Tesla was running into difficulties at school. Having surpassed his classmates school. Having surpassed his classmates school. Having surpassed his classmates and his studies, he became bored and and his studies, he became bored and and his studies, he became bored and frustrated by his inability to find a frustrated by his inability to find a frustrated by his inability to find a solution to his AC problem. He began to solution to his AC problem. He began to solution to his AC problem. He began to gamble more heavily, sometimes 24 hours gamble more heavily, sometimes 24 hours gamble more heavily, sometimes 24 hours at a stretch. Although Tesla tended to at a stretch. Although Tesla tended to at a stretch. Although Tesla tended to return his winnings to heavy losers, return his winnings to heavy losers, return his winnings to heavy losers, reciprocation did not occur, and one reciprocation did not occur, and one reciprocation did not occur, and one semester he lost his entire allowance, semester he lost his entire allowance, semester he lost his entire allowance, including the money for tuition. His including the money for tuition. His including the money for tuition. His father was fuming, but his mother came father was fuming, but his mother came father was fuming, but his mother came to him with a roll of bills and said, to him with a roll of bills and said, to him with a roll of bills and said, "Go and enjoy yourself. The sooner you "Go and enjoy yourself. The sooner you "Go and enjoy yourself. The sooner you lose all we possess, the better it will lose all we possess, the better it will lose all we possess, the better it will be. I know that you will get over it."

be. I know that you will get over it." be. I know that you will get over it." The audacious youth won back his initial The audacious youth won back his initial The audacious youth won back his initial losses and returned the balance to his losses and returned the balance to his losses and returned the balance to his family. I conquered my passion then and family. I conquered my passion then and family. I conquered my passion then and there, he wrote, and tore it from my there, he wrote, and tore it from my there, he wrote, and tore it from my heart so as not to leave a trace of heart so as not to leave a trace of heart so as not to leave a trace of desire. Ever since that time, I have desire. Ever since that time, I have desire. Ever since that time, I have been as indifferent to any form of been as indifferent to any form of been as indifferent to any form of gambling as to picking teeth. This gambling as to picking teeth. This gambling as to picking teeth. This statement appeared to be an statement appeared to be an statement appeared to be an exaggeration, as Tesla gambled quite exaggeration, as Tesla gambled quite exaggeration, as Tesla gambled quite freely with his future, and was known to freely with his future, and was known to freely with his future, and was known to play billyards when he came to the play billyards when he came to the play billyards when he came to the United States. An Edison employee United States. An Edison employee United States. An Edison employee recalled, "He played a beautiful game. recalled, "He played a beautiful game. recalled, "He played a beautiful game. Tesla was not a high scorer, but his Tesla was not a high scorer, but his Tesla was not a high scorer, but his cushion shots displayed skill equal to cushion shots displayed skill equal to cushion shots displayed skill equal to that of a professional exponent of this that of a professional exponent of this that of a professional exponent of this art." It has also been suggested that art." It has also been suggested that art." It has also been suggested that years later, in the early 1890s, Tesla years later, in the early 1890s, Tesla years later, in the early 1890s, Tesla built some of the wealthy socialites in built some of the wealthy socialites in built some of the wealthy socialites in New York by feigning minimal ability in New York by feigning minimal ability in New York by feigning minimal ability in the sport. Exam time came and Tesla was the sport. Exam time came and Tesla was the sport. Exam time came and Tesla was unprepared. He asked for an extension to unprepared. He asked for an extension to unprepared. He asked for an extension to study, but was denied. He never study, but was denied. He never study, but was denied. He never graduated from the Austrian Polytenic graduated from the Austrian Polytenic graduated from the Austrian Polytenic School and did not receive any grades School and did not receive any grades School and did not receive any grades for his last semester there. Most for his last semester there. Most for his last semester there. Most likely, he was discharged in part for likely, he was discharged in part for likely, he was discharged in part for gambling and supposedly womanizing.

gambling and supposedly womanizing. gambling and supposedly womanizing. According to his roommate, Tesla's According to his roommate, Tesla's According to his roommate, Tesla's cousins, who had been sending him money, cousins, who had been sending him money, cousins, who had been sending him money, therefore withdrew their aid. Fearing therefore withdrew their aid. Fearing therefore withdrew their aid. Fearing that his parents would find out, Tesla that his parents would find out, Tesla that his parents would find out, Tesla disappeared without word. Friends disappeared without word. Friends disappeared without word. Friends searched everywhere for him and decided searched everywhere for him and decided searched everywhere for him and decided that he had drowned in the river. that he had drowned in the river. that he had drowned in the river. Cland clandestinely packing his gear, Cland clandestinely packing his gear, Cland clandestinely packing his gear, Tesla traveled south over the border Tesla traveled south over the border Tesla traveled south over the border into Slovenia, where he arrived in into Slovenia, where he arrived in into Slovenia, where he arrived in Maribore in late spring of 1878 to look Maribore in late spring of 1878 to look Maribore in late spring of 1878 to look for work. He played cards with the local for work. He played cards with the local for work. He played cards with the local man on the streets, as is still the man on the streets, as is still the man on the streets, as is still the custom today, and soon gained employment custom today, and soon gained employment custom today, and soon gained employment with an engineer, earning 60 Florence a with an engineer, earning 60 Florence a with an engineer, earning 60 Florence a month, but the job was short-lived. month, but the job was short-lived. month, but the job was short-lived. Tesla continued traveling, making his Tesla continued traveling, making his Tesla continued traveling, making his way through Zagreb to the small coastal way through Zagreb to the small coastal way through Zagreb to the small coastal village of Mingag. He would not return village of Mingag. He would not return village of Mingag. He would not return home, for he didn't want to confront his home, for he didn't want to confront his home, for he didn't want to confront his parents. At the same time, however, parents. At the same time, however, parents. At the same time, however, Tesla also continued his quest for a Tesla also continued his quest for a Tesla also continued his quest for a solution to the problem of removing the solution to the problem of removing the solution to the problem of removing the commutator from the DC commutator from the DC commutator from the DC generator. His cousin, Dr. Nicola generator. His cousin, Dr. Nicola generator. His cousin, Dr. Nicola Privich, recalled the story he had heard Privich, recalled the story he had heard Privich, recalled the story he had heard as a boy growing up in Yugoslavia in the as a boy growing up in Yugoslavia in the as a boy growing up in Yugoslavia in the 1920s.

1920s. 1920s. My mother told us he would always like My mother told us he would always like My mother told us he would always like to be alone when Tesla visited us. In to be alone when Tesla visited us. In to be alone when Tesla visited us. In the morning, he would go off into the the morning, he would go off into the the morning, he would go off into the woods and meditate. He would measure one woods and meditate. He would measure one woods and meditate. He would measure one tree to another, making notes, tree to another, making notes, tree to another, making notes, experimenting, stringing wires between experimenting, stringing wires between experimenting, stringing wires between them, and transmitting current. Peasants them, and transmitting current. Peasants them, and transmitting current. Peasants passing by would be astonished at such passing by would be astonished at such passing by would be astonished at such an erratic person. They would approach an erratic person. They would approach an erratic person. They would approach and say, "We're sorry. Your cousin seems and say, "We're sorry. Your cousin seems and say, "We're sorry. Your cousin seems to be crazy." Having finally located his to be crazy." Having finally located his to be crazy." Having finally located his son after word from Kulish who had seen son after word from Kulish who had seen son after word from Kulish who had seen Tesla in Marabore, Malutin traveled Tesla in Marabore, Malutin traveled Tesla in Marabore, Malutin traveled north to discuss his academic problems, north to discuss his academic problems, north to discuss his academic problems, Tesla refused to return to Gratz. So Tesla refused to return to Gratz. So Tesla refused to return to Gratz. So Meutin offered a solution. His son would Meutin offered a solution. His son would Meutin offered a solution. His son would make a fresh start at another make a fresh start at another make a fresh start at another university. They returned to Gosh. university. They returned to Gosh. university. They returned to Gosh. Re-accepted into the family, Tesla began Re-accepted into the family, Tesla began Re-accepted into the family, Tesla began once again to attend church to hear his once again to attend church to hear his once again to attend church to hear his father's sermons. There he met Anna. She father's sermons. There he met Anna. She father's sermons. There he met Anna. She was tall and beautiful with was tall and beautiful with was tall and beautiful with extraordinary, understandable eyes. For extraordinary, understandable eyes. For extraordinary, understandable eyes. For the first and only time in his life, the first and only time in his life, the first and only time in his life, Tesla would say, "I fell in love."

Tesla would say, "I fell in love." Tesla would say, "I fell in love." Delighting in her company, Nicola would Delighting in her company, Nicola would Delighting in her company, Nicola would take Anna for strolls by the river or take Anna for strolls by the river or take Anna for strolls by the river or back to Smelion where they would talk back to Smelion where they would talk back to Smelion where they would talk about the future. He wanted to become an about the future. He wanted to become an about the future. He wanted to become an electrical engineer. She wanted to raise electrical engineer. She wanted to raise electrical engineer. She wanted to raise a family. The following year, Meutin a family. The following year, Meutin a family. The following year, Meutin passed away, and a few months later, in passed away, and a few months later, in passed away, and a few months later, in 1880, Tesla left for Bohemia, now in the 1880, Tesla left for Bohemia, now in the 1880, Tesla left for Bohemia, now in the Czech Republic, to carry out my father's Czech Republic, to carry out my father's Czech Republic, to carry out my father's wish and continue my education. He wish and continue my education. He wish and continue my education. He promised to write to Anna, but their promised to write to Anna, but their promised to write to Anna, but their romance was doomed, and she would marry romance was doomed, and she would marry romance was doomed, and she would marry shortly shortly shortly thereafter. Tesla enrolled in the thereafter. Tesla enrolled in the thereafter. Tesla enrolled in the Charles Ferdinand branch of the Charles Ferdinand branch of the Charles Ferdinand branch of the University of Prague, one of the University of Prague, one of the University of Prague, one of the foremost institutions in Europe, for the foremost institutions in Europe, for the foremost institutions in Europe, for the summer term. According to anst who a summer term. According to anst who a summer term. According to anst who a decade earlier had transferred from decade earlier had transferred from decade earlier had transferred from gratz to be appointed recctor magnificus gratz to be appointed recctor magnificus gratz to be appointed recctor magnificus Prague was a city rich in talented Prague was a city rich in talented Prague was a city rich in talented people with street signs often appearing people with street signs often appearing people with street signs often appearing in half a dozen languages. Although the in half a dozen languages. Although the in half a dozen languages. Although the city was filled with majestic buildings, city was filled with majestic buildings, city was filled with majestic buildings, sanitary conditions were severely sanitary conditions were severely sanitary conditions were severely lacking. To avoid typhoid fever, one had lacking. To avoid typhoid fever, one had lacking. To avoid typhoid fever, one had to boil water or obtain mineral water to boil water or obtain mineral water to boil water or obtain mineral water from springs to the north. Just 2 years from springs to the north. Just 2 years from springs to the north. Just 2 years after Tesla's stay, Harvard psychologist after Tesla's stay, Harvard psychologist after Tesla's stay, Harvard psychologist William James would come to visit to William James would come to visit to William James would come to visit to meet with Mark and Mark's arch rival meet with Mark and Mark's arch rival meet with Mark and Mark's arch rival Carl Stumpf, ordinary professor of Carl Stumpf, ordinary professor of Carl Stumpf, ordinary professor of philosophy. Stumpf was a student of the philosophy. Stumpf was a student of the philosophy. Stumpf was a student of the controversial ex-priest France Brenano, controversial ex-priest France Brenano, controversial ex-priest France Brenano, who also influenced another pupil, who also influenced another pupil, who also influenced another pupil, Sigman Freud, and was also Tesla's Sigman Freud, and was also Tesla's Sigman Freud, and was also Tesla's philosophy teacher. Other courses Tesla

philosophy teacher. Other courses Tesla philosophy teacher. Other courses Tesla undertook included analytical geometry undertook included analytical geometry undertook included analytical geometry with Heinrich Dura, experimental physics with Heinrich Dura, experimental physics with Heinrich Dura, experimental physics with Carol Domalib, both ordinary with Carol Domalib, both ordinary with Carol Domalib, both ordinary professors, and higher mathematics with professors, and higher mathematics with professors, and higher mathematics with Anton Pusha, who was an extraordinary Anton Pusha, who was an extraordinary Anton Pusha, who was an extraordinary professor from the German Technical professor from the German Technical professor from the German Technical University, also in Prague. With Stref, University, also in Prague. With Stref, University, also in Prague. With Stref, Tesla studied Scottish philosopher David Tesla studied Scottish philosopher David Tesla studied Scottish philosopher David Hume. Raised as a child prodigy of Hume. Raised as a child prodigy of Hume. Raised as a child prodigy of music, the asserbic and sharp-nosed music, the asserbic and sharp-nosed music, the asserbic and sharp-nosed Strumf opposed a number of key Strumf opposed a number of key Strumf opposed a number of key psychopysicists, including the famed psychopysicists, including the famed psychopysicists, including the famed Liil Helm Vunt as well as Mark. But at Liil Helm Vunt as well as Mark. But at Liil Helm Vunt as well as Mark. But at the same time, he also helped shape the the same time, he also helped shape the the same time, he also helped shape the thinking of a number of key students thinking of a number of key students thinking of a number of key students such as phenomenologist Edmund Husel and such as phenomenologist Edmund Husel and such as phenomenologist Edmund Husel and Gestalt psychologist Wolf Gang Kola. A Gestalt psychologist Wolf Gang Kola. A Gestalt psychologist Wolf Gang Kola. A persuasive advocate of Hume's radical persuasive advocate of Hume's radical persuasive advocate of Hume's radical skepticism, Schumf argued for the skepticism, Schumf argued for the skepticism, Schumf argued for the concept of the tabular raza. Basing his concept of the tabular raza. Basing his concept of the tabular raza. Basing his thinking on Aristotle and John Lockach, thinking on Aristotle and John Lockach, thinking on Aristotle and John Lockach, both of whom repudiated the concept of both of whom repudiated the concept of both of whom repudiated the concept of innate ideas. Schump stated that the innate ideas. Schump stated that the innate ideas. Schump stated that the human mind was born a blank state, a human mind was born a blank state, a human mind was born a blank state, a tabular raza. Imping on it after birth tabular raza. Imping on it after birth tabular raza. Imping on it after birth were all of the primary quality of were all of the primary quality of were all of the primary quality of things, that is true knowledge about the things, that is true knowledge about the things, that is true knowledge about the world. Through the sense organs, Tesla world. Through the sense organs, Tesla world. Through the sense organs, Tesla learned the brain mechanically recorded learned the brain mechanically recorded learned the brain mechanically recorded incoming data. The mind, according to incoming data. The mind, according to incoming data. The mind, according to Hume, was nothing more than a simple Hume, was nothing more than a simple Hume, was nothing more than a simple compilation of cause and effect compilation of cause and effect compilation of cause and effect sensations. What we call ideas were sensations. What we call ideas were sensations. What we call ideas were secondary impressions derived from these secondary impressions derived from these secondary impressions derived from these primary primary primary sensations. The will and even the soul

sensations. The will and even the soul sensations. The will and even the soul were reduced by Hume to impressions and were reduced by Hume to impressions and were reduced by Hume to impressions and associations of impressions. At this associations of impressions. At this associations of impressions. At this time Tesla also studied the theories of time Tesla also studied the theories of time Tesla also studied the theories of Daycart who envisioned animals including Daycart who envisioned animals including Daycart who envisioned animals including man as simply automatter incapable of man as simply automatter incapable of man as simply automatter incapable of actions other than those characteristic actions other than those characteristic actions other than those characteristic of a machine. This line of thinking of a machine. This line of thinking of a machine. This line of thinking would dominate Tesla's worldview and would dominate Tesla's worldview and would dominate Tesla's worldview and would ironically serve as the template would ironically serve as the template would ironically serve as the template for a mechanistic paradigm that would for a mechanistic paradigm that would for a mechanistic paradigm that would lead the inventor to discover his most lead the inventor to discover his most lead the inventor to discover his most original creations. Even though the original creations. Even though the original creations. Even though the whole idea of original discovery appears whole idea of original discovery appears whole idea of original discovery appears to be antithetical to this extrinsically to be antithetical to this extrinsically to be antithetical to this extrinsically motivated Aristotleian premise, motivated Aristotleian premise, motivated Aristotleian premise, according to Tesla and to this view, all according to Tesla and to this view, all according to Tesla and to this view, all of his discoveries were derived from the of his discoveries were derived from the of his discoveries were derived from the outside world. Although Tesla does not outside world. Although Tesla does not outside world. Although Tesla does not overtly refer to Stump's perceived overtly refer to Stump's perceived overtly refer to Stump's perceived adversary, in retrospect, it appears adversary, in retrospect, it appears adversary, in retrospect, it appears obvious that Stump's opposition did not obvious that Stump's opposition did not obvious that Stump's opposition did not stop Tesla from studying Mark's stop Tesla from studying Mark's stop Tesla from studying Mark's experiments in wave mechanics. Born in experiments in wave mechanics. Born in experiments in wave mechanics. Born in Moravia, now the Czech Republic in 1838, Moravia, now the Czech Republic in 1838, Moravia, now the Czech Republic in 1838, Mark graduated from the University of Mark graduated from the University of Mark graduated from the University of Vienna in 1860. By 1864, he was a full Vienna in 1860. By 1864, he was a full Vienna in 1860. By 1864, he was a full professor at Grants and by 1867, he was professor at Grants and by 1867, he was professor at Grants and by 1867, he was head of the department of experimental head of the department of experimental head of the department of experimental physics at Prague with four books and 62 physics at Prague with four books and 62 physics at Prague with four books and 62 articles to his credit. Influenced by articles to his credit. Influenced by articles to his credit. Influenced by the research in psychopysics of Fckner the research in psychopysics of Fckner the research in psychopysics of Fckner in Grants and Ludvik von Helmholtz in in Grants and Ludvik von Helmholtz in in Grants and Ludvik von Helmholtz in Berlin, Mark studied the workings of the Berlin, Mark studied the workings of the Berlin, Mark studied the workings of the human eye along with his Prague human eye along with his Prague human eye along with his Prague colleague, famed physiologist and colleague, famed physiologist and colleague, famed physiologist and philosopher Yan Porin. Both the eye and

philosopher Yan Porin. Both the eye and philosopher Yan Porin. Both the eye and the ear collected information from the the ear collected information from the the ear collected information from the outside world, analyzed it and outside world, analyzed it and outside world, analyzed it and transferred it via electrical impulses transferred it via electrical impulses transferred it via electrical impulses in the nerves to the respective in the nerves to the respective in the nerves to the respective processing centers in the brain. This processing centers in the brain. This processing centers in the brain. This traditional line of research had been traditional line of research had been traditional line of research had been taken by many other well-known taken by many other well-known taken by many other well-known scientists including Isaac Newton, Johan scientists including Isaac Newton, Johan scientists including Isaac Newton, Johan von Gerta and Herbert Spencer, all von Gerta and Herbert Spencer, all von Gerta and Herbert Spencer, all favorites of favorites of favorites of Teslas. In his laboratory, Mark had Teslas. In his laboratory, Mark had Teslas. In his laboratory, Mark had constructed a famous instrument known as constructed a famous instrument known as constructed a famous instrument known as a wave machine. This device could make a wave machine. This device could make a wave machine. This device could make progressive and standing longitudinal progressive and standing longitudinal progressive and standing longitudinal and transverse waves. and transverse waves. and transverse waves. Mark could display a number of Mark could display a number of Mark could display a number of mechanical effects with these acoustic mechanical effects with these acoustic mechanical effects with these acoustic waves and demonstrate the analogy waves and demonstrate the analogy waves and demonstrate the analogy between acoustic and electromagnetic between acoustic and electromagnetic between acoustic and electromagnetic events. By this means, the mechanical events. By this means, the mechanical events. By this means, the mechanical theory of the ether could also be theory of the ether could also be theory of the ether could also be demonstrated by studying acoustical wave demonstrated by studying acoustical wave demonstrated by studying acoustical wave motion in association with mechanical, motion in association with mechanical, motion in association with mechanical, electrical, and optical phenomena. Mark electrical, and optical phenomena. Mark electrical, and optical phenomena. Mark discovered that when the speed of sound discovered that when the speed of sound discovered that when the speed of sound was achieved, the nature of an air flow was achieved, the nature of an air flow was achieved, the nature of an air flow over an object changed dramatically.

over an object changed dramatically. over an object changed dramatically. This threshold value became known as This threshold value became known as This threshold value became known as Mark 1. Mark also wrote on the structure Mark 1. Mark also wrote on the structure Mark 1. Mark also wrote on the structure of the ether and hypothesized that it of the ether and hypothesized that it of the ether and hypothesized that it was inherently linked to a gravitational was inherently linked to a gravitational was inherently linked to a gravitational attraction between all masses in the attraction between all masses in the attraction between all masses in the universe. Influenced overtly by Buddhist universe. Influenced overtly by Buddhist universe. Influenced overtly by Buddhist writings which no doubt filtered down to writings which no doubt filtered down to writings which no doubt filtered down to esoteric discussions by the university esoteric discussions by the university esoteric discussions by the university students. Mark could hypothesize that no students. Mark could hypothesize that no students. Mark could hypothesize that no event in the universe was separate from event in the universe was separate from event in the universe was separate from any other. The inertia of a system is any other. The inertia of a system is any other. The inertia of a system is reduced to a functional relationship reduced to a functional relationship reduced to a functional relationship between the system and the rest of the between the system and the rest of the between the system and the rest of the universe. This viewpoint was extended to universe. This viewpoint was extended to universe. This viewpoint was extended to the relationship of mental events to the relationship of mental events to the relationship of mental events to exterior exterior exterior influences. Like he agreed that every influences. Like he agreed that every influences. Like he agreed that every mental event had to have a corresponding mental event had to have a corresponding mental event had to have a corresponding physical action. Since Mark's writing so physical action. Since Mark's writing so physical action. Since Mark's writing so closely paralleled Tesla's later closely paralleled Tesla's later closely paralleled Tesla's later research and philosophical outlook, Mark research and philosophical outlook, Mark research and philosophical outlook, Mark seems a curious omission from Tesla's seems a curious omission from Tesla's seems a curious omission from Tesla's published writings. By the time Tesla published writings. By the time Tesla published writings. By the time Tesla left the university at the end of the left the university at the end of the left the university at the end of the term, he had made great strides, both term, he had made great strides, both term, he had made great strides, both theoretical and practical, in solving theoretical and practical, in solving theoretical and practical, in solving the AC dilemma. It was in that city, the AC dilemma. It was in that city, the AC dilemma. It was in that city, Tesla said, that I made a decided Tesla said, that I made a decided Tesla said, that I made a decided advance which consisted in detaching the advance which consisted in detaching the advance which consisted in detaching the commutator from the machine and studying commutator from the machine and studying commutator from the machine and studying the phenomena in this new aspect. With the phenomena in this new aspect. With the phenomena in this new aspect. With the death of his father, he needed to the death of his father, he needed to the death of his father, he needed to earn his own living. He began an earn his own living. He began an earn his own living. He began an apprenticeship in teaching, but did not apprenticeship in teaching, but did not apprenticeship in teaching, but did not enjoy it. Uncle Pio suggested that he enjoy it. Uncle Pio suggested that he enjoy it. Uncle Pio suggested that he moved to Hungary where employment could moved to Hungary where employment could moved to Hungary where employment could be obtained through a military friend

be obtained through a military friend be obtained through a military friend Ference Pushkash who ran the new Ference Pushkash who ran the new Ference Pushkash who ran the new American telephone exchange with his American telephone exchange with his American telephone exchange with his brother Tilada. In January 1881, Tesla brother Tilada. In January 1881, Tesla brother Tilada. In January 1881, Tesla moved to Budapestt, but he found to his moved to Budapestt, but he found to his moved to Budapestt, but he found to his dismay that the operation had not yet dismay that the operation had not yet dismay that the operation had not yet been launched. The Pushkosh brothers been launched. The Pushkosh brothers been launched. The Pushkosh brothers were very busy men running operations in were very busy men running operations in were very busy men running operations in St. Petersburg and overseeing in Paris St. Petersburg and overseeing in Paris St. Petersburg and overseeing in Paris Thomas Edison's incandescent lamp Thomas Edison's incandescent lamp Thomas Edison's incandescent lamp exhibit at the Paris Exposition and exhibit at the Paris Exposition and exhibit at the Paris Exposition and fixing the lighting system at the opera fixing the lighting system at the opera fixing the lighting system at the opera house there. Out of funds and without a house there. Out of funds and without a house there. Out of funds and without a job, Tesla approached the engineering job, Tesla approached the engineering job, Tesla approached the engineering department at the Central Telegraph department at the Central Telegraph department at the Central Telegraph office of the Hungarian government and office of the Hungarian government and office of the Hungarian government and talked his way into a position as a talked his way into a position as a talked his way into a position as a draftsman and designer. Working for a draftsman and designer. Working for a draftsman and designer. Working for a subsistent salary, he utilized what subsistent salary, he utilized what subsistent salary, he utilized what little surplus funds he had to purchase little surplus funds he had to purchase little surplus funds he had to purchase equipment to further his equipment to further his equipment to further his experiments. Anthony Sigot, a former experiments. Anthony Sigot, a former experiments. Anthony Sigot, a former classmate and engineer from Hungary, classmate and engineer from Hungary, classmate and engineer from Hungary, with the body of Apollo and a big head with the body of Apollo and a big head with the body of Apollo and a big head with a lump on the side that gave him a with a lump on the side that gave him a with a lump on the side that gave him a startling appearance, became Tesla's startling appearance, became Tesla's startling appearance, became Tesla's friend and confident. Many a night when friend and confident. Many a night when friend and confident. Many a night when the budding inventor was not imshed in the budding inventor was not imshed in the budding inventor was not imshed in his research, the two fellows would meet his research, the two fellows would meet his research, the two fellows would meet at the local cafes where they would at the local cafes where they would at the local cafes where they would discuss the events of the day or compete discuss the events of the day or compete discuss the events of the day or compete in such friendly games as determining in such friendly games as determining in such friendly games as determining who could drink the most milk. On one who could drink the most milk. On one who could drink the most milk. On one such occasion, Tesla claimed he was such occasion, Tesla claimed he was such occasion, Tesla claimed he was beaten after the 38th bottle. Due to his beaten after the 38th bottle. Due to his beaten after the 38th bottle. Due to his meager funds and general inability to meager funds and general inability to meager funds and general inability to budget himself, Tesla had but one suit budget himself, Tesla had but one suit budget himself, Tesla had but one suit which had withered from use. It was the

which had withered from use. It was the which had withered from use. It was the time of a religious festival, and time of a religious festival, and time of a religious festival, and Ziggoti inquired what Tesla would be Ziggoti inquired what Tesla would be Ziggoti inquired what Tesla would be wearing. Stuck for an answer, the wearing. Stuck for an answer, the wearing. Stuck for an answer, the youthful inventor came upon the clever youthful inventor came upon the clever youthful inventor came upon the clever idea of turning his suit inside out, idea of turning his suit inside out, idea of turning his suit inside out, planning thereby to show up with a planning thereby to show up with a planning thereby to show up with a seemingly new set of clothes. All night seemingly new set of clothes. All night seemingly new set of clothes. All night was spent tailoring and ironing. But was spent tailoring and ironing. But was spent tailoring and ironing. But when one starts with a wrong premise, no when one starts with a wrong premise, no when one starts with a wrong premise, no amount of patching can write the amount of patching can write the amount of patching can write the problem. The outfit looked ridiculous, problem. The outfit looked ridiculous, problem. The outfit looked ridiculous, and Tesla stayed home instead. In a few and Tesla stayed home instead. In a few and Tesla stayed home instead. In a few months, the American Telephone Exchange months, the American Telephone Exchange months, the American Telephone Exchange opened there in Budapestt, and Tesla and opened there in Budapestt, and Tesla and opened there in Budapestt, and Tesla and Ziggoti immediately gained employment. Ziggoti immediately gained employment. Ziggoti immediately gained employment. The new enterprise allowed the young The new enterprise allowed the young The new enterprise allowed the young engineers to finally learn firsthand how engineers to finally learn firsthand how engineers to finally learn firsthand how the most modern inventions of the day the most modern inventions of the day the most modern inventions of the day operated. It was also the first time operated. It was also the first time operated. It was also the first time that Tesla was introduced to the work of that Tesla was introduced to the work of that Tesla was introduced to the work of Thomas Edison, the Napoleon of Thomas Edison, the Napoleon of Thomas Edison, the Napoleon of invention, whose improvements on Bell's invention, whose improvements on Bell's invention, whose improvements on Bell's telephone helped revolutionize the field telephone helped revolutionize the field telephone helped revolutionize the field of communications. of communications. of communications. Up the poles Tesla would climb to check Up the poles Tesla would climb to check Up the poles Tesla would climb to check the lines and repair equipment. On the the lines and repair equipment. On the the lines and repair equipment. On the ground he worked as a mechanic and ground he worked as a mechanic and ground he worked as a mechanic and mathematician. There he studied the mathematician. There he studied the mathematician. There he studied the principle of induction whereby a mass principle of induction whereby a mass principle of induction whereby a mass with an electric or electromagnetic with an electric or electromagnetic with an electric or electromagnetic charge can provide a corresponding charge can provide a corresponding charge can provide a corresponding charge or force or magnetism in a second charge or force or magnetism in a second charge or force or magnetism in a second mass without contact. He also studied a mass without contact. He also studied a mass without contact. He also studied a number of Edison's inventions such as number of Edison's inventions such as number of Edison's inventions such as his multiplex telegraph which allowed his multiplex telegraph which allowed his multiplex telegraph which allowed four Morsecoded messages to be sent in four Morsecoded messages to be sent in four Morsecoded messages to be sent in two directions simultaneously and his two directions simultaneously and his two directions simultaneously and his new induction triggered carbon disc

new induction triggered carbon disc new induction triggered carbon disc speaker, the flat circular easily speaker, the flat circular easily speaker, the flat circular easily removable device which is still found in removable device which is still found in removable device which is still found in the mouthpiece of every telephone today. the mouthpiece of every telephone today. the mouthpiece of every telephone today. As was his nature, Tesla took apart the As was his nature, Tesla took apart the As was his nature, Tesla took apart the various instruments and conceived ways various instruments and conceived ways various instruments and conceived ways of improving them. By giving the carbon of improving them. By giving the carbon of improving them. By giving the carbon disc a conicle shape, he fashioned an disc a conicle shape, he fashioned an disc a conicle shape, he fashioned an amplifier which repeated and boosted amplifier which repeated and boosted amplifier which repeated and boosted transmission signals. Tesla had invented transmission signals. Tesla had invented transmission signals. Tesla had invented a precursor of the loudspeaker. He never a precursor of the loudspeaker. He never a precursor of the loudspeaker. He never bothered to obtain a patent on it. bothered to obtain a patent on it. bothered to obtain a patent on it. Except for friendly diversion with Except for friendly diversion with Except for friendly diversion with Ziggardy, Tesla's every spare moment was Ziggardy, Tesla's every spare moment was Ziggardy, Tesla's every spare moment was spent reworking the problem of spent reworking the problem of spent reworking the problem of eliminating the commutator in DC eliminating the commutator in DC eliminating the commutator in DC machines and harnessing AC without machines and harnessing AC without machines and harnessing AC without cumbersome intermediaries. Although a cumbersome intermediaries. Although a cumbersome intermediaries. Although a solution seemed imminent, the answer solution seemed imminent, the answer solution seemed imminent, the answer would not be revealed. Hundreds of hours would not be revealed. Hundreds of hours would not be revealed. Hundreds of hours were spent building and rebuilding were spent building and rebuilding were spent building and rebuilding equipment and discussing his ideas with equipment and discussing his ideas with equipment and discussing his ideas with his friend. He poured over his his friend. He poured over his his friend. He poured over his calculations and reviewed the work of calculations and reviewed the work of calculations and reviewed the work of others. Tesla later wrote, "With me, it others. Tesla later wrote, "With me, it others. Tesla later wrote, "With me, it was a sacred vow, a question of life or was a sacred vow, a question of life or was a sacred vow, a question of life or death. I knew that I would perish if I death. I knew that I would perish if I death. I knew that I would perish if I failed." Monomomaniacal in pursuit of failed." Monomomaniacal in pursuit of failed." Monomomaniacal in pursuit of his goal, he gave up sleep or rest of his goal, he gave up sleep or rest of his goal, he gave up sleep or rest of any kind, straining every fiber to prove any kind, straining every fiber to prove any kind, straining every fiber to prove once and for all that he was right, and once and for all that he was right, and once and for all that he was right, and Professor Persel and the rest of the Professor Persel and the rest of the Professor Persel and the rest of the world were wrong. His body and brain world were wrong. His body and brain world were wrong. His body and brain finally gave up and he suffered a severe finally gave up and he suffered a severe finally gave up and he suffered a severe nervous collapse. Experiencing an nervous collapse. Experiencing an nervous collapse. Experiencing an illness that surpasses all belief.

illness that surpasses all belief. illness that surpasses all belief. Claiming that his pulse raced to 250 Claiming that his pulse raced to 250 Claiming that his pulse raced to 250 beats per minute, his body twitched and beats per minute, his body twitched and beats per minute, his body twitched and quivered incessantly. I could hear the quivered incessantly. I could hear the quivered incessantly. I could hear the ticking of a watch three rooms away. A ticking of a watch three rooms away. A ticking of a watch three rooms away. A fly a lighting on a table would cause a fly a lighting on a table would cause a fly a lighting on a table would cause a dull thud in my ear. A carriage passing dull thud in my ear. A carriage passing dull thud in my ear. A carriage passing at a distance fairly shook my whole at a distance fairly shook my whole at a distance fairly shook my whole body. I had to support my bed on rubber body. I had to support my bed on rubber body. I had to support my bed on rubber cushions to get any rest at all. The cushions to get any rest at all. The cushions to get any rest at all. The sun's rays, when periodically sun's rays, when periodically sun's rays, when periodically intercepted, would cause blows of such intercepted, would cause blows of such intercepted, would cause blows of such force on my brain that they would stun force on my brain that they would stun force on my brain that they would stun me. In the dark, I had the sense of a me. In the dark, I had the sense of a me. In the dark, I had the sense of a bat and could detect the presence of an bat and could detect the presence of an bat and could detect the presence of an object by a peculiar, creepy sensation object by a peculiar, creepy sensation object by a peculiar, creepy sensation on the forehead. A respected doctor on the forehead. A respected doctor on the forehead. A respected doctor pronounced his malady unique and pronounced his malady unique and pronounced his malady unique and incurable. Desperately clinging to life, incurable. Desperately clinging to life, incurable. Desperately clinging to life, Tesla was not expected to recover. Tesla Tesla was not expected to recover. Tesla Tesla was not expected to recover. Tesla attributes his revival to a powerful attributes his revival to a powerful attributes his revival to a powerful desire to live and to continue the work desire to live and to continue the work desire to live and to continue the work and to the assistance of the athletic and to the assistance of the athletic and to the assistance of the athletic ziggity who forced him outdoors and got ziggity who forced him outdoors and got ziggity who forced him outdoors and got him to undertake healthful him to undertake healthful him to undertake healthful exercises. Mystics attributed the event exercises. Mystics attributed the event exercises. Mystics attributed the event to the triggering of his pineal gland to the triggering of his pineal gland to the triggering of his pineal gland and corresponding access to higher and corresponding access to higher and corresponding access to higher mystical states of consciousness. During mystical states of consciousness. During mystical states of consciousness. During a walk in the park with Ziggoti at a walk in the park with Ziggoti at a walk in the park with Ziggoti at sunset, the solution to the problem sunset, the solution to the problem sunset, the solution to the problem suddenly became manifest as he was suddenly became manifest as he was suddenly became manifest as he was reciting a glorious passage from Gerta's reciting a glorious passage from Gerta's reciting a glorious passage from Gerta's fast. See how the setting sun with ruddy fast. See how the setting sun with ruddy fast. See how the setting sun with ruddy glow the green and bosome Hamlet fires.

glow the green and bosome Hamlet fires. glow the green and bosome Hamlet fires. He sinks and fades. The day is lived and He sinks and fades. The day is lived and He sinks and fades. The day is lived and gone. He hastens forth new scenes of gone. He hastens forth new scenes of gone. He hastens forth new scenes of life to waken. Oh, for a wing to lift life to waken. Oh, for a wing to lift life to waken. Oh, for a wing to lift and bear me on and on to where his last and bear me on and on to where his last and bear me on and on to where his last rays beckon. As I uttered these rays beckon. As I uttered these rays beckon. As I uttered these inspiring words, Sesler declared, the inspiring words, Sesler declared, the inspiring words, Sesler declared, the truth was suddenly revealed. I drew with truth was suddenly revealed. I drew with truth was suddenly revealed. I drew with a stick on the sand the diagrams shown 6 a stick on the sand the diagrams shown 6 a stick on the sand the diagrams shown 6 years later in my address before the years later in my address before the years later in my address before the American Institute of Electrical American Institute of Electrical American Institute of Electrical Engineers. Pigon, seeing his statue come Engineers. Pigon, seeing his statue come Engineers. Pigon, seeing his statue come to life, could not have been more deeply to life, could not have been more deeply to life, could not have been more deeply moved. A thousand secrets of nature moved. A thousand secrets of nature moved. A thousand secrets of nature which I might have stumbled upon which I might have stumbled upon which I might have stumbled upon accidentally, I would have given for accidentally, I would have given for accidentally, I would have given for that one which I had wrestled from her that one which I had wrestled from her that one which I had wrestled from her against all odds and at the peril of my against all odds and at the peril of my against all odds and at the peril of my existence. Tesla emphasized that his existence. Tesla emphasized that his existence. Tesla emphasized that his conceptualization involved new conceptualization involved new conceptualization involved new principles rather than refinements of principles rather than refinements of principles rather than refinements of pre-existing work. The AC creation came pre-existing work. The AC creation came pre-existing work. The AC creation came to be known as the rotating magnetic to be known as the rotating magnetic to be known as the rotating magnetic field. Simply stated, Tesla utilized two field. Simply stated, Tesla utilized two field. Simply stated, Tesla utilized two circuits instead of the customary single circuits instead of the customary single circuits instead of the customary single circuit to transmit electrical energy circuit to transmit electrical energy circuit to transmit electrical energy and thus generated dual currents 90° out and thus generated dual currents 90° out and thus generated dual currents 90° out of phase with each other. The net effect of phase with each other. The net effect of phase with each other. The net effect was that a receiving magnet or motor was that a receiving magnet or motor was that a receiving magnet or motor armature by means of induction would armature by means of induction would armature by means of induction would rotate in space and thereby continually rotate in space and thereby continually rotate in space and thereby continually attract a steady stream of electrons attract a steady stream of electrons attract a steady stream of electrons whether or not the charge was positive whether or not the charge was positive whether or not the charge was positive or negative. He also worked out the or negative. He also worked out the or negative. He also worked out the mechanism to explain the effect.

mechanism to explain the effect. mechanism to explain the effect. In less than two months, Tesla wrote, I In less than two months, Tesla wrote, I In less than two months, Tesla wrote, I evolved virtually all the types of evolved virtually all the types of evolved virtually all the types of motors and modifications of the system motors and modifications of the system motors and modifications of the system now identified with my name. It was a now identified with my name. It was a now identified with my name. It was a mental state of happiness as complete as mental state of happiness as complete as mental state of happiness as complete as I have ever known in my life. Ideas came I have ever known in my life. Ideas came I have ever known in my life. Ideas came in an uninterrupted stream, and the only in an uninterrupted stream, and the only in an uninterrupted stream, and the only difficulty I had was to hold them fast. difficulty I had was to hold them fast. difficulty I had was to hold them fast. Tesla invented at this time not only Tesla invented at this time not only Tesla invented at this time not only single-phase motors, whereby the two single-phase motors, whereby the two single-phase motors, whereby the two circuits were 90° out of phase with each other, but also out of phase with each other, but also polyphase motors which used three or polyphase motors which used three or polyphase motors which used three or more circuits of the same frequency in more circuits of the same frequency in more circuits of the same frequency in various other degrees out of phase with various other degrees out of phase with various other degrees out of phase with each other. Motors would be run entirely each other. Motors would be run entirely each other. Motors would be run entirely in his mind. Improvements and additions in his mind. Improvements and additions in his mind. Improvements and additions to design were conceived. Finally, plans to design were conceived. Finally, plans to design were conceived. Finally, plans and mathematical calculations would and mathematical calculations would and mathematical calculations would eventually be transferred to a notebook. eventually be transferred to a notebook. eventually be transferred to a notebook. This step-by-step procedure would become This step-by-step procedure would become This step-by-step procedure would become customary. Fen Pushkash, who had customary. Fen Pushkash, who had customary. Fen Pushkash, who had initially hired Tesla, asked if he initially hired Tesla, asked if he initially hired Tesla, asked if he wanted to help his brother Tibeta run wanted to help his brother Tibeta run wanted to help his brother Tibeta run the new Edison lighting company in the new Edison lighting company in the new Edison lighting company in Paris. Tesla said, "I gladly accepted."

Paris. Tesla said, "I gladly accepted." Paris. Tesla said, "I gladly accepted." Ziggoti was also offered a position. So Ziggoti was also offered a position. So Ziggoti was also offered a position. So Tesla was fortunate to have a good Tesla was fortunate to have a good Tesla was fortunate to have a good friend with whom he could share the new friend with whom he could share the new friend with whom he could share the new adventure. Was Tesla the first to adventure. Was Tesla the first to adventure. Was Tesla the first to conceive of a rotating magnetic field? conceive of a rotating magnetic field? conceive of a rotating magnetic field? The answer is no. As far back as 1824, a The answer is no. As far back as 1824, a The answer is no. As far back as 1824, a French astronomer by the name of French astronomer by the name of French astronomer by the name of Francois Argo experimented with spinning Francois Argo experimented with spinning Francois Argo experimented with spinning the arm of a magnet by using a copper the arm of a magnet by using a copper the arm of a magnet by using a copper disc. The first workable rotating disc. The first workable rotating disc. The first workable rotating magnetic field similar to Tesla's 1882 magnetic field similar to Tesla's 1882 magnetic field similar to Tesla's 1882 revelation was conceived 3 years before revelation was conceived 3 years before revelation was conceived 3 years before him by Mr. Walter Bailey who him by Mr. Walter Bailey who him by Mr. Walter Bailey who demonstrated the principle before the demonstrated the principle before the demonstrated the principle before the physical society of London on June the physical society of London on June the physical society of London on June the 28th 1879 in a paper entitled a mode of 28th 1879 in a paper entitled a mode of 28th 1879 in a paper entitled a mode of producing Argo's rotations. The producing Argo's rotations. The producing Argo's rotations. The invention comprised two batteries invention comprised two batteries invention comprised two batteries connected to two pairs of electromagnets connected to two pairs of electromagnets connected to two pairs of electromagnets volted catty corner to each other in an volted catty corner to each other in an volted catty corner to each other in an X pattern with a commutator used as a X pattern with a commutator used as a X pattern with a commutator used as a switching device. The rotating magnetic switching device. The rotating magnetic switching device. The rotating magnetic field was initiated and maintained by field was initiated and maintained by field was initiated and maintained by manually cranking the commutator. On manually cranking the commutator. On manually cranking the commutator. On this occasion, Bailey stated, "The disc this occasion, Bailey stated, "The disc this occasion, Bailey stated, "The disc can be made to rotate by means of can be made to rotate by means of can be made to rotate by means of intermittent rotation of the field intermittent rotation of the field intermittent rotation of the field affected by means of affected by means of affected by means of electromagnets." Two years later at the electromagnets." Two years later at the electromagnets." Two years later at the Paris Exposition of 1881 came the work Paris Exposition of 1881 came the work Paris Exposition of 1881 came the work of Marcel Der Prey who calculated that a of Marcel Der Prey who calculated that a of Marcel Der Prey who calculated that a rotating magnetic field could be rotating magnetic field could be rotating magnetic field could be produced without the aid of a commutator produced without the aid of a commutator produced without the aid of a commutator by energizing electromagnets with two by energizing electromagnets with two by energizing electromagnets with two outofstep AC currents. However, Depra's outofstep AC currents. However, Depra's outofstep AC currents. However, Depra's invention, which won an award at the

invention, which won an award at the invention, which won an award at the electrical show, had a major problem. electrical show, had a major problem. electrical show, had a major problem. One of the currents was furnished by the One of the currents was furnished by the One of the currents was furnished by the machine itself. Furthermore, the machine itself. Furthermore, the machine itself. Furthermore, the invention was never practically invention was never practically invention was never practically demonstrated. Other researchers who demonstrated. Other researchers who demonstrated. Other researchers who conceived of a rotating magnetic field conceived of a rotating magnetic field conceived of a rotating magnetic field analogist to Teslas but after his analogist to Teslas but after his analogist to Teslas but after his revelation in early 1882 were professor revelation in early 1882 were professor revelation in early 1882 were professor Galileo Ferraris of Turin Italy 1885 Galileo Ferraris of Turin Italy 1885 Galileo Ferraris of Turin Italy 1885 to88 and an American engineer Charles to88 and an American engineer Charles to88 and an American engineer Charles Bradley Bradley Bradley 1887. Ferraris was influenced by the 1887. Ferraris was influenced by the 1887. Ferraris was influenced by the work of Lucien Golar and George Gibbs work of Lucien Golar and George Gibbs work of Lucien Golar and George Gibbs who designed AC transformers during the who designed AC transformers during the who designed AC transformers during the mid 1880s. In 1883, they presented their mid 1880s. In 1883, they presented their mid 1880s. In 1883, they presented their AC system at the Royal Aquarium in AC system at the Royal Aquarium in AC system at the Royal Aquarium in London. And in 1885, they installed an London. And in 1885, they installed an London. And in 1885, they installed an AC system of power distribution in AC system of power distribution in AC system of power distribution in Italy, where they met Italy, where they met Italy, where they met Ferraris. Purchased by George Ferraris. Purchased by George Ferraris. Purchased by George Westinghouse for $50,000. The system was Westinghouse for $50,000. The system was Westinghouse for $50,000. The system was installed in Great Barington, installed in Great Barington, installed in Great Barington, Massachusetts the following year by Massachusetts the following year by Massachusetts the following year by William Stanley, Westinghouse's head William Stanley, Westinghouse's head William Stanley, Westinghouse's head engineer. The Golar Gibbs invention, engineer. The Golar Gibbs invention, engineer. The Golar Gibbs invention, however, did not do away with the however, did not do away with the however, did not do away with the commutator, which was the express commutator, which was the express commutator, which was the express purpose of Tesla's design. In Ferraris's purpose of Tesla's design. In Ferraris's purpose of Tesla's design. In Ferraris's published treatise on his independent published treatise on his independent published treatise on his independent discovery of a rotating magnetic field, discovery of a rotating magnetic field, discovery of a rotating magnetic field, he wrote, "This principle cannot be of he wrote, "This principle cannot be of he wrote, "This principle cannot be of any commercial importance as a motor."

any commercial importance as a motor." any commercial importance as a motor." After learning of Tesla's work, Ferraris After learning of Tesla's work, Ferraris After learning of Tesla's work, Ferraris stated, "Tesla developed it much further stated, "Tesla developed it much further stated, "Tesla developed it much further than I did." Bradley filed for a patent than I did." Bradley filed for a patent than I did." Bradley filed for a patent for an AC polyphase device on May the for an AC polyphase device on May the for an AC polyphase device on May the 8th 1887 number 8th 1887 number 8th 1887 number 390,439 after nine Tesla AC patents had 390,439 after nine Tesla AC patents had 390,439 after nine Tesla AC patents had been granted. Hassel Vander in the same been granted. Hassel Vander in the same been granted. Hassel Vander in the same year utilized slip rings in place of year utilized slip rings in place of year utilized slip rings in place of commutators on DC Thompson hoo equipment commutators on DC Thompson hoo equipment commutators on DC Thompson hoo equipment and also designed two and three-phase and also designed two and three-phase and also designed two and three-phase windings on DC windings on DC windings on DC armatures. The question of priority armatures. The question of priority armatures. The question of priority concerning Tesla's invention was concerning Tesla's invention was concerning Tesla's invention was discussed by Sylvanas P. Thompson, a discussed by Sylvanas P. Thompson, a discussed by Sylvanas P. Thompson, a physics professor in London in his 1897 physics professor in London in his 1897 physics professor in London in his 1897 comprehensive text on AC motors. comprehensive text on AC motors. comprehensive text on AC motors. Thompson, no relationship to Elhu Thompson, no relationship to Elhu Thompson, no relationship to Elhu Thompson, considered at the time to be Thompson, considered at the time to be Thompson, considered at the time to be perhaps the best known writer on perhaps the best known writer on perhaps the best known writer on electrical subjects now living, said electrical subjects now living, said electrical subjects now living, said that Tesla's work separated itself that Tesla's work separated itself that Tesla's work separated itself clearly from predecessors and clearly from predecessors and clearly from predecessors and contemporaries in his discovery of a new contemporaries in his discovery of a new contemporaries in his discovery of a new method of electrical transmission of method of electrical transmission of method of electrical transmission of power. A question that remains power. A question that remains power. A question that remains unanswered was whether or not Tesla knew unanswered was whether or not Tesla knew unanswered was whether or not Tesla knew of Baileyy's work. It is quite possible of Baileyy's work. It is quite possible of Baileyy's work. It is quite possible that he had read Baileyy's paper, that he had read Baileyy's paper, that he had read Baileyy's paper, although no one at the time, including although no one at the time, including although no one at the time, including Bailey, comprehended the importance of Bailey, comprehended the importance of Bailey, comprehended the importance of the research or understood how to turn the research or understood how to turn the research or understood how to turn it into a practical invention. Tesla it into a practical invention. Tesla it into a practical invention. Tesla stated in the early 1890s, "I am aware stated in the early 1890s, "I am aware stated in the early 1890s, "I am aware that it is not new to produce the that it is not new to produce the that it is not new to produce the rotations of a motor by intermittently rotations of a motor by intermittently rotations of a motor by intermittently changing the poles of one of its changing the poles of one of its changing the poles of one of its elements. In such cases, however, I

elements. In such cases, however, I elements. In such cases, however, I imply true alternating currents, and my imply true alternating currents, and my imply true alternating currents, and my invention consists in the discovery of invention consists in the discovery of invention consists in the discovery of the mode or method of utilizing such the mode or method of utilizing such the mode or method of utilizing such currents. A few years later, in a well currents. A few years later, in a well currents. A few years later, in a well publicized case involving patent publicized case involving patent publicized case involving patent priorities on what came to be known as priorities on what came to be known as priorities on what came to be known as the Tesla alternating current polyphase the Tesla alternating current polyphase the Tesla alternating current polyphase system, Judge Townsend of the US Circuit system, Judge Townsend of the US Circuit system, Judge Townsend of the US Circuit Court of Connecticut noted that before Court of Connecticut noted that before Court of Connecticut noted that before Tesla's invention and lecture to the Tesla's invention and lecture to the Tesla's invention and lecture to the American Institute of Electrical American Institute of Electrical American Institute of Electrical Engineers, AI in 1888, there had been no Engineers, AI in 1888, there had been no Engineers, AI in 1888, there had been no AC motors. Furthermore, no one attending AC motors. Furthermore, no one attending AC motors. Furthermore, no one attending the lecture recognized any priorities. the lecture recognized any priorities. the lecture recognized any priorities. Whereas Bailey had dealt with Whereas Bailey had dealt with Whereas Bailey had dealt with impractical abstractions, Tesla had impractical abstractions, Tesla had impractical abstractions, Tesla had created a workable product which created a workable product which created a workable product which initiated a revolution in the art. The initiated a revolution in the art. The initiated a revolution in the art. The Tesla patents were also sustained Tesla patents were also sustained Tesla patents were also sustained against individual cases involving against individual cases involving against individual cases involving Charles Bradley, Mass Cabbanus and Charles Bradley, Mass Cabbanus and Charles Bradley, Mass Cabbanus and Emanuel, William Stanley and Elahu Emanuel, William Stanley and Elahu Emanuel, William Stanley and Elahu Thompson. Inciting a previous case on a Thompson. Inciting a previous case on a Thompson. Inciting a previous case on a similar issue, Judge Townsend responded similar issue, Judge Townsend responded similar issue, Judge Townsend responded to what today is called the doctrine of to what today is called the doctrine of to what today is called the doctrine of obviousness.

obviousness. obviousness. The apparent simplicity of a new device The apparent simplicity of a new device The apparent simplicity of a new device often leads an inexperienced person to often leads an inexperienced person to often leads an inexperienced person to think that it would have occurred to think that it would have occurred to think that it would have occurred to anyone familiar with the subject. But anyone familiar with the subject. But anyone familiar with the subject. But the decisive answer is that with dozens the decisive answer is that with dozens the decisive answer is that with dozens and perhaps hundreds of others laboring and perhaps hundreds of others laboring and perhaps hundreds of others laboring in the same field, it had never occurred in the same field, it had never occurred in the same field, it had never occurred to anyone before. Potter versus Kger 155 to anyone before. Potter versus Kger 155 to anyone before. Potter versus Kger 155 US US US 597. Bailey and the others, eg. Bradley, 597. Bailey and the others, eg. Bradley, 597. Bailey and the others, eg. Bradley, Ferraris, Stanley did not discover the Ferraris, Stanley did not discover the Ferraris, Stanley did not discover the Tesla invention. They were discussing Tesla invention. They were discussing Tesla invention. They were discussing electric light machines with electric light machines with electric light machines with commutators. Eminent electricians united commutators. Eminent electricians united commutators. Eminent electricians united in the view that by reason of reversals in the view that by reason of reversals in the view that by reason of reversals of direction and rapidity of of direction and rapidity of of direction and rapidity of alternations, an alternating current alternations, an alternating current alternations, an alternating current motor was impracticable, and the future motor was impracticable, and the future motor was impracticable, and the future belonged to the commutated continuous belonged to the commutated continuous belonged to the commutated continuous current. It remained for the genius of current. It remained for the genius of current. It remained for the genius of Tesla to transform the toy of Argo into Tesla to transform the toy of Argo into Tesla to transform the toy of Argo into an engine of power. The discovery of how an engine of power. The discovery of how an engine of power. The discovery of how to effectively harness the rotating to effectively harness the rotating to effectively harness the rotating magnetic field was really only a magnetic field was really only a magnetic field was really only a fraction of Tesla's creation. Before his fraction of Tesla's creation. Before his fraction of Tesla's creation. Before his invention, electricity could be pumped invention, electricity could be pumped invention, electricity could be pumped approximately 1 mile and then only for approximately 1 mile and then only for approximately 1 mile and then only for illuminating dwellings. After Tesla, illuminating dwellings. After Tesla, illuminating dwellings. After Tesla, electrical power could be transmitted electrical power could be transmitted electrical power could be transmitted hundreds of miles and then not only for hundreds of miles and then not only for hundreds of miles and then not only for lighting, but for running household lighting, but for running household lighting, but for running household appliances and industrial machines in appliances and industrial machines in appliances and industrial machines in factories. Tesla's creation was a leap factories. Tesla's creation was a leap factories. Tesla's creation was a leap ahead in a rapidly advancing ahead in a rapidly advancing ahead in a rapidly advancing technological

revolution. revolution. Four. Tesla meets the Wizard of Menllo Four. Tesla meets the Wizard of Menllo Four. Tesla meets the Wizard of Menllo Park 1882 to 85. Park 1882 to 85. Park 1882 to 85. Oh, he's a great talker and say he's a Oh, he's a great talker and say he's a Oh, he's a great talker and say he's a great eater, too. I remember the first great eater, too. I remember the first great eater, too. I remember the first time I saw him. We were doing some time I saw him. We were doing some time I saw him. We were doing some experimenting in a little place outside experimenting in a little place outside experimenting in a little place outside Paris, and one day a long, lanky lad Paris, and one day a long, lanky lad Paris, and one day a long, lanky lad came in and said he wanted a job. We put came in and said he wanted a job. We put came in and said he wanted a job. We put him to work, thinking he would soon tire him to work, thinking he would soon tire him to work, thinking he would soon tire of his new occupation, for we were of his new occupation, for we were of his new occupation, for we were putting in 20 to 24 hours a day then, putting in 20 to 24 hours a day then, putting in 20 to 24 hours a day then, but he stuck right to it. And after but he stuck right to it. And after but he stuck right to it. And after things eased up, one of my men said to things eased up, one of my men said to things eased up, one of my men said to him, "Well, Tesla, you've worked pretty him, "Well, Tesla, you've worked pretty him, "Well, Tesla, you've worked pretty hard. Now I'm going to take you into hard. Now I'm going to take you into hard. Now I'm going to take you into Paris and give you a splendid supper." Paris and give you a splendid supper." Paris and give you a splendid supper." So I took him to the most expensive cafe So I took him to the most expensive cafe So I took him to the most expensive cafe in Paris, a place where they broil an in Paris, a place where they broil an in Paris, a place where they broil an extra thick steak between two thin extra thick steak between two thin extra thick steak between two thin steaks. Tesla stowed away one of those steaks. Tesla stowed away one of those steaks. Tesla stowed away one of those big fellows without any trouble, and my big fellows without any trouble, and my big fellows without any trouble, and my man said to him, "Anything else, my man said to him, "Anything else, my man said to him, "Anything else, my boy?" "I'm standing treat." Well, if you boy?" "I'm standing treat." Well, if you boy?" "I'm standing treat." Well, if you don't mind, sir, said my apprentice, don't mind, sir, said my apprentice, don't mind, sir, said my apprentice, I'll try another stake. After he left I'll try another stake. After he left I'll try another stake. After he left me, he went into other lines and has me, he went into other lines and has me, he went into other lines and has accomplished quite a little. Thomas accomplished quite a little. Thomas accomplished quite a little. Thomas Edison. Taking the advice of Ference Edison. Taking the advice of Ference Edison. Taking the advice of Ference Pushkash, Tesla left Buddhapest for Pushkash, Tesla left Buddhapest for Pushkash, Tesla left Buddhapest for Paris in April 1882, delighted with the Paris in April 1882, delighted with the Paris in April 1882, delighted with the chance to meet the Edison people from chance to meet the Edison people from chance to meet the Edison people from America, and ready to build his motor America, and ready to build his motor America, and ready to build his motor and to find and to find and to find investors. Concurrently, he was getting investors. Concurrently, he was getting investors. Concurrently, he was getting paid for the experience.

paid for the experience. paid for the experience. Paris in the 1880s was a center of Paris in the 1880s was a center of Paris in the 1880s was a center of modern fashion. Men in their cutaway modern fashion. Men in their cutaway modern fashion. Men in their cutaway coats and silk top hats, women with coats and silk top hats, women with coats and silk top hats, women with braided hair in long frilled dresses braided hair in long frilled dresses braided hair in long frilled dresses with bustles, and wealthy tourists ready with bustles, and wealthy tourists ready with bustles, and wealthy tourists ready to take back the latest fineries to to take back the latest fineries to to take back the latest fineries to their respective nations. Dazzler was their respective nations. Dazzler was their respective nations. Dazzler was met by Fen's brother, Tividar Pushkash, met by Fen's brother, Tividar Pushkash, met by Fen's brother, Tividar Pushkash, a hard driver, but also a man known to a hard driver, but also a man known to a hard driver, but also a man known to talk in air balloons. Tesla, whose head talk in air balloons. Tesla, whose head talk in air balloons. Tesla, whose head could also soar into the clouds, had met could also soar into the clouds, had met could also soar into the clouds, had met a powerful a powerful a powerful ally. Mindful of the need for secrecy, ally. Mindful of the need for secrecy, ally. Mindful of the need for secrecy, they discussed strategies for they discussed strategies for they discussed strategies for approaching Charles Bachelor, manager of approaching Charles Bachelor, manager of approaching Charles Bachelor, manager of the newly formed Compeni Continental the newly formed Compeni Continental the newly formed Compeni Continental Edison, with Tesla's new motor as the Edison, with Tesla's new motor as the Edison, with Tesla's new motor as the young inventor was introduced to young inventor was introduced to young inventor was introduced to operations. Formerly a resident of operations. Formerly a resident of operations. Formerly a resident of Manchester, England, Bachelor, a master Manchester, England, Bachelor, a master Manchester, England, Bachelor, a master mechanic, had been sent to America a mechanic, had been sent to America a mechanic, had been sent to America a decade earlier to present innovative decade earlier to present innovative decade earlier to present innovative threadmaking machinery. recently created threadmaking machinery. recently created threadmaking machinery. recently created by his employers, the Coats Thread by his employers, the Coats Thread by his employers, the Coats Thread Company. There he met Edison and shortly Company. There he met Edison and shortly Company. There he met Edison and shortly became his most trusted associate.

became his most trusted associate. became his most trusted associate. Bachelor worked on the first phongraphs Bachelor worked on the first phongraphs Bachelor worked on the first phongraphs and on perfecting the filament for the and on perfecting the filament for the and on perfecting the filament for the light bulb. He also ran operations in light bulb. He also ran operations in light bulb. He also ran operations in New Jersey and then in Europe, owning a New Jersey and then in Europe, owning a New Jersey and then in Europe, owning a 10% share of Edison's many worldwide 10% share of Edison's many worldwide 10% share of Edison's many worldwide companies. An open-minded individual, companies. An open-minded individual, companies. An open-minded individual, Bachelor was approachable, although also Bachelor was approachable, although also Bachelor was approachable, although also rather busy. Anthony Sigetti probably rather busy. Anthony Sigetti probably rather busy. Anthony Sigetti probably immigrated from Budapest at the same immigrated from Budapest at the same immigrated from Budapest at the same time as Tesla since both were hired by time as Tesla since both were hired by time as Tesla since both were hired by Pushkash and were together almost Pushkash and were together almost Pushkash and were together almost constantly in Paris. Sigetti wrote, constantly in Paris. Sigetti wrote, constantly in Paris. Sigetti wrote, "Tesla was very much excited over the "Tesla was very much excited over the "Tesla was very much excited over the ideas which he then had of operating ideas which he then had of operating ideas which he then had of operating motors. He talked with me many times motors. He talked with me many times motors. He talked with me many times about them and told me his plan of about them and told me his plan of about them and told me his plan of constructing and operating motors and constructing and operating motors and constructing and operating motors and dispensing with the dispensing with the dispensing with the commutator. Having just purchased a commutator. Having just purchased a commutator. Having just purchased a large factory at Iris Susen for the large factory at Iris Susen for the large factory at Iris Susen for the construction of generators and construction of generators and construction of generators and manufacturer of light bulbs, Bachelor as manufacturer of light bulbs, Bachelor as manufacturer of light bulbs, Bachelor as Edison's closest partner was planning on Edison's closest partner was planning on Edison's closest partner was planning on erecting central lighting stations erecting central lighting stations erecting central lighting stations throughout Europe. He also had plans in throughout Europe. He also had plans in throughout Europe. He also had plans in England where the Crystal Palace England where the Crystal Palace England where the Crystal Palace Exposition was then displaying Edison's Exposition was then displaying Edison's Exposition was then displaying Edison's new incandescent lamp. Bachelor would new incandescent lamp. Bachelor would new incandescent lamp. Bachelor would need good men to run the concerns and need good men to run the concerns and need good men to run the concerns and wrote Edison frequently as to the wrote Edison frequently as to the wrote Edison frequently as to the expertise of the various workers. He was expertise of the various workers. He was expertise of the various workers. He was particularly impressed with Pushkash, particularly impressed with Pushkash, particularly impressed with Pushkash, who had successfully run the Edison who had successfully run the Edison who had successfully run the Edison lighting exhibit at the Paris Exposition lighting exhibit at the Paris Exposition lighting exhibit at the Paris Exposition of 1881. "Pushkash is the only worker of 1881. "Pushkash is the only worker of 1881. "Pushkash is the only worker having any idea of Push," he wrote. "And having any idea of Push," he wrote. "And having any idea of Push," he wrote. "And I think that you should insist on him I think that you should insist on him I think that you should insist on him becoming a partner." "Within 6 months,

becoming a partner." "Within 6 months, becoming a partner." "Within 6 months, Edison Continental would be producing Edison Continental would be producing Edison Continental would be producing lamps superior to those from America. lamps superior to those from America. lamps superior to those from America. The company would erect central stations The company would erect central stations The company would erect central stations in most of the major cities of Europe in most of the major cities of Europe in most of the major cities of Europe for indoor lighting and also administer for indoor lighting and also administer for indoor lighting and also administer the large outdoor ark lamps which were the large outdoor ark lamps which were the large outdoor ark lamps which were being used to illuminate the urban being used to illuminate the urban being used to illuminate the urban streets. Tesla who was working at Ivery streets. Tesla who was working at Ivery streets. Tesla who was working at Ivery Susen would be trained with the other Susen would be trained with the other Susen would be trained with the other workers to travel out and help run these workers to travel out and help run these workers to travel out and help run these facilities. I never can forget the deep facilities. I never can forget the deep facilities. I never can forget the deep impression that magic city produced on impression that magic city produced on impression that magic city produced on my mind. For several days after my my mind. For several days after my my mind. For several days after my arrival, I roamed through the streets in arrival, I roamed through the streets in arrival, I roamed through the streets in utter bewilderment of the new spectacle. utter bewilderment of the new spectacle. utter bewilderment of the new spectacle. The attractions were many and The attractions were many and The attractions were many and irresistible, but alas, the income was irresistible, but alas, the income was irresistible, but alas, the income was spent as soon as received. When Mr. spent as soon as received. When Mr. spent as soon as received. When Mr. Pushkash asked me how I was getting Pushkash asked me how I was getting Pushkash asked me how I was getting along, I replied, "The last 29 days of along, I replied, "The last 29 days of along, I replied, "The last 29 days of the month are the toughest." In the the month are the toughest." In the the month are the toughest." In the mornings before work, Tesla would arise mornings before work, Tesla would arise mornings before work, Tesla would arise at 5:00 a.m. to swim 27 laps at a bath at 5:00 a.m. to swim 27 laps at a bath at 5:00 a.m. to swim 27 laps at a bath house on the sun, and in the evening he house on the sun, and in the evening he house on the sun, and in the evening he would play billiards with the workers would play billiards with the workers would play billiards with the workers and discuss his new AC invention. One of and discuss his new AC invention. One of and discuss his new AC invention. One of them, Mr. D. Cunningham, foreman of the them, Mr. D. Cunningham, foreman of the them, Mr. D. Cunningham, foreman of the mechanical department, offered to form a mechanical department, offered to form a mechanical department, offered to form a stock company. The proposal seemed to me stock company. The proposal seemed to me stock company. The proposal seemed to me comical in the extreme. I did not have comical in the extreme. I did not have comical in the extreme. I did not have the faintest conception of what that the faintest conception of what that the faintest conception of what that meant except that it was the American meant except that it was the American meant except that it was the American way of doing way of doing way of doing things. TC Martin writes, "In fact, but things. TC Martin writes, "In fact, but things. TC Martin writes, "In fact, but for the solicitations of a few friends for the solicitations of a few friends for the solicitations of a few friends in commercial circles who urged him to in commercial circles who urged him to in commercial circles who urged him to form a company to exploit the invention,

form a company to exploit the invention, form a company to exploit the invention, Mr. Tesla, then a youth of little Mr. Tesla, then a youth of little Mr. Tesla, then a youth of little worldly experience, would have sought an worldly experience, would have sought an worldly experience, would have sought an immediate opportunity to publish his immediate opportunity to publish his immediate opportunity to publish his ideas, believing them to be a radical ideas, believing them to be a radical ideas, believing them to be a radical advance in electrical theory, as well as advance in electrical theory, as well as advance in electrical theory, as well as destined to have a profound influence on destined to have a profound influence on destined to have a profound influence on all dynamo electric all dynamo electric all dynamo electric machinery. In his spare time, and as was machinery. In his spare time, and as was machinery. In his spare time, and as was his custom, Tesla wrote out the his custom, Tesla wrote out the his custom, Tesla wrote out the specifications and mathematics of his AC specifications and mathematics of his AC specifications and mathematics of his AC invention in a notebook and worked on invention in a notebook and worked on invention in a notebook and worked on alternative designs for his flying alternative designs for his flying alternative designs for his flying machine. He probably sought out machine. He probably sought out machine. He probably sought out financial backers, for he received an financial backers, for he received an financial backers, for he received an invitation to go on a shooting invitation to go on a shooting invitation to go on a shooting expedition from a prominent French expedition from a prominent French expedition from a prominent French manufacturer. Perhaps the inventor had manufacturer. Perhaps the inventor had manufacturer. Perhaps the inventor had not totally recovered from the strange not totally recovered from the strange not totally recovered from the strange illness he had almost succumbed to in illness he had almost succumbed to in illness he had almost succumbed to in Budapestt, for after his outing he Budapestt, for after his outing he Budapestt, for after his outing he suffered the sensation that my brain had suffered the sensation that my brain had suffered the sensation that my brain had caught fire. I saw a light as though a caught fire. I saw a light as though a caught fire. I saw a light as though a small sun was located in it, and I small sun was located in it, and I small sun was located in it, and I passed the whole night applying cold passed the whole night applying cold passed the whole night applying cold compresses to my tortured head. Writing compresses to my tortured head. Writing compresses to my tortured head. Writing this passage almost 40 years later, this passage almost 40 years later, this passage almost 40 years later, Tesla claimed that these luminous Tesla claimed that these luminous Tesla claimed that these luminous phenomena still manifest themselves from phenomena still manifest themselves from phenomena still manifest themselves from time to time as when a new idea opening time to time as when a new idea opening time to time as when a new idea opening up possibilities strikes me. In the up possibilities strikes me. In the up possibilities strikes me. In the summer he worked on the lighting at the summer he worked on the lighting at the summer he worked on the lighting at the opera house in Paris or went to Barbaria opera house in Paris or went to Barbaria opera house in Paris or went to Barbaria to help in the wiring of a theater. And to help in the wiring of a theater. And to help in the wiring of a theater. And in the autumn, he may have helped in the in the autumn, he may have helped in the in the autumn, he may have helped in the laying of underground cables for the new laying of underground cables for the new laying of underground cables for the new central station going up in Paris or central station going up in Paris or central station going up in Paris or traveled to Berlin to install traveled to Berlin to install traveled to Berlin to install incandescent lighting at the cafes. At

incandescent lighting at the cafes. At incandescent lighting at the cafes. At the end of the year, Tesla submitted to the end of the year, Tesla submitted to the end of the year, Tesla submitted to one of the administrators of the one of the administrators of the one of the administrators of the company, Mr. Ralph, a plan for improving company, Mr. Ralph, a plan for improving company, Mr. Ralph, a plan for improving their dynamos and was given an their dynamos and was given an their dynamos and was given an opportunity. Luis Raalo who was director opportunity. Luis Raalo who was director opportunity. Luis Raalo who was director of the compan Edison in Ru Mosion and of the compan Edison in Ru Mosion and of the compan Edison in Ru Mosion and had his beautiful home lit with the had his beautiful home lit with the had his beautiful home lit with the Edison system allowed Tesla to implement Edison system allowed Tesla to implement Edison system allowed Tesla to implement his modernization plan. Shortly his modernization plan. Shortly his modernization plan. Shortly thereafter the young inventor's thereafter the young inventor's thereafter the young inventor's automatic regulators were completed and automatic regulators were completed and automatic regulators were completed and accepted gratefully. Tesla was probably accepted gratefully. Tesla was probably accepted gratefully. Tesla was probably hoping to be compensated for his new hoping to be compensated for his new hoping to be compensated for his new contributions, but he was sent to work contributions, but he was sent to work contributions, but he was sent to work in Strasborg before financial in Strasborg before financial in Strasborg before financial compensation was awarded. In January compensation was awarded. In January compensation was awarded. In January 1883, Bachelor shipped 1,200 lamps to 1883, Bachelor shipped 1,200 lamps to 1883, Bachelor shipped 1,200 lamps to the Strasborg plant located at the the Strasborg plant located at the the Strasborg plant located at the railroad station, and within 3 months, railroad station, and within 3 months, railroad station, and within 3 months, Tesla arrived to oversee the operations. Tesla arrived to oversee the operations. Tesla arrived to oversee the operations. There he would stay for the next 12 There he would stay for the next 12 There he would stay for the next 12 months. months. months. Bachelor had been urging Edison to test Bachelor had been urging Edison to test Bachelor had been urging Edison to test the generators coming from America for the generators coming from America for the generators coming from America for at least 2 or 3 days with a full load as at least 2 or 3 days with a full load as at least 2 or 3 days with a full load as fires from faulty armatururs and poor fires from faulty armatururs and poor fires from faulty armatururs and poor insulation were becoming too common. The insulation were becoming too common. The insulation were becoming too common. The powerhouse at Strosborg in particular powerhouse at Strosborg in particular powerhouse at Strosborg in particular had been subject to this type of had been subject to this type of had been subject to this type of problem. Since all our plants are problem. Since all our plants are problem. Since all our plants are differently constructed, it would take differently constructed, it would take differently constructed, it would take well-trained and creative engineers to well-trained and creative engineers to well-trained and creative engineers to run things smoothly. Bachelor run things smoothly. Bachelor run things smoothly. Bachelor demonstrated confidence in Tesla's demonstrated confidence in Tesla's demonstrated confidence in Tesla's abilities by sending him to Strasborg.

abilities by sending him to Strasborg. abilities by sending him to Strasborg. However, he seems not to have mentioned However, he seems not to have mentioned However, he seems not to have mentioned Tesla in his correspondence with Edison. Tesla in his correspondence with Edison. Tesla in his correspondence with Edison. In any event, Tesla's account of the In any event, Tesla's account of the In any event, Tesla's account of the situation in Strasborg corroborates situation in Strasborg corroborates situation in Strasborg corroborates Bachelors. The wiring was defective, and Bachelors. The wiring was defective, and Bachelors. The wiring was defective, and on the occasion of the opening on the occasion of the opening on the occasion of the opening ceremonies, a large part of a wall was ceremonies, a large part of a wall was ceremonies, a large part of a wall was blown out through a short circuit right blown out through a short circuit right blown out through a short circuit right in the presence of Old Emperor Wilhim I. in the presence of Old Emperor Wilhim I. in the presence of Old Emperor Wilhim I. The German government refused to take The German government refused to take The German government refused to take the plant, and the French company was the plant, and the French company was the plant, and the French company was facing a serious loss. On account of my facing a serious loss. On account of my facing a serious loss. On account of my knowledge of the German language and knowledge of the German language and knowledge of the German language and past experience, I was entrusted with past experience, I was entrusted with past experience, I was entrusted with the difficult task of straightening out the difficult task of straightening out the difficult task of straightening out matters. Having anticipated a long stay matters. Having anticipated a long stay matters. Having anticipated a long stay in the region, Tesla had brought with in the region, Tesla had brought with in the region, Tesla had brought with him from Paris materials for his first him from Paris materials for his first him from Paris materials for his first AC motor. As soon as he was able, Tesla AC motor. As soon as he was able, Tesla AC motor. As soon as he was able, Tesla constructed the motor in secret in a constructed the motor in secret in a constructed the motor in secret in a closet in a mechanical shop opposite the closet in a mechanical shop opposite the closet in a mechanical shop opposite the railroad station. However, Summer would railroad station. However, Summer would railroad station. However, Summer would arrive before this first machine was in arrive before this first machine was in arrive before this first machine was in operation. Anthony Sigetti, his operation. Anthony Sigetti, his operation. Anthony Sigetti, his assistant, forged an iron disc which assistant, forged an iron disc which assistant, forged an iron disc which Tesla mounted on a needle, having Tesla mounted on a needle, having Tesla mounted on a needle, having surrounded it in part with a coil.

surrounded it in part with a coil. surrounded it in part with a coil. Finally, Tesla wrote, "I had the Finally, Tesla wrote, "I had the Finally, Tesla wrote, "I had the satisfaction of seeing rotation affected satisfaction of seeing rotation affected satisfaction of seeing rotation affected by alternating currents of different by alternating currents of different by alternating currents of different phase and without sliding contacts or phase and without sliding contacts or phase and without sliding contacts or commutator, as I had conceived a year commutator, as I had conceived a year commutator, as I had conceived a year before. It was an exquisite pleasure, before. It was an exquisite pleasure, before. It was an exquisite pleasure, but not to compare with the delirium of but not to compare with the delirium of but not to compare with the delirium of joy following the first revelation." joy following the first revelation." joy following the first revelation." Tesla presented his new creation to his Tesla presented his new creation to his Tesla presented his new creation to his friend, Mr. Bosine, the mayor of the friend, Mr. Bosine, the mayor of the friend, Mr. Bosine, the mayor of the town, who tried his best to interest town, who tried his best to interest town, who tried his best to interest wealthy investors, but to my wealthy investors, but to my wealthy investors, but to my mortification, there was no response. mortification, there was no response. mortification, there was no response. Upon his return to Paris, he sought Upon his return to Paris, he sought Upon his return to Paris, he sought promised compensation for achieving a promised compensation for achieving a promised compensation for achieving a difficult success in Strasburg, difficult success in Strasburg, difficult success in Strasburg, approaching his employers. After several approaching his employers. After several approaching his employers. After several days of circulus vicious, it dawned on days of circulus vicious, it dawned on days of circulus vicious, it dawned on me that my reward was a castle in Spain. me that my reward was a castle in Spain. me that my reward was a castle in Spain. Mr. Bachelor pressed me to go to America Mr. Bachelor pressed me to go to America Mr. Bachelor pressed me to go to America with a view of redesigning the Edison with a view of redesigning the Edison with a view of redesigning the Edison machines. I determined to try my machines. I determined to try my machines. I determined to try my fortunes in the land of golden fortunes in the land of golden fortunes in the land of golden promise. John O'Neal, Tesla's first promise. John O'Neal, Tesla's first promise. John O'Neal, Tesla's first major biographer, has suggested that major biographer, has suggested that major biographer, has suggested that Bachelor wrote a note of introduction to Bachelor wrote a note of introduction to Bachelor wrote a note of introduction to Edison which read, "I know two great Edison which read, "I know two great Edison which read, "I know two great men, and you are one of them. The other men, and you are one of them. The other men, and you are one of them. The other is this young man." Evidence for the is this young man." Evidence for the is this young man." Evidence for the veracity of this oft repeated tale is veracity of this oft repeated tale is veracity of this oft repeated tale is lacking. Bachelor, for instance, had lacking. Bachelor, for instance, had lacking. Bachelor, for instance, had been back in America for at least 3 been back in America for at least 3 been back in America for at least 3 months prior to Tesla's arrival. Thus, months prior to Tesla's arrival. Thus, months prior to Tesla's arrival. Thus, he would not have had to write a letter.

he would not have had to write a letter. he would not have had to write a letter. Furthermore, there is evidence that Furthermore, there is evidence that Furthermore, there is evidence that Edison had already met Tesla in Paris Edison had already met Tesla in Paris Edison had already met Tesla in Paris during a littleknown sojurn he took to during a littleknown sojurn he took to during a littleknown sojurn he took to look over his European operations at look over his European operations at look over his European operations at that time. O'Neal also refers to that time. O'Neal also refers to that time. O'Neal also refers to Bachelor incorrectly as Edison's former Bachelor incorrectly as Edison's former Bachelor incorrectly as Edison's former assistant when Bachelor was probably assistant when Bachelor was probably assistant when Bachelor was probably Edison's closest lifelong colleague. Edison's closest lifelong colleague. Edison's closest lifelong colleague. Edison does however substantiate that Edison does however substantiate that Edison does however substantiate that Tesla worked for me in New York. He was Tesla worked for me in New York. He was Tesla worked for me in New York. He was brought over from Paris by Bachelor, my brought over from Paris by Bachelor, my brought over from Paris by Bachelor, my assistant, but there is no reference to assistant, but there is no reference to assistant, but there is no reference to Bachelor's appreciation of Tesla's Bachelor's appreciation of Tesla's Bachelor's appreciation of Tesla's genius. On October the 28th, 1883, fully genius. On October the 28th, 1883, fully genius. On October the 28th, 1883, fully a year after Tesla began working for a year after Tesla began working for a year after Tesla began working for Edison Continental, while he was Edison Continental, while he was Edison Continental, while he was stationed in Strasborg, Bachelor singled stationed in Strasborg, Bachelor singled stationed in Strasborg, Bachelor singled out the names of two or three I can out the names of two or three I can out the names of two or three I can mention as capable as far as their work mention as capable as far as their work mention as capable as far as their work shows. Mr. Stout, an inspector, Mr. shows. Mr. Stout, an inspector, Mr. shows. Mr. Stout, an inspector, Mr. Vizier, my assistant, Mr. Jeffrey, whose Vizier, my assistant, Mr. Jeffrey, whose Vizier, my assistant, Mr. Jeffrey, whose plants are always spoken well of there plants are always spoken well of there plants are always spoken well of there are others capable, but I think these are others capable, but I think these are others capable, but I think these are the best. Certainly had Tesla are the best. Certainly had Tesla are the best. Certainly had Tesla impressed Bachelor as O'Neal contends, impressed Bachelor as O'Neal contends, impressed Bachelor as O'Neal contends, he should have been listed in this he should have been listed in this he should have been listed in this letter or in numerous other letters to letter or in numerous other letters to letter or in numerous other letters to Edison that I've reviewed. Before Tesla Edison that I've reviewed. Before Tesla Edison that I've reviewed. Before Tesla left for America, he spent time with a left for America, he spent time with a left for America, he spent time with a scientist who was studying microscopic scientist who was studying microscopic scientist who was studying microscopic organisms found in common drinking organisms found in common drinking organisms found in common drinking water. Combined with the scare he had water. Combined with the scare he had water. Combined with the scare he had had with his bout with colera a few had with his bout with colera a few had with his bout with colera a few years earlier, Tesla acquired a phobia years earlier, Tesla acquired a phobia years earlier, Tesla acquired a phobia which led him to shun unpurified water, which led him to shun unpurified water, which led him to shun unpurified water, scour his plates and utensils before

scour his plates and utensils before scour his plates and utensils before eating, and refrain from frequenting eating, and refrain from frequenting eating, and refrain from frequenting unsavory restaurants. He would later unsavory restaurants. He would later unsavory restaurants. He would later write, "If you would watch only for a write, "If you would watch only for a write, "If you would watch only for a few minutes the horrible creatures, few minutes the horrible creatures, few minutes the horrible creatures, hairy and ugly beyond anything you can hairy and ugly beyond anything you can hairy and ugly beyond anything you can conceive, tearing each other up with the conceive, tearing each other up with the conceive, tearing each other up with the juices diffusing throughout the water, juices diffusing throughout the water, juices diffusing throughout the water, you would never again drink a drop of you would never again drink a drop of you would never again drink a drop of unboiled or unsterilized water. In the unboiled or unsterilized water. In the unboiled or unsterilized water. In the spring of 1884, with funds for the spring of 1884, with funds for the spring of 1884, with funds for the journey supplied by uncles Peta and journey supplied by uncles Peta and journey supplied by uncles Peta and Paou, Tesla packed his gear and caught Paou, Tesla packed his gear and caught Paou, Tesla packed his gear and caught the next boat for America. Although his the next boat for America. Although his the next boat for America. Although his ticket and money and some of his luggage ticket and money and some of his luggage ticket and money and some of his luggage was stolen, the young man was not was stolen, the young man was not was stolen, the young man was not deterred. Resolve, helped by dexterity, deterred. Resolve, helped by dexterity, deterred. Resolve, helped by dexterity, won out in the nick of time, and I won out in the nick of time, and I won out in the nick of time, and I managed to embark for New York with the managed to embark for New York with the managed to embark for New York with the remnants of my belongings, some poems remnants of my belongings, some poems remnants of my belongings, some poems and articles I had written, and a and articles I had written, and a and articles I had written, and a package of calculations relating to package of calculations relating to package of calculations relating to solutions of an unsolvable integral, and solutions of an unsolvable integral, and solutions of an unsolvable integral, and to my flying machine. The voyage appears to my flying machine. The voyage appears to my flying machine. The voyage appears not to have been a happy one. A mutiny not to have been a happy one. A mutiny not to have been a happy one. A mutiny of sorts occurred on board and Tesla was of sorts occurred on board and Tesla was of sorts occurred on board and Tesla was nearly knocked overboard. In 1808, Sir nearly knocked overboard. In 1808, Sir nearly knocked overboard. In 1808, Sir Humphrey Davyy created artificial Humphrey Davyy created artificial Humphrey Davyy created artificial luminescence by running an electric luminescence by running an electric luminescence by running an electric current across a small gap between two current across a small gap between two current across a small gap between two carbon rods. This simple device evolved carbon rods. This simple device evolved carbon rods. This simple device evolved into the ark lamp used in English into the ark lamp used in English into the ark lamp used in English lighouses in the 1860s and displayed at lighouses in the 1860s and displayed at lighouses in the 1860s and displayed at the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 by the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 by the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 by Moses Farmer. By 1877, numerous Moses Farmer. By 1877, numerous Moses Farmer. By 1877, numerous investigators were exploring the

investigators were exploring the investigators were exploring the possibility of placing the incandescent possibility of placing the incandescent possibility of placing the incandescent effect within glass enclosures because effect within glass enclosures because effect within glass enclosures because they would be much safer this way for they would be much safer this way for they would be much safer this way for marketing to households. And a race marketing to households. And a race marketing to households. And a race developed between such inventors as developed between such inventors as developed between such inventors as Charles Brush, Thomas Edison, Moses Charles Brush, Thomas Edison, Moses Charles Brush, Thomas Edison, Moses Farmer, St. George Lane Fox, Hyram Farmer, St. George Lane Fox, Hyram Farmer, St. George Lane Fox, Hyram Maxim, William Sawyer, and Joseph Swan. Maxim, William Sawyer, and Joseph Swan. Maxim, William Sawyer, and Joseph Swan. I saw the thing had not gone so far, but I saw the thing had not gone so far, but I saw the thing had not gone so far, but that I had a chance, Edison said. And so that I had a chance, Edison said. And so that I had a chance, Edison said. And so he challenged William Wallace, Farmer's he challenged William Wallace, Farmer's he challenged William Wallace, Farmer's partner, to a race as to who would be partner, to a race as to who would be partner, to a race as to who would be the first man to create an efficient the first man to create an efficient the first man to create an efficient electric light. Boasting that he would electric light. Boasting that he would electric light. Boasting that he would soon light up New York City with 500,000 soon light up New York City with 500,000 soon light up New York City with 500,000 incandescent lamps. Edison and his incandescent lamps. Edison and his incandescent lamps. Edison and his business manager Groner Lowry were able business manager Groner Lowry were able business manager Groner Lowry were able to secure large amounts of capital from to secure large amounts of capital from to secure large amounts of capital from such investors as Henry Villard, owner such investors as Henry Villard, owner such investors as Henry Villard, owner of the first transamerican railroad, and of the first transamerican railroad, and of the first transamerican railroad, and financia J. Popont Morgan. In November financia J. Popont Morgan. In November financia J. Popont Morgan. In November 1878, after three years of research, a 1878, after three years of research, a 1878, after three years of research, a hardrinking telegrapher by the name of hardrinking telegrapher by the name of hardrinking telegrapher by the name of William Sawyer and his lawyer partner William Sawyer and his lawyer partner William Sawyer and his lawyer partner Albian Man applied for a patent for an Albian Man applied for a patent for an Albian Man applied for a patent for an incandescent lamp with carbon rods, incandescent lamp with carbon rods, incandescent lamp with carbon rods, filaments, and filled with nitrogen.

filaments, and filled with nitrogen. filaments, and filled with nitrogen. They proclaimed that they had beaten They proclaimed that they had beaten They proclaimed that they had beaten Edison. Joseph Swan, another competitor, Edison. Joseph Swan, another competitor, Edison. Joseph Swan, another competitor, removed the nitrogen and kept the carbon removed the nitrogen and kept the carbon removed the nitrogen and kept the carbon filament, but created a low resistance filament, but created a low resistance filament, but created a low resistance lamp. Realizing that the amount of power lamp. Realizing that the amount of power lamp. Realizing that the amount of power required to send electricity a few required to send electricity a few required to send electricity a few hundred feet was prodigious using the hundred feet was prodigious using the hundred feet was prodigious using the lowresistance design, Edison created in lowresistance design, Edison created in lowresistance design, Edison created in September 1878 a highresistance vacuum September 1878 a highresistance vacuum September 1878 a highresistance vacuum lamp that utilized considerably less lamp that utilized considerably less lamp that utilized considerably less power together with a revolutionary power together with a revolutionary power together with a revolutionary wiring called a feeder line. His success wiring called a feeder line. His success wiring called a feeder line. His success was further augmented by a new springle was further augmented by a new springle was further augmented by a new springle pump which William Krooks had been pump which William Krooks had been pump which William Krooks had been recommending for the creation of vacuums recommending for the creation of vacuums recommending for the creation of vacuums in glass enclosed tubes. It would be in glass enclosed tubes. It would be in glass enclosed tubes. It would be another 6 months, April 22nd, 1879, another 6 months, April 22nd, 1879, another 6 months, April 22nd, 1879, before he would file for a patent. But before he would file for a patent. But before he would file for a patent. But his new design would lower power his new design would lower power his new design would lower power requirements and thereby cut copper requirements and thereby cut copper requirements and thereby cut copper costs costs costs 100fold. The competition was fierce, and 100fold. The competition was fierce, and 100fold. The competition was fierce, and Edison's financial backers were running Edison's financial backers were running Edison's financial backers were running scared. They suggested to Edison that scared. They suggested to Edison that scared. They suggested to Edison that they purchase the Sawyer patents and they purchase the Sawyer patents and they purchase the Sawyer patents and combine the two companies. Edison had combine the two companies. Edison had combine the two companies. Edison had not yet settled on carbon as a filament not yet settled on carbon as a filament not yet settled on carbon as a filament and was exhausting his working capital and was exhausting his working capital and was exhausting his working capital in experimenting with boron, iridium, in experimenting with boron, iridium, in experimenting with boron, iridium, magnesium, platinum, silicon and magnesium, platinum, silicon and magnesium, platinum, silicon and zirconia. At the same time, he had also zirconia. At the same time, he had also zirconia. At the same time, he had also sent explorers to the Amazon, Bolivia, sent explorers to the Amazon, Bolivia, sent explorers to the Amazon, Bolivia, Japan, and Sumatra in search of rare Japan, and Sumatra in search of rare Japan, and Sumatra in search of rare forms of bamboo, which he was also forms of bamboo, which he was also forms of bamboo, which he was also considering. It would not be until 1881 considering. It would not be until 1881 considering. It would not be until 1881 that he finally settled upon a form of that he finally settled upon a form of that he finally settled upon a form of carbonized paper. During this time,

carbonized paper. During this time, carbonized paper. During this time, however, and without Edison's knowledge, however, and without Edison's knowledge, however, and without Edison's knowledge, Sawyer and Man approached Lowry. Their Sawyer and Man approached Lowry. Their Sawyer and Man approached Lowry. Their lamp was superior to Edison's. It was lamp was superior to Edison's. It was lamp was superior to Edison's. It was patented, and it worked. Lowry tried to patented, and it worked. Lowry tried to patented, and it worked. Lowry tried to bring Edison in for a four-way bring Edison in for a four-way bring Edison in for a four-way discussion. However, Edison sent an discussion. However, Edison sent an discussion. However, Edison sent an emissary, who dared not relay to Edison emissary, who dared not relay to Edison emissary, who dared not relay to Edison all Lowry had said, but Edison heard all Lowry had said, but Edison heard all Lowry had said, but Edison heard enough to be jolted from his indecision. enough to be jolted from his indecision. enough to be jolted from his indecision. cursing and spraying tobacco juice, he cursing and spraying tobacco juice, he cursing and spraying tobacco juice, he exclaimed, "It was the old story, lack exclaimed, "It was the old story, lack exclaimed, "It was the old story, lack of of of confidence." Edison was adamant about confidence." Edison was adamant about confidence." Edison was adamant about not joining with Sawyer or Swan or not joining with Sawyer or Swan or not joining with Sawyer or Swan or anyone else. He continued rash publicity anyone else. He continued rash publicity anyone else. He continued rash publicity campaigns which announced a veritable campaigns which announced a veritable campaigns which announced a veritable Aladdin's lamp. It is Edison's light, Aladdin's lamp. It is Edison's light, Aladdin's lamp. It is Edison's light, the great inventor's triumph. With the the great inventor's triumph. With the the great inventor's triumph. With the backing of Wall Street moguls, Edison backing of Wall Street moguls, Edison backing of Wall Street moguls, Edison began to illuminate Menllo Park and the began to illuminate Menllo Park and the began to illuminate Menllo Park and the private homes of the wealthy in New York private homes of the wealthy in New York private homes of the wealthy in New York City. The first was that of J. Peront City. The first was that of J. Peront City. The first was that of J. Peront Morgan at 36th Street and Madison Morgan at 36th Street and Madison Morgan at 36th Street and Madison Avenue. The year was Avenue. The year was Avenue. The year was 1881. To run the generator, Edison 1881. To run the generator, Edison 1881. To run the generator, Edison designed a steam engine and a boiler and designed a steam engine and a boiler and designed a steam engine and a boiler and placed the power plant under the stable placed the power plant under the stable placed the power plant under the stable in a newly dug cellar at the back edge in a newly dug cellar at the back edge in a newly dug cellar at the back edge of the property. Wires were connected to of the property. Wires were connected to of the property. Wires were connected to the new incandescent lights placed in the new incandescent lights placed in the new incandescent lights placed in the gas fixtures of the home via a the gas fixtures of the home via a the gas fixtures of the home via a brickline tunnel which ran the length of brickline tunnel which ran the length of brickline tunnel which ran the length of the yard just beneath the surface. Of the yard just beneath the surface. Of the yard just beneath the surface. Of course, there were frequent short course, there were frequent short course, there were frequent short circuits and many breakdowns on part of circuits and many breakdowns on part of circuits and many breakdowns on part of the generating plant. Even at the best, the generating plant. Even at the best, the generating plant. Even at the best, it was a source of a good deal of it was a source of a good deal of it was a source of a good deal of trouble for the family and neighbors who trouble for the family and neighbors who trouble for the family and neighbors who complained of the noise of the dynamo.

complained of the noise of the dynamo. complained of the noise of the dynamo. Mrs. James M. Brown, next door, said Mrs. James M. Brown, next door, said Mrs. James M. Brown, next door, said that its vibrations made her house that its vibrations made her house that its vibrations made her house shake. Morgan had to pile sandbags shake. Morgan had to pile sandbags shake. Morgan had to pile sandbags around the inside of the cellar and around the inside of the cellar and around the inside of the cellar and place the machinery on heavy rubber pads place the machinery on heavy rubber pads place the machinery on heavy rubber pads to deaden the noise and the vibrations. to deaden the noise and the vibrations. to deaden the noise and the vibrations. This final experiment restored quiet and This final experiment restored quiet and This final experiment restored quiet and brought peace to the neighborhood until brought peace to the neighborhood until brought peace to the neighborhood until the winter, and all the stray cats in the winter, and all the stray cats in the winter, and all the stray cats in the neighborhood gathered on this warm the neighborhood gathered on this warm the neighborhood gathered on this warm strip in great numbers, and their strip in great numbers, and their strip in great numbers, and their yowlings gave grounds from the neighbors yowlings gave grounds from the neighbors yowlings gave grounds from the neighbors for more for more for more complaints. The following year, on complaints. The following year, on complaints. The following year, on September 4th, 1882, the new central September 4th, 1882, the new central September 4th, 1882, the new central station at Pearl Street opened. It station at Pearl Street opened. It station at Pearl Street opened. It provided electric lighting to many Wall provided electric lighting to many Wall provided electric lighting to many Wall Street buildings, including Morgan's Street buildings, including Morgan's Street buildings, including Morgan's office. Tesla's ship dropped anchor in office. Tesla's ship dropped anchor in office. Tesla's ship dropped anchor in New York in late spring of 1884 just as New York in late spring of 1884 just as New York in late spring of 1884 just as the monumental decadel long project the the monumental decadel long project the the monumental decadel long project the Brooklyn Bridge was being completed and Brooklyn Bridge was being completed and Brooklyn Bridge was being completed and the last components of the Statue of the last components of the Statue of the last components of the Statue of Liberty were being hoisted into Liberty were being hoisted into Liberty were being hoisted into position. 28 years old, tall and spare position. 28 years old, tall and spare position. 28 years old, tall and spare with thin refined face and sporting a with thin refined face and sporting a with thin refined face and sporting a mustache, Tesla still had the look of an mustache, Tesla still had the look of an mustache, Tesla still had the look of an adolescent. His first impression of the adolescent. His first impression of the adolescent. His first impression of the new world was that it was univilized, a new world was that it was univilized, a new world was that it was univilized, a 100red years behind the lifestyle of the 100red years behind the lifestyle of the 100red years behind the lifestyle of the great European cities. Deferring his great European cities. Deferring his great European cities. Deferring his plan meeting with Edison one day to look plan meeting with Edison one day to look plan meeting with Edison one day to look up an old friend, Tesla had the good up an old friend, Tesla had the good up an old friend, Tesla had the good fortune to pass by a small machine shop fortune to pass by a small machine shop fortune to pass by a small machine shop in which the foreman was trying to in which the foreman was trying to in which the foreman was trying to repair an electric machine. He had just repair an electric machine. He had just repair an electric machine. He had just given up the task as hopeless. One given up the task as hopeless. One given up the task as hopeless. One rendition of the story has Tesla

rendition of the story has Tesla rendition of the story has Tesla agreeing to fix the machine without a agreeing to fix the machine without a agreeing to fix the machine without a thought for compensation. On a separate thought for compensation. On a separate thought for compensation. On a separate occasion, Tesla revealed that it was a occasion, Tesla revealed that it was a occasion, Tesla revealed that it was a machine I had helped design, but I did machine I had helped design, but I did machine I had helped design, but I did not tell them that. I asked, "What would not tell them that. I asked, "What would not tell them that. I asked, "What would you give me if I fix it? $20 was the you give me if I fix it? $20 was the you give me if I fix it? $20 was the reply." I took off my coat and went to reply." I took off my coat and went to reply." I took off my coat and went to work and had it running perfectly in an work and had it running perfectly in an work and had it running perfectly in an hour. The story is important because hour. The story is important because hour. The story is important because depending on the rendition, two depending on the rendition, two depending on the rendition, two different Teslas emerge, one motivated different Teslas emerge, one motivated different Teslas emerge, one motivated by money and one not. In either case, by money and one not. In either case, by money and one not. In either case, Tesla was shocked by the rough character Tesla was shocked by the rough character Tesla was shocked by the rough character of the new world. He proceeded of the new world. He proceeded of the new world. He proceeded cautiously to Edison's new laboratory, a cautiously to Edison's new laboratory, a cautiously to Edison's new laboratory, a former iron works at Gawk Street, former iron works at Gawk Street, former iron works at Gawk Street, situated only a few blocks from the situated only a few blocks from the situated only a few blocks from the central lighting station Edison was central lighting station Edison was central lighting station Edison was constructing at Pearl Street. Bachelor constructing at Pearl Street. Bachelor constructing at Pearl Street. Bachelor probably met Tesla and introduced him to probably met Tesla and introduced him to probably met Tesla and introduced him to the inventor. I was thrilled to the the inventor. I was thrilled to the the inventor. I was thrilled to the marrow by meeting Edison, Tesla said, marrow by meeting Edison, Tesla said, marrow by meeting Edison, Tesla said, possibly aware of the proximity of possibly aware of the proximity of possibly aware of the proximity of Transylvania to Tesla's birthplace and a Transylvania to Tesla's birthplace and a Transylvania to Tesla's birthplace and a resurgence of interest in the tales of resurgence of interest in the tales of resurgence of interest in the tales of Blood Dracula, the 15th century alleged Blood Dracula, the 15th century alleged Blood Dracula, the 15th century alleged vampire who lived in the region. Edison vampire who lived in the region. Edison vampire who lived in the region. Edison inquired whether or not the Neopight had inquired whether or not the Neopight had inquired whether or not the Neopight had ever tasted human flesh.

ever tasted human flesh. ever tasted human flesh. A gasast at the question and Edison's A gasast at the question and Edison's A gasast at the question and Edison's utter disregard of the most elementary utter disregard of the most elementary utter disregard of the most elementary rules of hygiene, Tesla replied in the rules of hygiene, Tesla replied in the rules of hygiene, Tesla replied in the negative and asked what Edison's diet negative and asked what Edison's diet negative and asked what Edison's diet consisted of. You mean to make me so all consisted of. You mean to make me so all consisted of. You mean to make me so all fired smart? Tesla nodded. Why, I eat a fired smart? Tesla nodded. Why, I eat a fired smart? Tesla nodded. Why, I eat a daily regimen of Welsh rabbit? Edison daily regimen of Welsh rabbit? Edison daily regimen of Welsh rabbit? Edison replied. It's the only breakfast replied. It's the only breakfast replied. It's the only breakfast guaranteed to renew one's mental guaranteed to renew one's mental guaranteed to renew one's mental faculties after the long vigils of toil. faculties after the long vigils of toil. faculties after the long vigils of toil. Wanting to emulate the Grand Wizard, the Wanting to emulate the Grand Wizard, the Wanting to emulate the Grand Wizard, the Neopight took on the peculiar diet, Neopight took on the peculiar diet, Neopight took on the peculiar diet, accepting as true, in spite of a accepting as true, in spite of a accepting as true, in spite of a protesting stomach, the jocoul protesting stomach, the jocoul protesting stomach, the jocoul suggestion. Tesla's various accounts of suggestion. Tesla's various accounts of suggestion. Tesla's various accounts of this meeting differ markedly depending this meeting differ markedly depending this meeting differ markedly depending on his mood at the time of the telling, on his mood at the time of the telling, on his mood at the time of the telling, and his awareness of the size and shape and his awareness of the size and shape and his awareness of the size and shape of the audience. For in his of the audience. For in his of the audience. For in his autobiography published in six autobiography published in six autobiography published in six installments of Hugo Gansbach's installments of Hugo Gansbach's installments of Hugo Gansbach's futuristic magazine, Electrical futuristic magazine, Electrical futuristic magazine, Electrical Experimentter, Tesla wrote that the Experimentter, Tesla wrote that the Experimentter, Tesla wrote that the meeting with Edison was a memorable meeting with Edison was a memorable meeting with Edison was a memorable event in my life. I was amazed at this event in my life. I was amazed at this event in my life. I was amazed at this wonderful man who without early wonderful man who without early wonderful man who without early advantages and scientific training had advantages and scientific training had advantages and scientific training had accomplished so much. I had studied a accomplished so much. I had studied a accomplished so much. I had studied a dozen languages, delved in literature dozen languages, delved in literature dozen languages, delved in literature and art, and had spent my s years in libraries and felt that most s years in libraries and felt that most of my life had been of my life had been of my life had been squandered. It wasn't long before Tesla squandered. It wasn't long before Tesla squandered. It wasn't long before Tesla realized that his academic training and realized that his academic training and realized that his academic training and mathematical skills had given him a

mathematical skills had given him a mathematical skills had given him a great engineering advantage over great engineering advantage over great engineering advantage over Edison's plotting strategy of trial and Edison's plotting strategy of trial and Edison's plotting strategy of trial and error. In a bitter moment of error. In a bitter moment of error. In a bitter moment of reminiscence at the time of Edison's reminiscence at the time of Edison's reminiscence at the time of Edison's death in 1931, Tesla said if he had a death in 1931, Tesla said if he had a death in 1931, Tesla said if he had a needle to find in a haststack, he would needle to find in a haststack, he would needle to find in a haststack, he would not stop to reason where it was most not stop to reason where it was most not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once likely to be, but would proceed at once likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee to with the feverish diligence of a bee to with the feverish diligence of a bee to examine straw after straw until he found examine straw after straw until he found examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search. I was almost a