Biography Of Nikola Tesla Pt 6

25 25 Colorado Springs, 1899 Colorado Springs, 1899 Colorado Springs, 1899 Nikola Tesla, the Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla, the Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla, the Serbian scientist whose electrical discoveries are not of whose electrical discoveries are not of whose electrical discoveries are not of one nation, but the pride of the world, one nation, but the pride of the world, one nation, but the pride of the world, has taken up his abode in Colorado has taken up his abode in Colorado has taken up his abode in Colorado Springs. Springs. Springs. On East Pike's Peak Avenue, with On East Pike's Peak Avenue, with On East Pike's Peak Avenue, with limitless plains stretching to the limitless plains stretching to the limitless plains stretching to the eastward and a panorama of mighty eastward and a panorama of mighty eastward and a panorama of mighty mountains sweeping way north and south mountains sweeping way north and south mountains sweeping way north and south to the west, Tesla has caused to be to the west, Tesla has caused to be to the west, Tesla has caused to be constructed a wireless station for constructed a wireless station for constructed a wireless station for scientific research. scientific research. scientific research. Deseret Stanton, Colorado Springs, 1899 Deseret Stanton, Colorado Springs, 1899 Deseret Stanton, Colorado Springs, 1899 Having been invited to Colorado Springs Having been invited to Colorado Springs Having been invited to Colorado Springs to build his laboratory by Westinghouse to build his laboratory by Westinghouse to build his laboratory by Westinghouse patent attorney Leonard E. Curtis, a patent attorney Leonard E. Curtis, a patent attorney Leonard E. Curtis, a long-time adviser and friend through the long-time adviser and friend through the long-time adviser and friend through the difficult years of the battle of the difficult years of the battle of the difficult years of the battle of the currents, Tesla shipped his equipment in currents, Tesla shipped his equipment in currents, Tesla shipped his equipment in early spring 1899. early spring 1899. early spring 1899. Before he left New York, and as the coup Before he left New York, and as the coup Before he left New York, and as the coup de grace to his relationship with T. C. de grace to his relationship with T. C. de grace to his relationship with T. C. Martin, Tesla met with competing editor Martin, Tesla met with competing editor Martin, Tesla met with competing editor Charles W. Price of Electrical Review Charles W. Price of Electrical Review Charles W. Price of Electrical Review and professional photographer Dickinson and professional photographer Dickinson and professional photographer Dickinson Alley to choreograph a spectacular piece Alley to choreograph a spectacular piece Alley to choreograph a spectacular piece on the wizard's laboratory.

on the wizard's laboratory. on the wizard's laboratory. Complete with a rich description of his Complete with a rich description of his Complete with a rich description of his experiments and a sensational series of experiments and a sensational series of experiments and a sensational series of photographs, the article ran in the photographs, the article ran in the photographs, the article ran in the March 29th, 1899 issue. March 29th, 1899 issue. March 29th, 1899 issue. Starting with a full-length portrait of Starting with a full-length portrait of Starting with a full-length portrait of the inventor grasping a basketball-sized the inventor grasping a basketball-sized the inventor grasping a basketball-sized wireless vacuum lamp glowing wireless vacuum lamp glowing wireless vacuum lamp glowing resplendently, the essay went on to resplendently, the essay went on to resplendently, the essay went on to describe the evolution of other describe the evolution of other describe the evolution of other inventions, such as his high-tension inventions, such as his high-tension inventions, such as his high-tension transformer, which resulted in Tesla's transformer, which resulted in Tesla's transformer, which resulted in Tesla's flat spiral transmitting coil. flat spiral transmitting coil. flat spiral transmitting coil. This 8-ft transmitter, easily This 8-ft transmitter, easily This 8-ft transmitter, easily recognizable by its spider web recognizable by its spider web recognizable by its spider web appearance, was the first which appearance, was the first which appearance, was the first which efficiently enabled the inventor to efficiently enabled the inventor to efficiently enabled the inventor to generate two individualized vibrations generate two individualized vibrations generate two individualized vibrations or tuned circuits simultaneously and or tuned circuits simultaneously and or tuned circuits simultaneously and also produced many millions of volts. also produced many millions of volts. also produced many millions of volts. Other prints depicted the flamboyant Other prints depicted the flamboyant Other prints depicted the flamboyant engineer transmitting high currents engineer transmitting high currents engineer transmitting high currents through his body to illuminate a variety through his body to illuminate a variety through his body to illuminate a variety of vacuum tubes, such as one which he of vacuum tubes, such as one which he of vacuum tubes, such as one which he whipped around his head in a multiple whipped around his head in a multiple whipped around his head in a multiple exposure. exposure. exposure. With one hand seeming to pluck a With one hand seeming to pluck a With one hand seeming to pluck a refulgent rod out of the midst of a refulgent rod out of the midst of a refulgent rod out of the midst of a spiral galaxy of blurred light and the spiral galaxy of blurred light and the spiral galaxy of blurred light and the other grasping a sparkling circular other grasping a sparkling circular other grasping a sparkling circular high-tension coil, the operator's body high-tension coil, the operator's body high-tension coil, the operator's body was charged to a great potential.

was charged to a great potential. was charged to a great potential. Tesla arrived in Colorado Springs on May Tesla arrived in Colorado Springs on May Tesla arrived in Colorado Springs on May the 18th, 1899, after stopping in the 18th, 1899, after stopping in the 18th, 1899, after stopping in Chicago to display his teleautomaton to Chicago to display his teleautomaton to Chicago to display his teleautomaton to the Commercial Club, a local electrical the Commercial Club, a local electrical the Commercial Club, a local electrical society. society. society. Situated at the very gateway to the Situated at the very gateway to the Situated at the very gateway to the Rocky Mountains, at the edge of a plain Rocky Mountains, at the edge of a plain Rocky Mountains, at the edge of a plain that stretched for hundreds of miles, that stretched for hundreds of miles, that stretched for hundreds of miles, the Colorado site would prove an the Colorado site would prove an the Colorado site would prove an excellent choice, not only for excellent choice, not only for excellent choice, not only for monitoring wireless energy generated monitoring wireless energy generated monitoring wireless energy generated from his transmitter, but also for from his transmitter, but also for from his transmitter, but also for studying a common phenomenon in the studying a common phenomenon in the studying a common phenomenon in the region, the electrical storms. region, the electrical storms. region, the electrical storms. Stepping from the station after his Stepping from the station after his Stepping from the station after his week-long journey, the inventor was met week-long journey, the inventor was met week-long journey, the inventor was met by Curtis and a few dignitaries. by Curtis and a few dignitaries. by Curtis and a few dignitaries. A horse and carriage took him to his A horse and carriage took him to his A horse and carriage took him to his hotel, the Alta Vista, where he stayed hotel, the Alta Vista, where he stayed hotel, the Alta Vista, where he stayed in room 207. in room 207. in room 207. Much like his childhood home in Smiljan, Much like his childhood home in Smiljan, Much like his childhood home in Smiljan, the town was situated at the foothills the town was situated at the foothills the town was situated at the foothills of a mighty chain of mountains. of a mighty chain of mountains. of a mighty chain of mountains. The Rockies arose so suddenly that they The Rockies arose so suddenly that they The Rockies arose so suddenly that they looked almost as if they were still looked almost as if they were still looked almost as if they were still being formed. being formed. being formed. A view on a clear day stretched A view on a clear day stretched A view on a clear day stretched virtually to Wyoming to the north and virtually to Wyoming to the north and virtually to Wyoming to the north and New Mexico to the south, and it was a New Mexico to the south, and it was a New Mexico to the south, and it was a common sight to witness lightning storms common sight to witness lightning storms common sight to witness lightning storms in the distance while standing in the in the distance while standing in the in the distance while standing in the sunshine.

sunshine. sunshine. Hoping to be the little London of the Hoping to be the little London of the Hoping to be the little London of the West, the people of the Springs welcomed West, the people of the Springs welcomed West, the people of the Springs welcomed the great inventor by honoring him with the great inventor by honoring him with the great inventor by honoring him with a banquet sponsored by Curtis at the El a banquet sponsored by Curtis at the El a banquet sponsored by Curtis at the El Paso Club. Paso Club. Paso Club. Well-known throughout the region because Well-known throughout the region because Well-known throughout the region because his AC power transmission system had his AC power transmission system had his AC power transmission system had been adopted at lead, silver, and gold been adopted at lead, silver, and gold been adopted at lead, silver, and gold mines in such camps as Telluride and mines in such camps as Telluride and mines in such camps as Telluride and Creek, Tesla was happily met by Creek, Tesla was happily met by Creek, Tesla was happily met by society people, town officials, and the society people, town officials, and the society people, town officials, and the governor. governor. governor. A few days later, another notable also A few days later, another notable also A few days later, another notable also came to town, Admiral Schley, recently came to town, Admiral Schley, recently came to town, Admiral Schley, recently back from his victory in Santiago Bay. back from his victory in Santiago Bay. back from his victory in Santiago Bay. The entire town celebrated the hero's The entire town celebrated the hero's The entire town celebrated the hero's visit. visit. visit. No doubt Tesla had easy access to the No doubt Tesla had easy access to the No doubt Tesla had easy access to the Admiral, and they probably discussed the Admiral, and they probably discussed the Admiral, and they probably discussed the potential use of his teleautomaton as a potential use of his teleautomaton as a potential use of his teleautomaton as a weapon to help abolish war. weapon to help abolish war. weapon to help abolish war. As part of Tesla's arrangement with As part of Tesla's arrangement with As part of Tesla's arrangement with Curtis's guarantee, the El Paso Electric Curtis's guarantee, the El Paso Electric Curtis's guarantee, the El Paso Electric Company provided Tesla with free Company provided Tesla with free Company provided Tesla with free electrical power to support the great electrical power to support the great electrical power to support the great quest. quest. quest. Local contractor Joseph Dozier was Local contractor Joseph Dozier was Local contractor Joseph Dozier was introduced to discuss construction of introduced to discuss construction of introduced to discuss construction of the lab. Off they drove down Pikes Peak the lab. Off they drove down Pikes Peak the lab. Off they drove down Pikes Peak Avenue to what is now the corner of Avenue to what is now the corner of Avenue to what is now the corner of Coyote Street near Prospect Lake Coyote Street near Prospect Lake Coyote Street near Prospect Lake to look the site over.

to look the site over. to look the site over. Dozier, it appears, had a mystical bent, Dozier, it appears, had a mystical bent, Dozier, it appears, had a mystical bent, so discussions drifted to talk of life so discussions drifted to talk of life so discussions drifted to talk of life on other planets and unusual ways to on other planets and unusual ways to on other planets and unusual ways to search for gold in the nearby hills. search for gold in the nearby hills. search for gold in the nearby hills. The inventor had traveled west for a The inventor had traveled west for a The inventor had traveled west for a variety of reasons, particularly his variety of reasons, particularly his variety of reasons, particularly his wish to experimentally verify that he wish to experimentally verify that he wish to experimentally verify that he could transmit light, information, and could transmit light, information, and could transmit light, information, and power to vast distances by means of power to vast distances by means of power to vast distances by means of wireless. wireless. wireless. "I wanted to be free of the disturbing "I wanted to be free of the disturbing "I wanted to be free of the disturbing influences in the city, which make it influences in the city, which make it influences in the city, which make it very difficult to tune circuits," the very difficult to tune circuits," the very difficult to tune circuits," the inventor added. inventor added. inventor added. Tesla had embarked on a massive plan Tesla had embarked on a massive plan Tesla had embarked on a massive plan that presupposed an understanding of a that presupposed an understanding of a that presupposed an understanding of a technology which even challenges today's technology which even challenges today's technology which even challenges today's comprehension of power distribution comprehension of power distribution comprehension of power distribution systems. systems. systems. Details of the work would remain secret, Details of the work would remain secret, Details of the work would remain secret, Tesla not even revealing his intent to Tesla not even revealing his intent to Tesla not even revealing his intent to erect the station until almost the day erect the station until almost the day erect the station until almost the day he departed. he departed. he departed. From the very first day of his arrival, From the very first day of his arrival, From the very first day of his arrival, he announced rather optimistic plans, he announced rather optimistic plans, he announced rather optimistic plans, telling town columnist Mrs. Gilbert telling town columnist Mrs. Gilbert telling town columnist Mrs. Gilbert McClurg, wife of the secretary of the McClurg, wife of the secretary of the McClurg, wife of the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, who wrote under the Chamber of Commerce, who wrote under the Chamber of Commerce, who wrote under the nom de plume Desiree Stanton, nom de plume Desiree Stanton, nom de plume Desiree Stanton, "With my wireless telegraph oscillator, "With my wireless telegraph oscillator, "With my wireless telegraph oscillator, I could talk to the inhabitants of the I could talk to the inhabitants of the I could talk to the inhabitants of the planet Mars if they know enough to take planet Mars if they know enough to take planet Mars if they know enough to take a message, and will talk to the people a message, and will talk to the people a message, and will talk to the people of the earth at any distance away of the earth at any distance away of the earth at any distance away without the assistance of wires.

without the assistance of wires. without the assistance of wires. There was a popular notion, and even There was a popular notion, and even There was a popular notion, and even astronomical speculation, that other astronomical speculation, that other astronomical speculation, that other planets were inhabited, and that Mars planets were inhabited, and that Mars planets were inhabited, and that Mars could be contacted. could be contacted. could be contacted. Growing large fields with flora planted Growing large fields with flora planted Growing large fields with flora planted in different colored symbols, or in different colored symbols, or in different colored symbols, or creating giant reflecting surfaces to creating giant reflecting surfaces to creating giant reflecting surfaces to flicker signals, were two other flicker signals, were two other flicker signals, were two other proposals espoused by writers in the proposals espoused by writers in the proposals espoused by writers in the technical journals that received serious technical journals that received serious technical journals that received serious consideration. consideration. consideration. With Percival Lowell's magnificent With Percival Lowell's magnificent With Percival Lowell's magnificent telescope only a few hundred miles away telescope only a few hundred miles away telescope only a few hundred miles away in Flagstaff, Arizona, reports of in Flagstaff, Arizona, reports of in Flagstaff, Arizona, reports of Martian activities were a commonplace Martian activities were a commonplace Martian activities were a commonplace topic of conversation. topic of conversation. topic of conversation. With Tesla's arrival, in Deseray's With Tesla's arrival, in Deseray's With Tesla's arrival, in Deseray's words, "The day of real power is not far words, "The day of real power is not far words, "The day of real power is not far distant." distant." distant." "I would light whole cities, and give to "I would light whole cities, and give to "I would light whole cities, and give to mere machines all the motions of mere machines all the motions of mere machines all the motions of intelligence," said Tesla. "But my first intelligence," said Tesla. "But my first intelligence," said Tesla. "But my first plan is to simply collect experimental plan is to simply collect experimental plan is to simply collect experimental data, mount instruments, and record data, mount instruments, and record data, mount instruments, and record experiments at different atmospheric experiments at different atmospheric experiments at different atmospheric levels." levels." levels." Tesla's plan for cabling across the Tesla's plan for cabling across the Tesla's plan for cabling across the Atlantic is to erect two terminal Atlantic is to erect two terminal Atlantic is to erect two terminal stations, one in London, and one in New stations, one in London, and one in New stations, one in London, and one in New York, with the oscillators placed at the York, with the oscillators placed at the York, with the oscillators placed at the top of high towers, communicating thence top of high towers, communicating thence top of high towers, communicating thence with great discs suspended in captive with great discs suspended in captive with great discs suspended in captive balloons floating 5,000 ft above the balloons floating 5,000 ft above the balloons floating 5,000 ft above the earth to catch the strata of rarefied earth to catch the strata of rarefied earth to catch the strata of rarefied air through which electrical waves air through which electrical waves air through which electrical waves travel most easily.

travel most easily. travel most easily. A message could be flashed instantly by A message could be flashed instantly by A message could be flashed instantly by these lightning rays from the oscillator these lightning rays from the oscillator these lightning rays from the oscillator to the disk in the balloon, and across to the disk in the balloon, and across to the disk in the balloon, and across the thousands of miles of intervening the thousands of miles of intervening the thousands of miles of intervening space to the second disk. space to the second disk. space to the second disk. Mr. Tesla says he is ready to put his Mr. Tesla says he is ready to put his Mr. Tesla says he is ready to put his wireless system into operation as soon wireless system into operation as soon wireless system into operation as soon as the practical details can be as the practical details can be as the practical details can be arranged. arranged. arranged. His scheme was multifaceted. He could His scheme was multifaceted. He could His scheme was multifaceted. He could utilize the ionosphere to act as a utilize the ionosphere to act as a utilize the ionosphere to act as a conduit or a reflector of the electrical conduit or a reflector of the electrical conduit or a reflector of the electrical waves. waves. waves. He could use the intrinsic electrical He could use the intrinsic electrical He could use the intrinsic electrical impulses of the earth itself, that is, impulses of the earth itself, that is, impulses of the earth itself, that is, its geomagnetic pulse as a carrier wave. its geomagnetic pulse as a carrier wave. its geomagnetic pulse as a carrier wave. Or he could transmit energy in the more Or he could transmit energy in the more Or he could transmit energy in the more conventional wireless way with one conventional wireless way with one conventional wireless way with one single tuned circuit on the transmitting single tuned circuit on the transmitting single tuned circuit on the transmitting and receiving end, such as he had and receiving end, such as he had and receiving end, such as he had demonstrated in his public lectures in demonstrated in his public lectures in demonstrated in his public lectures in London, Paris, New York, Philadelphia, London, Paris, New York, Philadelphia, London, Paris, New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. That is, by using a and St. Louis. That is, by using a and St. Louis. That is, by using a resonant tuned circuit comprising a resonant tuned circuit comprising a resonant tuned circuit comprising a transmitter and a receiver, an aerial transmitter and a receiver, an aerial transmitter and a receiver, an aerial and ground connection. Or he could use and ground connection. Or he could use and ground connection. Or he could use conventional copper lines. conventional copper lines. conventional copper lines. With Colorado Springs, 6,000 ft above With Colorado Springs, 6,000 ft above With Colorado Springs, 6,000 ft above sea level, one of his first experiments sea level, one of his first experiments sea level, one of his first experiments involved the transmission of very high involved the transmission of very high involved the transmission of very high frequencies up long wires to terminals frequencies up long wires to terminals frequencies up long wires to terminals situated 2 mi in the sky.

situated 2 mi in the sky. situated 2 mi in the sky. Helium-filled balloons more than 10 ft Helium-filled balloons more than 10 ft Helium-filled balloons more than 10 ft long were ordered from a balloon farm in long were ordered from a balloon farm in long were ordered from a balloon farm in Germany run by Professor Myers, and Germany run by Professor Myers, and Germany run by Professor Myers, and thousands of feet of wire and cables thousands of feet of wire and cables thousands of feet of wire and cables were shipped from the Houston Street were shipped from the Houston Street were shipped from the Houston Street lab. lab. lab. Other equipment included batteries, Other equipment included batteries, Other equipment included batteries, receiving measuring instruments, receiving measuring instruments, receiving measuring instruments, switches, transformers, vacuum pumps, switches, transformers, vacuum pumps, switches, transformers, vacuum pumps, and dozens of types of electronic tubes and dozens of types of electronic tubes and dozens of types of electronic tubes specially prepared by a Manhattan glass specially prepared by a Manhattan glass specially prepared by a Manhattan glass blower. blower. blower. Also, his huge oscillators and Also, his huge oscillators and Also, his huge oscillators and gargantuan Tesla coils were shipped, gargantuan Tesla coils were shipped, gargantuan Tesla coils were shipped, although his novel flat spiral although his novel flat spiral although his novel flat spiral transmitter, which appears so transmitter, which appears so transmitter, which appears so prominently in the 1898 photographs of prominently in the 1898 photographs of prominently in the 1898 photographs of his New York laboratory, was not sent. his New York laboratory, was not sent. his New York laboratory, was not sent. Lewis Ullmann, one of his key engineers, Lewis Ullmann, one of his key engineers, Lewis Ullmann, one of his key engineers, was placed in charge of equipment at was placed in charge of equipment at was placed in charge of equipment at Houston Street with George Scherff, Houston Street with George Scherff, Houston Street with George Scherff, business manager and liaison. business manager and liaison. business manager and liaison. Tesla's wireless experimental station Tesla's wireless experimental station Tesla's wireless experimental station was a large barn-like structure was a large barn-like structure was a large barn-like structure approximately 60 ft wide and 18 ft high approximately 60 ft wide and 18 ft high approximately 60 ft wide and 18 ft high with a 200-ft tall bulbous-topped aerial with a 200-ft tall bulbous-topped aerial with a 200-ft tall bulbous-topped aerial whose height could be adjusted to whose height could be adjusted to whose height could be adjusted to differing lengths.

differing lengths. differing lengths. Situated on East Pikes Peak Avenue, Situated on East Pikes Peak Avenue, Situated on East Pikes Peak Avenue, within walking distance of the center of within walking distance of the center of within walking distance of the center of town, the building was connected by town, the building was connected by town, the building was connected by transmission lines to the El Paso transmission lines to the El Paso transmission lines to the El Paso electrical station only a few miles electrical station only a few miles electrical station only a few miles away. away. away. From their circuit, Tesla was able to From their circuit, Tesla was able to From their circuit, Tesla was able to draw, according to necessity, 100 draw, according to necessity, 100 draw, according to necessity, 100 horsepower and more. horsepower and more. horsepower and more. Guarded by a sign which read, "Great Guarded by a sign which read, "Great Guarded by a sign which read, "Great danger, keep out." The lab housed a danger, keep out." The lab housed a danger, keep out." The lab housed a high-frequency transformer and a Tesla high-frequency transformer and a Tesla high-frequency transformer and a Tesla coil with a diameter of 45 ft. coil with a diameter of 45 ft. coil with a diameter of 45 ft. All of his experiments would be All of his experiments would be All of his experiments would be carefully recorded in his private carefully recorded in his private carefully recorded in his private Colorado notebook, which was discovered Colorado notebook, which was discovered Colorado notebook, which was discovered in the 1950s among his papers at the in the 1950s among his papers at the in the 1950s among his papers at the Belgrade Museum. Belgrade Museum. Belgrade Museum. Theories, experiments, occasional Theories, experiments, occasional Theories, experiments, occasional personal observations, and highly personal observations, and highly personal observations, and highly technical mathematical equations filled technical mathematical equations filled technical mathematical equations filled the pages. the pages. the pages. Tesla stated that his main reason for Tesla stated that his main reason for Tesla stated that his main reason for coming to Colorado was to produce a coming to Colorado was to produce a coming to Colorado was to produce a resonant transformer which would be resonant transformer which would be resonant transformer which would be capable of disturbing the electrical capable of disturbing the electrical capable of disturbing the electrical condition of part, if not the entire condition of part, if not the entire condition of part, if not the entire globe. globe. globe. Thus enabling me to transmit Thus enabling me to transmit Thus enabling me to transmit intelligence to great distances without intelligence to great distances without intelligence to great distances without wire.

wire. wire. The plan was actually quite simple. The plan was actually quite simple. The plan was actually quite simple. Tesla assumed that the Earth had a Tesla assumed that the Earth had a Tesla assumed that the Earth had a resonant frequency and therefore could resonant frequency and therefore could resonant frequency and therefore could be measured and utilized as a gigantic be measured and utilized as a gigantic be measured and utilized as a gigantic carrier wave to distribute electrical carrier wave to distribute electrical carrier wave to distribute electrical power. power. power. Since the entire Earth was in a harmonic Since the entire Earth was in a harmonic Since the entire Earth was in a harmonic relationship with his equipment, Tesla relationship with his equipment, Tesla relationship with his equipment, Tesla claimed that there would be no claimed that there would be no claimed that there would be no diminution in the intensity of the diminution in the intensity of the diminution in the intensity of the transmitted impulses. transmitted impulses. transmitted impulses. It is even possible to make the actions It is even possible to make the actions It is even possible to make the actions increase with distance from the plant increase with distance from the plant increase with distance from the plant according to an exact mathematical law. according to an exact mathematical law. according to an exact mathematical law. By regulating the height of the aerial, By regulating the height of the aerial, By regulating the height of the aerial, different wavelengths could be created different wavelengths could be created different wavelengths could be created which could be measured in terms of which could be measured in terms of which could be measured in terms of their harmonic relationship to the their harmonic relationship to the their harmonic relationship to the natural electrical properties of the natural electrical properties of the natural electrical properties of the Earth. Earth. Earth. A few weeks later, Tesla summoned Fritz A few weeks later, Tesla summoned Fritz A few weeks later, Tesla summoned Fritz Lowenstein. Just 25 years old and a Lowenstein. Just 25 years old and a Lowenstein. Just 25 years old and a recent German immigrant, Lowenstein had recent German immigrant, Lowenstein had recent German immigrant, Lowenstein had only been working for Tesla for a month. only been working for Tesla for a month. only been working for Tesla for a month. Thus, there was a question about his Thus, there was a question about his Thus, there was a question about his ability to be reticent about the work. ability to be reticent about the work. ability to be reticent about the work. Nevertheless, he was, as Tesla said, "A Nevertheless, he was, as Tesla said, "A Nevertheless, he was, as Tesla said, "A man possessed of the highest technical man possessed of the highest technical man possessed of the highest technical training and probably the most formally training and probably the most formally training and probably the most formally educated of his crew.

educated of his crew. educated of his crew. In June, Tesla experimented with a In June, Tesla experimented with a In June, Tesla experimented with a wireless telephone, although it is not wireless telephone, although it is not wireless telephone, although it is not known whether he actually transmitted known whether he actually transmitted known whether he actually transmitted spoken words. To Astor, he wrote the spoken words. To Astor, he wrote the spoken words. To Astor, he wrote the following year, "There is nothing novel following year, "There is nothing novel following year, "There is nothing novel in telephoning without wires to a in telephoning without wires to a in telephoning without wires to a distance of 5 or 6 miles, since this has distance of 5 or 6 miles, since this has distance of 5 or 6 miles, since this has been done often before. In this been done often before. In this been done often before. In this connection, I have obtained two connection, I have obtained two connection, I have obtained two patents." patents." patents." Whether or not Astor was completely Whether or not Astor was completely Whether or not Astor was completely aware of Tesla's plan to leave New York aware of Tesla's plan to leave New York aware of Tesla's plan to leave New York to set up an experimental station in to set up an experimental station in to set up an experimental station in Colorado Springs is unknown. Colorado Springs is unknown. Colorado Springs is unknown. Astor had been in Europe during much of Astor had been in Europe during much of Astor had been in Europe during much of the planning stages of the venture, the planning stages of the venture, the planning stages of the venture, returning to New York on June the 14th. returning to New York on June the 14th. returning to New York on June the 14th. Certainly, Tesla notified Astor of his Certainly, Tesla notified Astor of his Certainly, Tesla notified Astor of his plans, but this author suspects that the plans, but this author suspects that the plans, but this author suspects that the financier did not find out until after financier did not find out until after financier did not find out until after their business arrangement was their business arrangement was their business arrangement was solidified. solidified. solidified. As Astor was expecting progress on the As Astor was expecting progress on the As Astor was expecting progress on the oscillators and cold light, he probably oscillators and cold light, he probably oscillators and cold light, he probably had mixed feelings when he contacted had mixed feelings when he contacted had mixed feelings when he contacted Schiff to check on Tesla's progress. Schiff to check on Tesla's progress. Schiff to check on Tesla's progress. Professor Myers' balloons had finally Professor Myers' balloons had finally Professor Myers' balloons had finally arrived. "They should only be about 2/3 arrived. "They should only be about 2/3 arrived. "They should only be about 2/3 inflated," Myers warned, "as otherwise inflated," Myers warned, "as otherwise inflated," Myers warned, "as otherwise they may burst when they attain some they may burst when they attain some they may burst when they attain some height."

height." height." "He has also included some kites," "He has also included some kites," "He has also included some kites," Schiff wrote with the shipment. Schiff wrote with the shipment. Schiff wrote with the shipment. The balloons were launched in July, "but The balloons were launched in July, "but The balloons were launched in July, "but they are too heavy and do not work they are too heavy and do not work they are too heavy and do not work well." well." well." The scheme, although plausible, was The scheme, although plausible, was The scheme, although plausible, was cumbersome, as energy would have had to cumbersome, as energy would have had to cumbersome, as energy would have had to be transmitted up a long wire which be transmitted up a long wire which be transmitted up a long wire which weighed down the balloon or kite in a weighed down the balloon or kite in a weighed down the balloon or kite in a somewhat haphazard fashion, and then somewhat haphazard fashion, and then somewhat haphazard fashion, and then another balloon placed at some distance another balloon placed at some distance another balloon placed at some distance would be needed to receive the would be needed to receive the would be needed to receive the transmission and then send it down long transmission and then send it down long transmission and then send it down long wires to the instruments on the ground. wires to the instruments on the ground. wires to the instruments on the ground. For numerous reasons, this line of For numerous reasons, this line of For numerous reasons, this line of investigation was abandoned. investigation was abandoned. investigation was abandoned. Next on the agenda was the measurement Next on the agenda was the measurement Next on the agenda was the measurement of the electrical properties of the of the electrical properties of the of the electrical properties of the Earth, monitoring electrical storms, and Earth, monitoring electrical storms, and Earth, monitoring electrical storms, and creating electromagnetic oscillations creating electromagnetic oscillations creating electromagnetic oscillations that would be in a harmonic relationship that would be in a harmonic relationship that would be in a harmonic relationship to terrestrial currents. to terrestrial currents. to terrestrial currents. Uppermost in Tesla's mind was the Uppermost in Tesla's mind was the Uppermost in Tesla's mind was the problem of individualization of messages problem of individualization of messages problem of individualization of messages and protected privacy. and protected privacy. and protected privacy. Therefore, most of his experiments Therefore, most of his experiments Therefore, most of his experiments involved the combination of two or more involved the combination of two or more involved the combination of two or more frequencies and the construction of frequencies and the construction of frequencies and the construction of receiving instruments tuned to these receiving instruments tuned to these receiving instruments tuned to these specific arrangements.

specific arrangements. specific arrangements. "The chief feature of a practical "The chief feature of a practical "The chief feature of a practical wireless telegraph system," Tesla told wireless telegraph system," Tesla told wireless telegraph system," Tesla told Lowenstein, "is the secrecy, immunity, Lowenstein, "is the secrecy, immunity, Lowenstein, "is the secrecy, immunity, and selectivity of the oscillating and and selectivity of the oscillating and and selectivity of the oscillating and receiving apparatus." receiving apparatus." receiving apparatus." The inventor thereby set about to create The inventor thereby set about to create The inventor thereby set about to create a variety of mechanisms to produce a variety of mechanisms to produce a variety of mechanisms to produce multiple wavelengths. multiple wavelengths. multiple wavelengths. Whereas Marconi and the others were Whereas Marconi and the others were Whereas Marconi and the others were using inefficient Hertzian pulsed using inefficient Hertzian pulsed using inefficient Hertzian pulsed oscillations of very high frequencies, oscillations of very high frequencies, oscillations of very high frequencies, Tesla worked with continuous undamped Tesla worked with continuous undamped Tesla worked with continuous undamped oscillations in the low HF high oscillations in the low HF high oscillations in the low HF high frequency range. frequency range. frequency range. "Do you understand what we are now "Do you understand what we are now "Do you understand what we are now trying to achieve?" trying to achieve?" trying to achieve?" "Yes, Mr. Tesla," Lowenstein replied. "I "Yes, Mr. Tesla," Lowenstein replied. "I "Yes, Mr. Tesla," Lowenstein replied. "I understand that in this invention, the understand that in this invention, the understand that in this invention, the elements of the receiving apparatus elements of the receiving apparatus elements of the receiving apparatus respond to the elements of the respond to the elements of the respond to the elements of the transmitter, and that only the co-action transmitter, and that only the co-action transmitter, and that only the co-action of the responding of all these elements of the responding of all these elements of the responding of all these elements of the receiver apparatus make the of the receiver apparatus make the of the receiver apparatus make the registering apparatus register." registering apparatus register." registering apparatus register." "Excellent." "Excellent." "Excellent." On June the 16th, Tesla set out to On June the 16th, Tesla set out to On June the 16th, Tesla set out to create an efficient ground connection. create an efficient ground connection. create an efficient ground connection. His workers were instructed to dig a His workers were instructed to dig a His workers were instructed to dig a hole 12 ft deep near a water main, and a hole 12 ft deep near a water main, and a hole 12 ft deep near a water main, and a copper plate 20 ft square was buried copper plate 20 ft square was buried copper plate 20 ft square was buried there.

there. there. Water was kept constantly flowing upon Water was kept constantly flowing upon Water was kept constantly flowing upon the ground to moisten it and improve the the ground to moisten it and improve the the ground to moisten it and improve the connection. connection. connection. But the dry earth and the problem of But the dry earth and the problem of But the dry earth and the problem of rock formations interfered with the rock formations interfered with the rock formations interfered with the creation of a completely efficient creation of a completely efficient creation of a completely efficient setup. setup. setup. Nevertheless, purposely unsensitive Nevertheless, purposely unsensitive Nevertheless, purposely unsensitive receiving instruments placed 200 ft from receiving instruments placed 200 ft from receiving instruments placed 200 ft from the shop responded when connected to the the shop responded when connected to the the shop responded when connected to the ground. ground. ground. The action of the device was strong even The action of the device was strong even The action of the device was strong even though it was concluded that the earth though it was concluded that the earth though it was concluded that the earth resistance was still too great. resistance was still too great. resistance was still too great. For the next series of experiments, For the next series of experiments, For the next series of experiments, Lowenstein was in charge of the Lowenstein was in charge of the Lowenstein was in charge of the transmitter and Tesla attended to his transmitter and Tesla attended to his transmitter and Tesla attended to his numerous receivers. numerous receivers. numerous receivers. Lowenstein recalled, Lowenstein recalled, Lowenstein recalled, "I handled myself the big transmitter "I handled myself the big transmitter "I handled myself the big transmitter sending two vibrations through the sending two vibrations through the sending two vibrations through the ground by two separate secondary ground by two separate secondary ground by two separate secondary circuits. circuits. circuits. Mr. Tesla would then Mr. Tesla would then Mr. Tesla would then go outside of the building leaving me go outside of the building leaving me go outside of the building leaving me instructions for continuously switching instructions for continuously switching instructions for continuously switching the oscillator on and off in certain the oscillator on and off in certain the oscillator on and off in certain intervals. intervals. intervals. I don't know how far he went, but by the I don't know how far he went, but by the I don't know how far he went, but by the time he came back again time he came back again time he came back again in the afternoon, you may easily build in the afternoon, you may easily build in the afternoon, you may easily build an idea how far Mr. Tesla could have an idea how far Mr. Tesla could have an idea how far Mr. Tesla could have gone at the time I was standing at the gone at the time I was standing at the gone at the time I was standing at the switch."

switch." switch." In 1916, Tesla stated that he In 1916, Tesla stated that he In 1916, Tesla stated that he occasionally conducted experiments as occasionally conducted experiments as occasionally conducted experiments as far as 10 miles from the station. far as 10 miles from the station. far as 10 miles from the station. On the eve of July the 4th, one of the On the eve of July the 4th, one of the On the eve of July the 4th, one of the most stupendous electrical storms ever most stupendous electrical storms ever most stupendous electrical storms ever recorded in the region rocked Pikes recorded in the region rocked Pikes recorded in the region rocked Pikes Peak. Peak. Peak. Observations made last night, Observations made last night, Observations made last night, they were not to be easily forgotten for they were not to be easily forgotten for they were not to be easily forgotten for more than one reason. First of all, a more than one reason. First of all, a more than one reason. First of all, a magnificent sight was afforded by the magnificent sight was afforded by the magnificent sight was afforded by the extraordinary display of lightning. No extraordinary display of lightning. No extraordinary display of lightning. No less than 10,000 to 12,000 discharges less than 10,000 to 12,000 discharges less than 10,000 to 12,000 discharges being witnessed inside of 2 hours. being witnessed inside of 2 hours. being witnessed inside of 2 hours. Some were of a wonderful brilliancy and Some were of a wonderful brilliancy and Some were of a wonderful brilliancy and showed often 10 or twice as many showed often 10 or twice as many showed often 10 or twice as many branches. branches. branches. While tracking the storm with his While tracking the storm with his While tracking the storm with his sensitive receiving apparatus, Tesla sensitive receiving apparatus, Tesla sensitive receiving apparatus, Tesla noticed that even though the storm had noticed that even though the storm had noticed that even though the storm had passed out of sight, the instruments passed out of sight, the instruments passed out of sight, the instruments began to play periodically. began to play periodically. began to play periodically. This was experimental verification of This was experimental verification of This was experimental verification of stationary waves, periodic electronic stationary waves, periodic electronic stationary waves, periodic electronic vibrations impressed upon the earth vibrations impressed upon the earth vibrations impressed upon the earth itself. itself. itself. Also, troughs and nodal points were Also, troughs and nodal points were Also, troughs and nodal points were detected.

detected. detected. It is now certain that they can be It is now certain that they can be It is now certain that they can be produced with an oscillator, Tesla wrote produced with an oscillator, Tesla wrote produced with an oscillator, Tesla wrote in his notebook and then added in in his notebook and then added in in his notebook and then added in brackets, "This is of immense brackets, "This is of immense brackets, "This is of immense importance." importance." importance." Tesla wrote to his secretary the same Tesla wrote to his secretary the same Tesla wrote to his secretary the same day. day. day. Dear Mr. Scherff, I have received Dear Mr. Scherff, I have received Dear Mr. Scherff, I have received messages from the clouds 100 miles away. messages from the clouds 100 miles away. messages from the clouds 100 miles away. And 2 days later, And 2 days later, And 2 days later, we have just about finished all the we have just about finished all the we have just about finished all the details. My work is really to begin in details. My work is really to begin in details. My work is really to begin in earnest right now. 26 26 contact 1899 contact 1899 contact 1899 My dear Luka, My dear Luka, My dear Luka, everybody is after me since I was everybody is after me since I was everybody is after me since I was favored by the Martians. My friend J. favored by the Martians. My friend J. favored by the Martians. My friend J. Collier has persuaded me to make a short Collier has persuaded me to make a short Collier has persuaded me to make a short statement regarding the subject of statement regarding the subject of statement regarding the subject of interplanetary communication. interplanetary communication. interplanetary communication. Yours sincerely, Nikola Tesla Yours sincerely, Nikola Tesla Yours sincerely, Nikola Tesla The Colorado notebook is virtually a The Colorado notebook is virtually a The Colorado notebook is virtually a daily record of Tesla's work at the daily record of Tesla's work at the daily record of Tesla's work at the time. time. time. Nowhere in the notes can there be found Nowhere in the notes can there be found Nowhere in the notes can there be found a distinct passage of the pivotal moment a distinct passage of the pivotal moment a distinct passage of the pivotal moment when he received unidentified impulses when he received unidentified impulses when he received unidentified impulses that he came to attribute to that he came to attribute to that he came to attribute to extraterrestrials.

extraterrestrials. extraterrestrials. However, he does refer on December the However, he does refer on December the However, he does refer on December the 8th to this event writing to friend and 8th to this event writing to friend and 8th to this event writing to friend and columnist Julian Hawthorne, the art of columnist Julian Hawthorne, the art of columnist Julian Hawthorne, the art of transmitting electrical energy through transmitting electrical energy through transmitting electrical energy through the natural media will perhaps make it the natural media will perhaps make it the natural media will perhaps make it possible for man to produce wonderful possible for man to produce wonderful possible for man to produce wonderful changes and transformation on the changes and transformation on the changes and transformation on the surface of our globe as are to all surface of our globe as are to all surface of our globe as are to all evidence now being wrought by evidence now being wrought by evidence now being wrought by intelligent beings on a neighboring intelligent beings on a neighboring intelligent beings on a neighboring planet. planet. planet. And just a few weeks later during the And just a few weeks later during the And just a few weeks later during the holiday season while still in Colorado, holiday season while still in Colorado, holiday season while still in Colorado, Tesla in a Christmas message to the Tesla in a Christmas message to the Tesla in a Christmas message to the local Red Cross Society or when it me to local Red Cross Society or when it me to local Red Cross Society or when it me to indicate one of the greatest possible indicate one of the greatest possible indicate one of the greatest possible achievements of the next 100 years achievements of the next 100 years achievements of the next 100 years wrote, I have observed electrical wrote, I have observed electrical wrote, I have observed electrical actions which have appeared actions which have appeared actions which have appeared inexplicable. inexplicable. inexplicable. Faint and uncertain though they were, Faint and uncertain though they were, Faint and uncertain though they were, they have given me a deep conviction and they have given me a deep conviction and they have given me a deep conviction and foreknowledge that ere long all human foreknowledge that ere long all human foreknowledge that ere long all human beings on this globe as one will turn beings on this globe as one will turn beings on this globe as one will turn their eyes to the firmament above with their eyes to the firmament above with their eyes to the firmament above with the feelings of love and reverence the feelings of love and reverence the feelings of love and reverence thrilled by the glad news.

thrilled by the glad news. thrilled by the glad news. Brethren, Brethren, Brethren, we have a message from another world, we have a message from another world, we have a message from another world, unknown and remote. It reads, "1 2 3." unknown and remote. It reads, "1 2 3." unknown and remote. It reads, "1 2 3." Throughout July, Tesla was carefully Throughout July, Tesla was carefully Throughout July, Tesla was carefully monitoring the electrical activity of monitoring the electrical activity of monitoring the electrical activity of the Earth, verifying that it had a the Earth, verifying that it had a the Earth, verifying that it had a specific geomagnetic pulse and harmonics specific geomagnetic pulse and harmonics specific geomagnetic pulse and harmonics off of that pulse. off of that pulse. off of that pulse. On the 28th, he worked on increasing the On the 28th, he worked on increasing the On the 28th, he worked on increasing the sensitivity of his receivers by sensitivity of his receivers by sensitivity of his receivers by magnifying the effects of feeble magnifying the effects of feeble magnifying the effects of feeble disturbances. disturbances. disturbances. The inventor had tuned his equipment so The inventor had tuned his equipment so The inventor had tuned his equipment so carefully that in one instance, the carefully that in one instance, the carefully that in one instance, the devices recorded effects of lightning devices recorded effects of lightning devices recorded effects of lightning discharges fully 500 mi away, judging discharges fully 500 mi away, judging discharges fully 500 mi away, judging from the periodical action of the from the periodical action of the from the periodical action of the discharges as the storm moved away. discharges as the storm moved away. discharges as the storm moved away. Thus, he reasoned, he did not have to Thus, he reasoned, he did not have to Thus, he reasoned, he did not have to test transmitted oscillations by test transmitted oscillations by test transmitted oscillations by installing a receiver 50, 200, or 500 mi installing a receiver 50, 200, or 500 mi installing a receiver 50, 200, or 500 mi away, as he was already proving that away, as he was already proving that away, as he was already proving that this could be accomplished simply by this could be accomplished simply by this could be accomplished simply by monitoring these distant electric monitoring these distant electric monitoring these distant electric storms.

storms. storms. This was one way Tesla rationalized his This was one way Tesla rationalized his This was one way Tesla rationalized his decision not to conduct long-distance decision not to conduct long-distance decision not to conduct long-distance experiments. He had verification that experiments. He had verification that experiments. He had verification that they would work. they would work. they would work. 3 days later, on August the 1st, the 3 days later, on August the 1st, the 3 days later, on August the 1st, the inventor departed from writing out his inventor departed from writing out his inventor departed from writing out his growing file of complex equations to growing file of complex equations to growing file of complex equations to compose a discourse of 4,000 words on compose a discourse of 4,000 words on compose a discourse of 4,000 words on the atmosphere and the climate. the atmosphere and the climate. the atmosphere and the climate. In these passages, he describes the In these passages, he describes the In these passages, he describes the baffling power of the moonlight, the baffling power of the moonlight, the baffling power of the moonlight, the taking night photographs, the amazing taking night photographs, the amazing taking night photographs, the amazing brilliancy of the stars, magnificent brilliancy of the stars, magnificent brilliancy of the stars, magnificent sunsets and shooting stars, the peculiar sunsets and shooting stars, the peculiar sunsets and shooting stars, the peculiar ability of voices to travel several ability of voices to travel several ability of voices to travel several miles from the center of town to his miles from the center of town to his miles from the center of town to his laboratory, the curious phenomena of the laboratory, the curious phenomena of the laboratory, the curious phenomena of the rapid formation and disappearance of rapid formation and disappearance of rapid formation and disappearance of cloud formations, and the numerous cloud formations, and the numerous cloud formations, and the numerous unusual shapes that appeared therein. unusual shapes that appeared therein. unusual shapes that appeared therein. The days were clear with just enough The days were clear with just enough The days were clear with just enough clouds in the sky to break the monotony clouds in the sky to break the monotony clouds in the sky to break the monotony of the blue, he wrote. of the blue, he wrote. of the blue, he wrote. No wonder people in feeble health are No wonder people in feeble health are No wonder people in feeble health are getting on here so well. getting on here so well. getting on here so well. I soon learned there were thousands of I soon learned there were thousands of I soon learned there were thousands of consumptives in the place, and concluded consumptives in the place, and concluded consumptives in the place, and concluded that while this climate is certainly in that while this climate is certainly in that while this climate is certainly in a wonderful degree healthful and a wonderful degree healthful and a wonderful degree healthful and invigorating, only two kinds of people invigorating, only two kinds of people invigorating, only two kinds of people should come here. Those who have the should come here. Those who have the should come here. Those who have the consumption, and those who want to get consumption, and those who want to get consumption, and those who want to get it.

it. it. Placing himself back into the mood of Placing himself back into the mood of Placing himself back into the mood of scientific observations, he ended the scientific observations, he ended the scientific observations, he ended the essay with the following line. essay with the following line. essay with the following line. But the most interesting of all are the But the most interesting of all are the But the most interesting of all are the electrical observations which will be electrical observations which will be electrical observations which will be described presently. described presently. described presently. It appears likely that this sudden burst It appears likely that this sudden burst It appears likely that this sudden burst of poetic reverie could be attributed to of poetic reverie could be attributed to of poetic reverie could be attributed to the mystical moment he had encountered the mystical moment he had encountered the mystical moment he had encountered three nights earlier while monitoring three nights earlier while monitoring three nights earlier while monitoring his equipment alone at the lab. his equipment alone at the lab. his equipment alone at the lab. This event, which was to alter his This event, which was to alter his This event, which was to alter his destiny in many ways as we have seen, destiny in many ways as we have seen, destiny in many ways as we have seen, did not come out of the blue. did not come out of the blue. did not come out of the blue. Tesla had been planning for nearly a Tesla had been planning for nearly a Tesla had been planning for nearly a decade to make contact. Talking with the planets. Talking with the planets. Nikola Tesla. Nikola Tesla. Nikola Tesla. The idea of communicating with other The idea of communicating with other The idea of communicating with other worlds has been regarded as a poet's worlds has been regarded as a poet's worlds has been regarded as a poet's dream forever unrealizable. dream forever unrealizable. dream forever unrealizable. Having perfected the apparatus for the Having perfected the apparatus for the Having perfected the apparatus for the observation of feeble effects from observation of feeble effects from observation of feeble effects from approaching thunderstorms, so far from approaching thunderstorms, so far from approaching thunderstorms, so far from my laboratory in the Colorado mountains, my laboratory in the Colorado mountains, my laboratory in the Colorado mountains, I could feel the pulse of the globe, as I could feel the pulse of the globe, as I could feel the pulse of the globe, as it were, noting every electrical charge it were, noting every electrical charge it were, noting every electrical charge that occurred in a radius of 1,100 that occurred in a radius of 1,100 that occurred in a radius of 1,100 miles.

miles. miles. I can never forget the first sensations I can never forget the first sensations I can never forget the first sensations I experienced when it dawned upon me I experienced when it dawned upon me I experienced when it dawned upon me that I had observed something possibly that I had observed something possibly that I had observed something possibly of incalculable consequences to mankind. of incalculable consequences to mankind. of incalculable consequences to mankind. I felt as though I were present at the I felt as though I were present at the I felt as though I were present at the birth of a new knowledge or the birth of a new knowledge or the birth of a new knowledge or the revelation of a great truth. revelation of a great truth. revelation of a great truth. There was present something mysterious, There was present something mysterious, There was present something mysterious, not to say supernatural, but at the time not to say supernatural, but at the time not to say supernatural, but at the time the idea of those disturbances being the idea of those disturbances being the idea of those disturbances being intelligently controlled signals did not intelligently controlled signals did not intelligently controlled signals did not yet present itself to me. yet present itself to me. yet present itself to me. It was sometime afterward when the It was sometime afterward when the It was sometime afterward when the thought clashed upon my mind that those thought clashed upon my mind that those thought clashed upon my mind that those disturbances might be due to intelligent disturbances might be due to intelligent disturbances might be due to intelligent control. Although I could not decipher control. Although I could not decipher control. Although I could not decipher their meaning, the feeling is constantly their meaning, the feeling is constantly their meaning, the feeling is constantly growing on me that I have been the first growing on me that I have been the first growing on me that I have been the first to hear the greeting of one planet to to hear the greeting of one planet to to hear the greeting of one planet to another. another. another. As the inventor admits, the night he As the inventor admits, the night he As the inventor admits, the night he received the signals, he did not received the signals, he did not received the signals, he did not attribute them to extraterrestrials. attribute them to extraterrestrials. attribute them to extraterrestrials. Most likely, he first thought they were Most likely, he first thought they were Most likely, he first thought they were periodic oscillations stemming from the periodic oscillations stemming from the periodic oscillations stemming from the thunderstorms that he was monitoring.

thunderstorms that he was monitoring. thunderstorms that he was monitoring. A few days later, it began to dawn upon A few days later, it began to dawn upon A few days later, it began to dawn upon him that the metronome nature of the him that the metronome nature of the him that the metronome nature of the beats did not correlate with the beats did not correlate with the beats did not correlate with the supposition that they were linked to supposition that they were linked to supposition that they were linked to lightning discharges. lightning discharges. lightning discharges. The article also speculated that they The article also speculated that they The article also speculated that they may have stemmed from Venus or Mars. may have stemmed from Venus or Mars. may have stemmed from Venus or Mars. Two decades later, in 1921, Tesla wrote, Two decades later, in 1921, Tesla wrote, Two decades later, in 1921, Tesla wrote, "Others may scoff at this suggestion of "Others may scoff at this suggestion of "Others may scoff at this suggestion of communicating with one of our heavenly communicating with one of our heavenly communicating with one of our heavenly neighbors as Mars or treat it as a neighbors as Mars or treat it as a neighbors as Mars or treat it as a practical joke, but I have been in deep practical joke, but I have been in deep practical joke, but I have been in deep earnest about it ever since I made my earnest about it ever since I made my earnest about it ever since I made my first observations in Colorado Springs. first observations in Colorado Springs. first observations in Colorado Springs. At the time, there existed no wireless At the time, there existed no wireless At the time, there existed no wireless plant other than mine that could produce plant other than mine that could produce plant other than mine that could produce a disturbance perceptible in a radius of a disturbance perceptible in a radius of a disturbance perceptible in a radius of more than a few miles. more than a few miles. more than a few miles. Furthermore, the conditions under which Furthermore, the conditions under which Furthermore, the conditions under which I operated were ideal and I was well I operated were ideal and I was well I operated were ideal and I was well trained for the work. trained for the work. trained for the work. The character of the disturbances The character of the disturbances The character of the disturbances recorded precluded the possibility of recorded precluded the possibility of recorded precluded the possibility of their being of terrestrial origin and I their being of terrestrial origin and I their being of terrestrial origin and I also eliminated the influence of the also eliminated the influence of the also eliminated the influence of the sun, moon, and Venus.

sun, moon, and Venus. sun, moon, and Venus. As I then announced, the signals As I then announced, the signals As I then announced, the signals consisted in a regular repetition of consisted in a regular repetition of consisted in a regular repetition of numbers and subsequent study convinced numbers and subsequent study convinced numbers and subsequent study convinced me that they must have emanated from me that they must have emanated from me that they must have emanated from Mars, the planet having just then being Mars, the planet having just then being Mars, the planet having just then being close to the earth. close to the earth. close to the earth. Note slight alterations from the Note slight alterations from the Note slight alterations from the original article and letter to the Red original article and letter to the Red original article and letter to the Red Cross. Cross. Cross. In the 1901 article, Tesla does not In the 1901 article, Tesla does not In the 1901 article, Tesla does not single out Mars as the only possible single out Mars as the only possible single out Mars as the only possible source of the impulses. source of the impulses. source of the impulses. Venus or other planets are also Venus or other planets are also Venus or other planets are also mentioned. In the 1921 article, he says mentioned. In the 1921 article, he says mentioned. In the 1921 article, he says that Venus had been ruled out. that Venus had been ruled out. that Venus had been ruled out. Clearly, this had to occur over 2 years Clearly, this had to occur over 2 years Clearly, this had to occur over 2 years after the event. That is, sometime after after the event. That is, sometime after after the event. That is, sometime after the 1901 article, which still included the 1901 article, which still included the 1901 article, which still included Venus as a possibility. Venus as a possibility. Venus as a possibility. After mature thought and study, Tesla After mature thought and study, Tesla After mature thought and study, Tesla himself dates his positive conclusion himself dates his positive conclusion himself dates his positive conclusion that they must have emanated from Mars that they must have emanated from Mars that they must have emanated from Mars to the year 1907. to the year 1907. to the year 1907. In the Red Cross letter and the 1901 In the Red Cross letter and the 1901 In the Red Cross letter and the 1901 article, Tesla is very specific in article, Tesla is very specific in article, Tesla is very specific in mentioning three beats. In the 1921 mentioning three beats. In the 1921 mentioning three beats. In the 1921 article, the number of beats is article, the number of beats is article, the number of beats is obscured.

obscured. obscured. Julian Hawthorne, who had written to Julian Hawthorne, who had written to Julian Hawthorne, who had written to Tesla while he was in Colorado Springs Tesla while he was in Colorado Springs Tesla while he was in Colorado Springs and who met with Tesla in New York upon and who met with Tesla in New York upon and who met with Tesla in New York upon his return, also refers to three fairy his return, also refers to three fairy his return, also refers to three fairy taps. taps. taps. Tesla also alters the facts with regard Tesla also alters the facts with regard Tesla also alters the facts with regard to competing wireless operators. While to competing wireless operators. While to competing wireless operators. While Tesla was in Colorado, he received a Tesla was in Colorado, he received a Tesla was in Colorado, he received a number of letters from George Scherff number of letters from George Scherff number of letters from George Scherff concerning competitors. concerning competitors. concerning competitors. For example, on August the 1st, 1899, For example, on August the 1st, 1899, For example, on August the 1st, 1899, Dear Mr. Tesla, Dear Mr. Tesla, Dear Mr. Tesla, Mr. Clark, the experimenter in wireless Mr. Clark, the experimenter in wireless Mr. Clark, the experimenter in wireless telegraphy, called this morning seeking telegraphy, called this morning seeking telegraphy, called this morning seeking a powerful oscillator or information on a powerful oscillator or information on a powerful oscillator or information on how to build one. how to build one. how to build one. In August and September 1899, Scherff In August and September 1899, Scherff In August and September 1899, Scherff continued to inform Tesla about Clark, continued to inform Tesla about Clark, continued to inform Tesla about Clark, who could send messages 3 miles, thereby who could send messages 3 miles, thereby who could send messages 3 miles, thereby obtaining employment by a New York obtaining employment by a New York obtaining employment by a New York newspaper to report yacht races. newspaper to report yacht races. newspaper to report yacht races. Other wireless operators at this time Other wireless operators at this time Other wireless operators at this time included Professor Ducretet in Rome, included Professor Ducretet in Rome, included Professor Ducretet in Rome, Professor Marble in Connecticut, and Dr. Professor Marble in Connecticut, and Dr. Professor Marble in Connecticut, and Dr. Rochefort in France.

Rochefort in France. Rochefort in France. And of course, there was Guglielmo And of course, there was Guglielmo And of course, there was Guglielmo Marconi who captured the imagination of Marconi who captured the imagination of Marconi who captured the imagination of the media during the America's Cup races the media during the America's Cup races the media during the America's Cup races that autumn. that autumn. that autumn. Although Sheriff wrote, "The New York Although Sheriff wrote, "The New York Although Sheriff wrote, "The New York Times continues to boom Marconi." Times continues to boom Marconi." Times continues to boom Marconi." Tesla confidently replied on September Tesla confidently replied on September Tesla confidently replied on September the 22nd, 1899 to Sheriff, the 22nd, 1899 to Sheriff, the 22nd, 1899 to Sheriff, "Do not worry about me. "Do not worry about me. "Do not worry about me. I am about a century ahead of the other I am about a century ahead of the other I am about a century ahead of the other fellows." fellows." fellows." Tesla, as one of numerous adherents to Tesla, as one of numerous adherents to Tesla, as one of numerous adherents to the group fantasy belief that Mars was the group fantasy belief that Mars was the group fantasy belief that Mars was inhabited, assumed that the impulses inhabited, assumed that the impulses inhabited, assumed that the impulses stemmed from there. stemmed from there. stemmed from there. In 1899, it was frankly inconceivable to In 1899, it was frankly inconceivable to In 1899, it was frankly inconceivable to him that he could have intercepted a him that he could have intercepted a him that he could have intercepted a competitor's message. competitor's message. competitor's message. However, the fact of the matter is that However, the fact of the matter is that However, the fact of the matter is that Marconi was transmitting messages Marconi was transmitting messages Marconi was transmitting messages hundreds of miles across Europe and the hundreds of miles across Europe and the hundreds of miles across Europe and the English Channel during the summer of English Channel during the summer of English Channel during the summer of 1899 and was using as a signal the Morse 1899 and was using as a signal the Morse 1899 and was using as a signal the Morse code letter S, dot dot dot, which code letter S, dot dot dot, which code letter S, dot dot dot, which precisely corresponds to the three beats precisely corresponds to the three beats precisely corresponds to the three beats Tesla said he intercepted while he was Tesla said he intercepted while he was Tesla said he intercepted while he was in Colorado.

in Colorado. in Colorado. On July the 28th, the very day that it On July the 28th, the very day that it On July the 28th, the very day that it has been hypothesized that Tesla has been hypothesized that Tesla has been hypothesized that Tesla received the signals, received the signals, received the signals, Marconi was with the British Admiralty Marconi was with the British Admiralty Marconi was with the British Admiralty and the French Navy in the English and the French Navy in the English and the French Navy in the English Channel demonstrating his wireless Channel demonstrating his wireless Channel demonstrating his wireless apparatus between ships in mock battle apparatus between ships in mock battle apparatus between ships in mock battle maneuvers over distances of 30 miles, 55 maneuvers over distances of 30 miles, 55 maneuvers over distances of 30 miles, 55 miles, and 86 miles. miles, and 86 miles. miles, and 86 miles. On the 28th of July, Marconi had On the 28th of July, Marconi had On the 28th of July, Marconi had inspected the ship Alexandra's equipment inspected the ship Alexandra's equipment inspected the ship Alexandra's equipment in preparation for hostilities. in preparation for hostilities. in preparation for hostilities. Most likely, he transmitted the letter S Most likely, he transmitted the letter S Most likely, he transmitted the letter S at that time to see if it was picked up at that time to see if it was picked up at that time to see if it was picked up by the other warcraft. If Tesla was by the other warcraft. If Tesla was by the other warcraft. If Tesla was monitoring his equipment at 12 midnight, monitoring his equipment at 12 midnight, monitoring his equipment at 12 midnight, it would have been about 8:00 a.m. in it would have been about 8:00 a.m. in it would have been about 8:00 a.m. in England, so the times correlate as well. England, so the times correlate as well. England, so the times correlate as well. At first, Tesla must have sincerely At first, Tesla must have sincerely At first, Tesla must have sincerely believed that the source of the impulses believed that the source of the impulses believed that the source of the impulses were extraterrestrial, for he boldly were extraterrestrial, for he boldly were extraterrestrial, for he boldly stated as much in a series of published stated as much in a series of published stated as much in a series of published articles. articles. articles. A few years later, the awful truth A few years later, the awful truth A few years later, the awful truth dawned upon him. Worse, Tesla may have dawned upon him. Worse, Tesla may have dawned upon him. Worse, Tesla may have intercepted Marconi's impulses and made intercepted Marconi's impulses and made intercepted Marconi's impulses and made a fool of himself by claiming they had a fool of himself by claiming they had a fool of himself by claiming they had derived from superior intelligences.

derived from superior intelligences. derived from superior intelligences. Marconi, for Tesla, was anathema. Marconi, for Tesla, was anathema. Marconi, for Tesla, was anathema. In 1921, ironically, while Marconi was making headlines by while Marconi was making headlines by trying himself to intercept messages trying himself to intercept messages trying himself to intercept messages from nearby planets, Tesla wrote, from nearby planets, Tesla wrote, from nearby planets, Tesla wrote, "I was naturally very much interested in "I was naturally very much interested in "I was naturally very much interested in recent reports that these supposed recent reports that these supposed recent reports that these supposed planetary signals were nothing else than planetary signals were nothing else than planetary signals were nothing else than interfering undertones of wireless interfering undertones of wireless interfering undertones of wireless transmitters. transmitters. transmitters. These disturbances I observed for the These disturbances I observed for the These disturbances I observed for the first time from 1906 to 1907 occurred first time from 1906 to 1907 occurred first time from 1906 to 1907 occurred rarely, but subsequently they increased rarely, but subsequently they increased rarely, but subsequently they increased in frequency. in frequency. in frequency. Every transmitter emits undertones, and Every transmitter emits undertones, and Every transmitter emits undertones, and these give by interference long beats, these give by interference long beats, these give by interference long beats, the wavelength being anything from 50 the wavelength being anything from 50 the wavelength being anything from 50 miles to 300 or 400 miles." miles to 300 or 400 miles." miles to 300 or 400 miles." This statement supports the hypothesis This statement supports the hypothesis This statement supports the hypothesis that the 1899 impulses also stem from that the 1899 impulses also stem from that the 1899 impulses also stem from some competitor. Furthermore, Tesla some competitor. Furthermore, Tesla some competitor. Furthermore, Tesla suggests the actual mechanism for his suggests the actual mechanism for his suggests the actual mechanism for his encounter, an undertone effect.

encounter, an undertone effect. encounter, an undertone effect. And it appears that he unfortunately And it appears that he unfortunately And it appears that he unfortunately also provided, through Marconi's piracy, also provided, through Marconi's piracy, also provided, through Marconi's piracy, the very oscillators used to transmit the very oscillators used to transmit the very oscillators used to transmit the signals. the signals. the signals. The transmitter on the high seas in The transmitter on the high seas in The transmitter on the high seas in England, therefore, was attuned to the England, therefore, was attuned to the England, therefore, was attuned to the receiving equipment in Colorado. receiving equipment in Colorado. receiving equipment in Colorado. Coincidentally, this realization in Coincidentally, this realization in Coincidentally, this realization in 1906-1907 1906-1907 1906-1907 occurred, as we shall see, during a time occurred, as we shall see, during a time occurred, as we shall see, during a time of great emotional stress. Rather than of great emotional stress. Rather than of great emotional stress. Rather than face the truth, the mystical Serb clung face the truth, the mystical Serb clung face the truth, the mystical Serb clung to a supernatural explanation. to a supernatural explanation. to a supernatural explanation. The most ardent proponent of the outer The most ardent proponent of the outer The most ardent proponent of the outer space scenario was undoubtedly the space scenario was undoubtedly the space scenario was undoubtedly the journalist Julian Hawthorne. journalist Julian Hawthorne. journalist Julian Hawthorne. The son of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julian The son of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julian The son of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julian authored a series of elaborate treatises authored a series of elaborate treatises authored a series of elaborate treatises on Tesla's philosophy, laboratory work, on Tesla's philosophy, laboratory work, on Tesla's philosophy, laboratory work, experiments in interplanetary experiments in interplanetary experiments in interplanetary communication, and place in history. communication, and place in history. communication, and place in history. Perhaps because he had engaged in a Perhaps because he had engaged in a Perhaps because he had engaged in a spectacular jewel of articles with his spectacular jewel of articles with his spectacular jewel of articles with his brother-in-law, George Lathrop, who brother-in-law, George Lathrop, who brother-in-law, George Lathrop, who wrote science fiction tales about Tom wrote science fiction tales about Tom wrote science fiction tales about Tom Edison battling invaders from Mars in Edison battling invaders from Mars in Edison battling invaders from Mars in Arthur Brisbane's New York Journal, Arthur Brisbane's New York Journal, Arthur Brisbane's New York Journal, Hawthorne took up Tesla's Hawthorne took up Tesla's Hawthorne took up Tesla's extraterrestrial cause.

extraterrestrial cause. extraterrestrial cause. The competition between Edison and Tesla The competition between Edison and Tesla The competition between Edison and Tesla would never abate, and it continued even would never abate, and it continued even would never abate, and it continued even into the realm of science fiction. Like into the realm of science fiction. Like into the realm of science fiction. Like many creative individuals, Edison had an many creative individuals, Edison had an many creative individuals, Edison had an interest in the occult. interest in the occult. interest in the occult. With Charles Batchelor, he had studied With Charles Batchelor, he had studied With Charles Batchelor, he had studied telepathy, and he had worked with telepathy, and he had worked with telepathy, and he had worked with spiritualists on a telephone to spiritualists on a telephone to spiritualists on a telephone to communicate with departed souls. communicate with departed souls. communicate with departed souls. Edison was interested in space travel Edison was interested in space travel Edison was interested in space travel and interplanetary communication. and interplanetary communication. and interplanetary communication. Lathrop, who had married Julian's Lathrop, who had married Julian's Lathrop, who had married Julian's sister, had worked with Edison since the sister, had worked with Edison since the sister, had worked with Edison since the mid-1890s in co-writing a number of mid-1890s in co-writing a number of mid-1890s in co-writing a number of articles that became precursors to articles that became precursors to articles that became precursors to latter-day fantastic tales. latter-day fantastic tales. latter-day fantastic tales. In Lathrop's story, Edison's Conquest of In Lathrop's story, Edison's Conquest of In Lathrop's story, Edison's Conquest of Mars, when the red planet warriors Mars, when the red planet warriors Mars, when the red planet warriors invaded the Earth, the wizard of Menlo invaded the Earth, the wizard of Menlo invaded the Earth, the wizard of Menlo Park invented a disintegrating ray, and Park invented a disintegrating ray, and Park invented a disintegrating ray, and it was Edison to the rescue of the it was Edison to the rescue of the it was Edison to the rescue of the universe. universe. universe. The son of Nathaniel Hawthorne would not The son of Nathaniel Hawthorne would not The son of Nathaniel Hawthorne would not be outdone. And how will Tesla reply to those And how will Tesla reply to those signals from Mars? signals from Mars? signals from Mars? Julian Hawthorne Julian Hawthorne Julian Hawthorne The other day, there happened to Mr.

The other day, there happened to Mr. The other day, there happened to Mr. Tesla the most momentous experience that Tesla the most momentous experience that Tesla the most momentous experience that has ever visited a human being of this has ever visited a human being of this has ever visited a human being of this Earth. Earth. Earth. Three fairy taps, one after the other at Three fairy taps, one after the other at Three fairy taps, one after the other at a fixed interval, traveling with the a fixed interval, traveling with the a fixed interval, traveling with the speed of light, were received by Tesla speed of light, were received by Tesla speed of light, were received by Tesla in Colorado from some Tesla on the in Colorado from some Tesla on the in Colorado from some Tesla on the planet Mars. planet Mars. planet Mars. No thoughtful man can have much doubt No thoughtful man can have much doubt No thoughtful man can have much doubt then that little as we are aware of it, then that little as we are aware of it, then that little as we are aware of it, we must for ages have been subjected to we must for ages have been subjected to we must for ages have been subjected to the direct inspection of the men of Mars the direct inspection of the men of Mars the direct inspection of the men of Mars and of the older planets. and of the older planets. and of the older planets. They visit us and look us over year They visit us and look us over year They visit us and look us over year after year and report at home, "They are after year and report at home, "They are after year and report at home, "They are not ready yet." But at length, a Tesla not ready yet." But at length, a Tesla not ready yet." But at length, a Tesla is born and the starry men are on the is born and the starry men are on the is born and the starry men are on the watch for developments. Possibly, they watch for developments. Possibly, they watch for developments. Possibly, they guide his development. guide his development. guide his development. Who can tell? Who can tell? Who can tell? Perhaps more than any other writer, Perhaps more than any other writer, Perhaps more than any other writer, Hawthorne elevated Tesla to the order of Hawthorne elevated Tesla to the order of Hawthorne elevated Tesla to the order of an interplanetary Adonis whose mystical an interplanetary Adonis whose mystical an interplanetary Adonis whose mystical destiny upon the Earth was to give its destiny upon the Earth was to give its destiny upon the Earth was to give its electrical power, instrumentation, and electrical power, instrumentation, and electrical power, instrumentation, and enlightenment.

enlightenment. enlightenment. Note the overblown yet elegant Note the overblown yet elegant Note the overblown yet elegant description Hawthorne pens in meeting description Hawthorne pens in meeting description Hawthorne pens in meeting with the sorcerer. with the sorcerer. with the sorcerer. Ever and anon, there appears a man who Ever and anon, there appears a man who Ever and anon, there appears a man who is both scientist and poet, who walks is both scientist and poet, who walks is both scientist and poet, who walks with feet on the ground but with his with feet on the ground but with his with feet on the ground but with his head among the stars. head among the stars. head among the stars. Men of this mark are rare. Men of this mark are rare. Men of this mark are rare. Pythagoras was one. Newton must have had Pythagoras was one. Newton must have had Pythagoras was one. Newton must have had a touch of the inspirational. In our own a touch of the inspirational. In our own a touch of the inspirational. In our own times, Tesla is the man. times, Tesla is the man. times, Tesla is the man. He was born in Herzegovina, of Greek He was born in Herzegovina, of Greek He was born in Herzegovina, of Greek stock, one of the oldest families there. stock, one of the oldest families there. stock, one of the oldest families there. I believe he is a prince at home. I believe he is a prince at home. I believe he is a prince at home. Hawthorne interviewed Tesla in the same Hawthorne interviewed Tesla in the same Hawthorne interviewed Tesla in the same article in which the inventor reiterated article in which the inventor reiterated article in which the inventor reiterated his extraterrestrial hypothesis and his his extraterrestrial hypothesis and his his extraterrestrial hypothesis and his technological vision of the future, technological vision of the future, technological vision of the future, creating a world in which cheap energy creating a world in which cheap energy creating a world in which cheap energy would be available for all and humanity would be available for all and humanity would be available for all and humanity could begin to take its rightful place could begin to take its rightful place could begin to take its rightful place in the evolutionary hierarchy. in the evolutionary hierarchy. in the evolutionary hierarchy. And although Hawthorne tried to And although Hawthorne tried to And although Hawthorne tried to introduce some doubt as to the reality introduce some doubt as to the reality introduce some doubt as to the reality of the extraterrestrial encounter, a of the extraterrestrial encounter, a of the extraterrestrial encounter, a quarter of the way through the quarter of the way through the quarter of the way through the 5,000-word treatise, the writer softened 5,000-word treatise, the writer softened 5,000-word treatise, the writer softened the potential criticism by rationalizing the potential criticism by rationalizing the potential criticism by rationalizing that the hopes Tesla holds out embody that the hopes Tesla holds out embody that the hopes Tesla holds out embody things that ought to be true.

things that ought to be true. things that ought to be true. That would immensely enlarge and That would immensely enlarge and That would immensely enlarge and beautify the world if they were true. beautify the world if they were true. beautify the world if they were true. Concluding with a rhetorical question, Concluding with a rhetorical question, Concluding with a rhetorical question, Hawthorne wrote, "And what about Hawthorne wrote, "And what about Hawthorne wrote, "And what about conversing with Mars?" conversing with Mars?" conversing with Mars?" Tesla will do what he was sent here to Tesla will do what he was sent here to Tesla will do what he was sent here to do. do. do. Backed by the opposition, factions of Backed by the opposition, factions of Backed by the opposition, factions of the press also lashed out vigorously. the press also lashed out vigorously. the press also lashed out vigorously. One severe critic, under the byline of a One severe critic, under the byline of a One severe critic, under the byline of a mysterious Mr. X, cautioned intelligent mysterious Mr. X, cautioned intelligent mysterious Mr. X, cautioned intelligent readers. "Mr. Tesla obviously wants to readers. "Mr. Tesla obviously wants to readers. "Mr. Tesla obviously wants to figure in the newspapers. figure in the newspapers. figure in the newspapers. Everyone will be greatly interested if Everyone will be greatly interested if Everyone will be greatly interested if it were true that signals are being sent it were true that signals are being sent it were true that signals are being sent from Mars. Unfortunately, he has not from Mars. Unfortunately, he has not from Mars. Unfortunately, he has not adduced a scrap of evidence to prove it. adduced a scrap of evidence to prove it. adduced a scrap of evidence to prove it. His speculations on science are so His speculations on science are so His speculations on science are so reckless as to loosen interest. His reckless as to loosen interest. His reckless as to loosen interest. His philosophizing is so ignorant as to be philosophizing is so ignorant as to be philosophizing is so ignorant as to be worthless." worthless." worthless." While in Colorado, Tesla negotiated with While in Colorado, Tesla negotiated with While in Colorado, Tesla negotiated with officials of the US Navy and Lighthouse officials of the US Navy and Lighthouse officials of the US Navy and Lighthouse Board, with nine letters passing between Board, with nine letters passing between Board, with nine letters passing between them from the spring of 1899, and upon them from the spring of 1899, and upon them from the spring of 1899, and upon his return to New York through the his return to New York through the his return to New York through the autumn of 1900.

autumn of 1900. autumn of 1900. On May the 11th, Rear Admiral Francis J. On May the 11th, Rear Admiral Francis J. On May the 11th, Rear Admiral Francis J. Higginson of the US Navy wrote Tesla a Higginson of the US Navy wrote Tesla a Higginson of the US Navy wrote Tesla a letter, which was forwarded to Colorado. letter, which was forwarded to Colorado. letter, which was forwarded to Colorado. "Dear sir, "Dear sir, "Dear sir, I would like to ask you if you cannot I would like to ask you if you cannot I would like to ask you if you cannot arrange to establish a system of arrange to establish a system of arrange to establish a system of wireless telegraphy upon the light wireless telegraphy upon the light wireless telegraphy upon the light vessel number 66, Nantucket Shoals, vessel number 66, Nantucket Shoals, vessel number 66, Nantucket Shoals, Massachusetts, which lies off about 60 Massachusetts, which lies off about 60 Massachusetts, which lies off about 60 mi south of Nantucket Island. mi south of Nantucket Island. mi south of Nantucket Island. Higginson stated explicitly Higginson stated explicitly Higginson stated explicitly that the Lighthouse Board has no money, that the Lighthouse Board has no money, that the Lighthouse Board has no money, so funding will have to be paid from so funding will have to be paid from so funding will have to be paid from some outside source. some outside source. some outside source. Tesla sent his humble apologies for a Tesla sent his humble apologies for a Tesla sent his humble apologies for a tardy reply because of a severe cold, tardy reply because of a severe cold, tardy reply because of a severe cold, and then ended the note with this and then ended the note with this and then ended the note with this seemingly innocuous line. seemingly innocuous line. seemingly innocuous line. "It is also my sincere hope that I am "It is also my sincere hope that I am "It is also my sincere hope that I am not standing in the way of some other not standing in the way of some other not standing in the way of some other expert more deserving and better able to expert more deserving and better able to expert more deserving and better able to fulfill the task than myself." fulfill the task than myself." fulfill the task than myself." The statement strikes this investigator The statement strikes this investigator The statement strikes this investigator as odd. Why would Tesla write that he as odd. Why would Tesla write that he as odd. Why would Tesla write that he was potentially standing in the way of was potentially standing in the way of was potentially standing in the way of some other expert more deserving when he some other expert more deserving when he some other expert more deserving when he knew that this was a completely false knew that this was a completely false knew that this was a completely false statement.

statement. statement. No other expert was more deserving or No other expert was more deserving or No other expert was more deserving or more knowledgeable than he. Moreover, he more knowledgeable than he. Moreover, he more knowledgeable than he. Moreover, he knew that it was very likely that other knew that it was very likely that other knew that it was very likely that other experts were pirating his work. So, why experts were pirating his work. So, why experts were pirating his work. So, why would he encourage more of that would he encourage more of that would he encourage more of that activity? activity? activity? This was clearly a self-deprecating and This was clearly a self-deprecating and This was clearly a self-deprecating and self-destructive element. Be that as it self-destructive element. Be that as it self-destructive element. Be that as it may, the response from Commander Perry, may, the response from Commander Perry, may, the response from Commander Perry, Iggenson's associate, was just as Iggenson's associate, was just as Iggenson's associate, was just as peculiar. peculiar. peculiar. Office of the Lighthouse Board, Office of the Lighthouse Board, Office of the Lighthouse Board, Washington, D.C., 16th of August, '99. Washington, D.C., 16th of August, '99. Washington, D.C., 16th of August, '99. Mr. N. Tesla, Experimental Station, Mr. N. Tesla, Experimental Station, Mr. N. Tesla, Experimental Station, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sir, Sir, Sir, in acknowledging the receipt of your in acknowledging the receipt of your in acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 11th of August, '99, from letter of the 11th of August, '99, from letter of the 11th of August, '99, from certain expressions used in it, the certain expressions used in it, the certain expressions used in it, the board fears there may be some board fears there may be some board fears there may be some misunderstanding. So, in order to misunderstanding. So, in order to misunderstanding. So, in order to prevent you from going to any trouble or prevent you from going to any trouble or prevent you from going to any trouble or expense, the board desires to say that expense, the board desires to say that expense, the board desires to say that it has taken no action as yet towards it has taken no action as yet towards it has taken no action as yet towards providing any apparatus for using providing any apparatus for using providing any apparatus for using wireless telegraphy, as no appropriation wireless telegraphy, as no appropriation wireless telegraphy, as no appropriation is available for the purpose. is available for the purpose. is available for the purpose. When it does take up the question of When it does take up the question of When it does take up the question of installing apparatus for communicating installing apparatus for communicating installing apparatus for communicating with light vessels, your great name and with light vessels, your great name and with light vessels, your great name and fame in such matters will ensure earnest fame in such matters will ensure earnest fame in such matters will ensure earnest consideration of yourself.

consideration of yourself. consideration of yourself. Respectfully yours, T. Perry, Commander, Respectfully yours, T. Perry, Commander, Respectfully yours, T. Perry, Commander, U.S. Navy. U.S. Navy. U.S. Navy. Apparently, Commander Perry read into Apparently, Commander Perry read into Apparently, Commander Perry read into Tesla's letter information that wasn't Tesla's letter information that wasn't Tesla's letter information that wasn't there. there. there. The inventor did not discuss The inventor did not discuss The inventor did not discuss reimbursement, but took the opportunity reimbursement, but took the opportunity reimbursement, but took the opportunity in another letter to chastise Perry for in another letter to chastise Perry for in another letter to chastise Perry for his miserly response, writing on August his miserly response, writing on August his miserly response, writing on August the 20th, 1899, from his Experimental the 20th, 1899, from his Experimental the 20th, 1899, from his Experimental Station in Colorado Springs to the Station in Colorado Springs to the Station in Colorado Springs to the Lighthouse Board, Washington, D.C. Lighthouse Board, Washington, D.C. Lighthouse Board, Washington, D.C. Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen, on this occasion, permit me to avail on this occasion, permit me to avail on this occasion, permit me to avail myself of my acquired and precious myself of my acquired and precious myself of my acquired and precious prerogative as a citizen of the United prerogative as a citizen of the United prerogative as a citizen of the United States, and to express my deep States, and to express my deep States, and to express my deep astonishment that in a country of such astonishment that in a country of such astonishment that in a country of such vast wealth and leading in vast wealth and leading in vast wealth and leading in enlightenment, so important a body as enlightenment, so important a body as enlightenment, so important a body as the Lighthouse Board, instead of being the Lighthouse Board, instead of being the Lighthouse Board, instead of being provided with unlimited resources, provided with unlimited resources, provided with unlimited resources, should be trivially hampered and placed should be trivially hampered and placed should be trivially hampered and placed in such an awkward position. in such an awkward position. in such an awkward position. Very respectfully yours, N. Tesla. Very respectfully yours, N. Tesla. Very respectfully yours, N. Tesla. Although clever, Tesla's response was Although clever, Tesla's response was Although clever, Tesla's response was short-sighted as the benefits that would short-sighted as the benefits that would short-sighted as the benefits that would accrue from installing wireless accrue from installing wireless accrue from installing wireless apparatus on this boat would clearly apparatus on this boat would clearly apparatus on this boat would clearly outweigh any short-term loss.

outweigh any short-term loss. outweigh any short-term loss. The equipment would have been far more The equipment would have been far more The equipment would have been far more advanced than Marconi's. The press and advanced than Marconi's. The press and advanced than Marconi's. The press and public would see without doubt Tesla's public would see without doubt Tesla's public would see without doubt Tesla's superiority and other branches of the superiority and other branches of the superiority and other branches of the Navy and armed forces would have created Navy and armed forces would have created Navy and armed forces would have created contracts with the inventor. contracts with the inventor. contracts with the inventor. Furthermore, it would have been the Furthermore, it would have been the Furthermore, it would have been the first public demonstration by Tesla of first public demonstration by Tesla of first public demonstration by Tesla of long-distance wireless telegraphy. long-distance wireless telegraphy. long-distance wireless telegraphy. Unfortunately, throughout Tesla's long Unfortunately, throughout Tesla's long Unfortunately, throughout Tesla's long career, he never demonstrated this career, he never demonstrated this career, he never demonstrated this capability to anyone other than himself. capability to anyone other than himself. capability to anyone other than himself. Nevertheless, Tesla's letter did not Nevertheless, Tesla's letter did not Nevertheless, Tesla's letter did not destroy his chances with the Lighthouse destroy his chances with the Lighthouse destroy his chances with the Lighthouse Board. Board. Board. On September the 14th, Commander Perry On September the 14th, Commander Perry On September the 14th, Commander Perry responded by offering Tesla the contract responded by offering Tesla the contract responded by offering Tesla the contract because the Navy preferred to award home because the Navy preferred to award home because the Navy preferred to award home talent over Marconi. talent over Marconi. talent over Marconi. Here was the opportunity of a lifetime. Here was the opportunity of a lifetime. Here was the opportunity of a lifetime. Certainly, it was understandable that Certainly, it was understandable that Certainly, it was understandable that Tesla needed to stay in Colorado through Tesla needed to stay in Colorado through Tesla needed to stay in Colorado through the autumn. the autumn. the autumn. He would return to New York the first He would return to New York the first He would return to New York the first week of January 1900. week of January 1900. week of January 1900. The Colorado experiment was a costly The Colorado experiment was a costly The Colorado experiment was a costly endeavor and the inventor had now built endeavor and the inventor had now built endeavor and the inventor had now built up momentum pushing toward the grand up momentum pushing toward the grand up momentum pushing toward the grand conclusion. That is, his wish to send conclusion. That is, his wish to send conclusion. That is, his wish to send impulses around the globe.

impulses around the globe. impulses around the globe. Perry wanted action quickly. But asking Perry wanted action quickly. But asking Perry wanted action quickly. But asking him to delay 90 days would not have been him to delay 90 days would not have been him to delay 90 days would not have been an unreasonable request. However, from an unreasonable request. However, from an unreasonable request. However, from the emotional point of view, Perry had the emotional point of view, Perry had the emotional point of view, Perry had said the wrong thing. said the wrong thing. said the wrong thing. He had mentioned the name of Signor He had mentioned the name of Signor He had mentioned the name of Signor Marconi. Marconi. Marconi. Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen, as much as I value your advances, I am as much as I value your advances, I am as much as I value your advances, I am compelled to say, in justice to myself, compelled to say, in justice to myself, compelled to say, in justice to myself, that I would never accept a preference that I would never accept a preference that I would never accept a preference on any ground, the merit of my own work on any ground, the merit of my own work on any ground, the merit of my own work accepted, particularly not in this case, accepted, particularly not in this case, accepted, particularly not in this case, as I would be competing against some of as I would be competing against some of as I would be competing against some of those who are following in my path, and those who are following in my path, and those who are following in my path, and as any pecuniary advantage which I might as any pecuniary advantage which I might as any pecuniary advantage which I might derive by availing myself of the derive by availing myself of the derive by availing myself of the privilege is a matter of the most privilege is a matter of the most privilege is a matter of the most absolute indifference to me. absolute indifference to me. absolute indifference to me. But since you have reasons for But since you have reasons for But since you have reasons for preference, permit me to state that a preference, permit me to state that a preference, permit me to state that a few years ago I laid down certain novel few years ago I laid down certain novel few years ago I laid down certain novel principles on wireless telegraphy, which principles on wireless telegraphy, which principles on wireless telegraphy, which I have been since perfecting. I have been since perfecting. I have been since perfecting. Tesla went on to describe the seven Tesla went on to describe the seven Tesla went on to describe the seven features of his system. One, an features of his system. One, an features of his system. One, an oscillator. Two, a ground and elevated oscillator. Two, a ground and elevated oscillator. Two, a ground and elevated circuit. Three, a transmitter.

circuit. Three, a transmitter. circuit. Three, a transmitter. Four, a resonant receiver. Four, a resonant receiver. Four, a resonant receiver. Five, a transformer that scientific men Five, a transformer that scientific men Five, a transformer that scientific men have honored me by identifying it with have honored me by identifying it with have honored me by identifying it with my name, Tesla coil. Six, a powerful my name, Tesla coil. Six, a powerful my name, Tesla coil. Six, a powerful conduction coil. And seven, a conduction coil. And seven, a conduction coil. And seven, a transformer in the receiving apparatus. transformer in the receiving apparatus. transformer in the receiving apparatus. Having carefully perused all the reports Having carefully perused all the reports Having carefully perused all the reports of the more successful experimenters as of the more successful experimenters as of the more successful experimenters as they appeared, they appeared, they appeared, Tesla discovered that they are all Tesla discovered that they are all Tesla discovered that they are all using, with religious care, these using, with religious care, these using, with religious care, these devices and principles without the devices and principles without the devices and principles without the slightest departure, even in minor slightest departure, even in minor slightest departure, even in minor details. details. details. He ended the letter by offering his He ended the letter by offering his He ended the letter by offering his services once again, but requesting that services once again, but requesting that services once again, but requesting that the Navy purchase an even dozen the Navy purchase an even dozen the Navy purchase an even dozen transmitters, with the caution that transmitters, with the caution that transmitters, with the caution that in the end, one is apt to be accused of in the end, one is apt to be accused of in the end, one is apt to be accused of making outrageous prices. It is more making outrageous prices. It is more making outrageous prices. It is more than probable that my apparatus will than probable that my apparatus will than probable that my apparatus will cost more than that offered by others, cost more than that offered by others, cost more than that offered by others, as I look to every detail myself. as I look to every detail myself. as I look to every detail myself. With many thanks for your good With many thanks for your good With many thanks for your good intentions, I remain very respectfully intentions, I remain very respectfully intentions, I remain very respectfully yours, N. Tesla.

yours, N. Tesla. yours, N. Tesla. The Navy never responded to this letter. The Navy never responded to this letter. The Navy never responded to this letter. One year later, on October the 4th, One year later, on October the 4th, One year later, on October the 4th, 1900, Tesla wrote Admiral Higginson. 1900, Tesla wrote Admiral Higginson. 1900, Tesla wrote Admiral Higginson. Four days later, the Admiral responded. Four days later, the Admiral responded. Four days later, the Admiral responded. It will be necessary before asking It will be necessary before asking It will be necessary before asking Congress for money to carry on this work Congress for money to carry on this work Congress for money to carry on this work to have further estimates of cost. to have further estimates of cost. to have further estimates of cost. Tesla's style of writing to the Navy was Tesla's style of writing to the Navy was Tesla's style of writing to the Navy was particularly irritating and filled with particularly irritating and filled with particularly irritating and filled with contradictions. contradictions. contradictions. He claims to be absolutely indifferent He claims to be absolutely indifferent He claims to be absolutely indifferent to gaining a pecuniary advantage, and to gaining a pecuniary advantage, and to gaining a pecuniary advantage, and yet he tells Commander Perry that the yet he tells Commander Perry that the yet he tells Commander Perry that the cost might appear to be outrageous. cost might appear to be outrageous. cost might appear to be outrageous. At the dawning stage of a complete in At the dawning stage of a complete in At the dawning stage of a complete in new industry, instead of building one or new industry, instead of building one or new industry, instead of building one or two prototypes to display before the two prototypes to display before the two prototypes to display before the government, Tesla insists on a sizable government, Tesla insists on a sizable government, Tesla insists on a sizable order. order. order. In an early letter, he states that he In an early letter, he states that he In an early letter, he states that he doesn't want to stand in the way of any doesn't want to stand in the way of any doesn't want to stand in the way of any competitor. In another, he claims he competitor. In another, he claims he competitor. In another, he claims he didn't know there were any other didn't know there were any other didn't know there were any other competitors. competitors. competitors. In one passage, he accuses all his In one passage, he accuses all his In one passage, he accuses all his competitors of piracy, which was competitors of piracy, which was competitors of piracy, which was probably true. And yet in another, he probably true. And yet in another, he probably true. And yet in another, he wishes them hearty success.

wishes them hearty success. wishes them hearty success. His position was incongruous, to say the His position was incongruous, to say the His position was incongruous, to say the least, and it served to scuttle his own least, and it served to scuttle his own least, and it served to scuttle his own cause. cause. cause. This would turn out to be one of the This would turn out to be one of the This would turn out to be one of the most significant blunders of his career. 27 27 Thor's Emissary, 1899 Thor's Emissary, 1899 Thor's Emissary, 1899 The problem was rendered extremely The problem was rendered extremely The problem was rendered extremely difficult owing to the immense difficult owing to the immense difficult owing to the immense dimensions of the planet. dimensions of the planet. dimensions of the planet. But by gradual and continuous But by gradual and continuous But by gradual and continuous improvements of a generator of improvements of a generator of improvements of a generator of electrical oscillations, I finally electrical oscillations, I finally electrical oscillations, I finally succeeded in reaching rates of delivery succeeded in reaching rates of delivery succeeded in reaching rates of delivery of electrical energy actually surpassing of electrical energy actually surpassing of electrical energy actually surpassing those of lightning discharges. those of lightning discharges. those of lightning discharges. By use of such a generator of stationary By use of such a generator of stationary By use of such a generator of stationary waves and receiving apparatus properly waves and receiving apparatus properly waves and receiving apparatus properly placed and adjusted in any other placed and adjusted in any other placed and adjusted in any other locality, however remote, it is locality, however remote, it is locality, however remote, it is practicable to transmit intelligible practicable to transmit intelligible practicable to transmit intelligible signals or to control or actuate at will signals or to control or actuate at will signals or to control or actuate at will any one apparatus for many other any one apparatus for many other any one apparatus for many other important and valuable purposes. important and valuable purposes. important and valuable purposes. Nikola Tesla Nikola Tesla Nikola Tesla Tesla went to Colorado in part for Tesla went to Colorado in part for Tesla went to Colorado in part for reasons of secrecy. His all-important reasons of secrecy. His all-important reasons of secrecy. His all-important transmitting oscillators and general transmitting oscillators and general transmitting oscillators and general design had already been pirated, and he design had already been pirated, and he design had already been pirated, and he would shortly be involved in a variety would shortly be involved in a variety would shortly be involved in a variety of priority battles.

of priority battles. of priority battles. Looking at the Colorado project from the Looking at the Colorado project from the Looking at the Colorado project from the technical point of view, the inventor technical point of view, the inventor technical point of view, the inventor was in a virgin field and needed to was in a virgin field and needed to was in a virgin field and needed to experiment in order to determine a experiment in order to determine a experiment in order to determine a workable plan for distributing light, workable plan for distributing light, workable plan for distributing light, information, and power by means of information, and power by means of information, and power by means of wireless. wireless. wireless. The measuring of standing waveforms from The measuring of standing waveforms from The measuring of standing waveforms from the electrical storms throughout July the electrical storms throughout July the electrical storms throughout July confirmed what he had suspected, namely confirmed what he had suspected, namely confirmed what he had suspected, namely that the Earth had a resonant frequency that the Earth had a resonant frequency that the Earth had a resonant frequency and could therefore be used as a carrier and could therefore be used as a carrier and could therefore be used as a carrier wave to transmit his signals. wave to transmit his signals. wave to transmit his signals. Letters between Sheriff and Tesla Letters between Sheriff and Tesla Letters between Sheriff and Tesla continued on an almost daily basis continued on an almost daily basis continued on an almost daily basis throughout the summer. throughout the summer. throughout the summer. In August, Tesla received an invitation In August, Tesla received an invitation In August, Tesla received an invitation to attend the banquet honoring the to attend the banquet honoring the to attend the banquet honoring the birthday of the Emperor Francis Joseph. birthday of the Emperor Francis Joseph. birthday of the Emperor Francis Joseph. Correspondence also came in from Correspondence also came in from Correspondence also came in from Austria, India, Australia, and Austria, India, Australia, and Austria, India, Australia, and Scandinavia. Scandinavia. Scandinavia. And the last one, Sheriff wrote, is a And the last one, Sheriff wrote, is a And the last one, Sheriff wrote, is a proposition to become an agent or proposition to become an agent or proposition to become an agent or manufacturer of your new light for manufacturer of your new light for manufacturer of your new light for Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. To the numerous business inquiries, To the numerous business inquiries, To the numerous business inquiries, Tesla wrote, "Tell them that I am on a Tesla wrote, "Tell them that I am on a Tesla wrote, "Tell them that I am on a scientific expedition and will return in scientific expedition and will return in scientific expedition and will return in a few weeks."

a few weeks." a few weeks." There was also correspondence with There was also correspondence with There was also correspondence with William Rankin, E.D. Adams, Mr. Corey, a William Rankin, E.D. Adams, Mr. Corey, a William Rankin, E.D. Adams, Mr. Corey, a stockholder, and Alfred Brown. stockholder, and Alfred Brown. stockholder, and Alfred Brown. Bills were forwarded, and the inventor Bills were forwarded, and the inventor Bills were forwarded, and the inventor in turn would periodically funds to in turn would periodically funds to in turn would periodically funds to cover these expenses. cover these expenses. cover these expenses. Wages for the crew ran about $90 a pay Wages for the crew ran about $90 a pay Wages for the crew ran about $90 a pay period. The New York laboratory in turn period. The New York laboratory in turn period. The New York laboratory in turn prepared new equipment to be shipped prepared new equipment to be shipped prepared new equipment to be shipped west as Sheriff continued to send west as Sheriff continued to send west as Sheriff continued to send details about their construction. details about their construction. details about their construction. September the 6th, 1899. September the 6th, 1899. September the 6th, 1899. Dear Mr. Sheriff, Dear Mr. Sheriff, Dear Mr. Sheriff, can you write about something more can you write about something more can you write about something more interesting than the pump? There are interesting than the pump? There are interesting than the pump? There are many things happening in the city. Try many things happening in the city. Try many things happening in the city. Try and make your correspondence more and make your correspondence more and make your correspondence more interesting, such as in sending press interesting, such as in sending press interesting, such as in sending press clippings. clippings. clippings. Sincerely, N. Tesla. Sincerely, N. Tesla. Sincerely, N. Tesla. As was his custom, the inventor lived in As was his custom, the inventor lived in As was his custom, the inventor lived in the future, writing to Sheriff in late the future, writing to Sheriff in late the future, writing to Sheriff in late August that he expected to return to New August that he expected to return to New August that he expected to return to New York in a few weeks. It would be more York in a few weeks. It would be more York in a few weeks. It would be more like 4 months. like 4 months. like 4 months. At the same time, Lowenstein requested At the same time, Lowenstein requested At the same time, Lowenstein requested permission to take leave as he wanted to permission to take leave as he wanted to permission to take leave as he wanted to return to Germany for some family return to Germany for some family return to Germany for some family matter.

matter. matter. Tesla feared that he might be an Tesla feared that he might be an Tesla feared that he might be an industrial spy, but he was only going industrial spy, but he was only going industrial spy, but he was only going home to get married. home to get married. home to get married. Kolman Czito was called on to replace Kolman Czito was called on to replace Kolman Czito was called on to replace him. him. him. "Czito has just arrived," Tesla wrote, "Czito has just arrived," Tesla wrote, "Czito has just arrived," Tesla wrote, "and I am glad to see a familiar face "and I am glad to see a familiar face "and I am glad to see a familiar face again. He looks a little too fat for the again. He looks a little too fat for the again. He looks a little too fat for the work I expect of him. work I expect of him. work I expect of him. He would come just in time to take part He would come just in time to take part He would come just in time to take part in some of the most spectacular in some of the most spectacular in some of the most spectacular electrical experiments ever performed." electrical experiments ever performed." electrical experiments ever performed." A hearty and trustworthy companion, A hearty and trustworthy companion, A hearty and trustworthy companion, Czito would stay at Tesla's call until Czito would stay at Tesla's call until Czito would stay at Tesla's call until he was an old man. he was an old man. he was an old man. By that time, he had trained his son By that time, he had trained his son By that time, he had trained his son Julius to take over. Julius to take over. Julius to take over. Julius would eventually come to aid Julius would eventually come to aid Julius would eventually come to aid Tesla in some of his more clandestine Tesla in some of his more clandestine Tesla in some of his more clandestine Earth-Luna experiments, as well as in Earth-Luna experiments, as well as in Earth-Luna experiments, as well as in day-to-day responsibilities. day-to-day responsibilities. day-to-day responsibilities. Throughout September, Tesla designed a Throughout September, Tesla designed a Throughout September, Tesla designed a large number of electronic tubes for his large number of electronic tubes for his large number of electronic tubes for his glass blower in New York to fashion and glass blower in New York to fashion and glass blower in New York to fashion and for Sheriff to ship as he continued to for Sheriff to ship as he continued to for Sheriff to ship as he continued to document his work with a local document his work with a local document his work with a local photographer. photographer. photographer. Electrical energy generated exceeded 3 Electrical energy generated exceeded 3 Electrical energy generated exceeded 3 million volts, million volts, million volts, Tesla reported. "I drew 1-in sparks Tesla reported. "I drew 1-in sparks Tesla reported. "I drew 1-in sparks between my body and an iron pipe buried between my body and an iron pipe buried between my body and an iron pipe buried in the ground about 100 ft from the in the ground about 100 ft from the in the ground about 100 ft from the laboratory.

laboratory. laboratory. On the 29th, time-lapse pictures were On the 29th, time-lapse pictures were On the 29th, time-lapse pictures were mailed to John Jacob Astor, sugar mailed to John Jacob Astor, sugar mailed to John Jacob Astor, sugar refinery king H. D. Havemeyer, his wife refinery king H. D. Havemeyer, his wife refinery king H. D. Havemeyer, his wife and their daughter, Mrs. E. F. Winslow, and their daughter, Mrs. E. F. Winslow, and their daughter, Mrs. E. F. Winslow, Stanford White, socialite Mary Mapes Stanford White, socialite Mary Mapes Stanford White, socialite Mary Mapes Dodge, and the Johnsons. Dodge, and the Johnsons. Dodge, and the Johnsons. He also shipped copies to Lord Kelvin, He also shipped copies to Lord Kelvin, He also shipped copies to Lord Kelvin, Sir William Crookes, Sir James Dewar, Sir William Crookes, Sir James Dewar, Sir William Crookes, Sir James Dewar, Wilhelm Röntgen, Philip Lenard, and Wilhelm Röntgen, Philip Lenard, and Wilhelm Röntgen, Philip Lenard, and Adolf Slaby. Adolf Slaby. Adolf Slaby. "Look them over carefully before "Look them over carefully before "Look them over carefully before delivery," the inventor instructed his delivery," the inventor instructed his delivery," the inventor instructed his liaison, "and do not allow the workers liaison, "and do not allow the workers liaison, "and do not allow the workers other than yourself and Mr. Ulman to see other than yourself and Mr. Ulman to see other than yourself and Mr. Ulman to see them." them." them." Throughout the autumn, the inventor Throughout the autumn, the inventor Throughout the autumn, the inventor continued to change the height of the continued to change the height of the continued to change the height of the ball at the top of the antenna to ball at the top of the antenna to ball at the top of the antenna to measure the changing capacity and measure the changing capacity and measure the changing capacity and relationship to generated wavelengths in relationship to generated wavelengths in relationship to generated wavelengths in order to tune the equipment to the order to tune the equipment to the order to tune the equipment to the Earth's frequency and bring the Earth's frequency and bring the Earth's frequency and bring the oscillator into resonance with the oscillator into resonance with the oscillator into resonance with the circuit. Made out of wood, the ball was circuit. Made out of wood, the ball was circuit. Made out of wood, the ball was coated with metal. coated with metal. coated with metal. He also studied the strange phenomena of He also studied the strange phenomena of He also studied the strange phenomena of fireballs, which when created by natural fireballs, which when created by natural fireballs, which when created by natural means can appear like tumbleweeds of means can appear like tumbleweeds of means can appear like tumbleweeds of lightning that can roll down the street lightning that can roll down the street lightning that can roll down the street and smash into a tree or house.

and smash into a tree or house. and smash into a tree or house. They are rarely seen, though they are They are rarely seen, though they are They are rarely seen, though they are documented sightings. Although Tesla documented sightings. Although Tesla documented sightings. Although Tesla himself had not witnessed any natural himself had not witnessed any natural himself had not witnessed any natural fireballs, he was able to create smaller fireballs, he was able to create smaller fireballs, he was able to create smaller ones in his lab. ones in his lab. ones in his lab. Sometimes it appeared as if a ball would Sometimes it appeared as if a ball would Sometimes it appeared as if a ball would form above the coil, but this may have form above the coil, but this may have form above the coil, but this may have been only an optical effect caused by been only an optical effect caused by been only an optical effect caused by many streamers passing from various many streamers passing from various many streamers passing from various points in different directions. points in different directions. points in different directions. At other times, a big cluster of them At other times, a big cluster of them At other times, a big cluster of them would form and spatter irregularly in would form and spatter irregularly in would form and spatter irregularly in all directions. all directions. all directions. He produced them quite by accident and He produced them quite by accident and He produced them quite by accident and saw them more than once explode and saw them more than once explode and saw them more than once explode and shatter his tall mast and also destroy shatter his tall mast and also destroy shatter his tall mast and also destroy apparatus within his laboratory. apparatus within his laboratory. apparatus within his laboratory. "The destructive action accompanying the "The destructive action accompanying the "The destructive action accompanying the disintegration of a fireball," he disintegration of a fireball," he disintegration of a fireball," he declared, "takes place with declared, "takes place with declared, "takes place with inconceivable violence." inconceivable violence." inconceivable violence." In one instance, he pushed the In one instance, he pushed the In one instance, he pushed the experiments too far and a fire started. experiments too far and a fire started. experiments too far and a fire started. Trapped by streamers that could maim or Trapped by streamers that could maim or Trapped by streamers that could maim or kill, the inventor had to roll to safety kill, the inventor had to roll to safety kill, the inventor had to roll to safety to save his life. to save his life. to save his life. To Johnson, he wrote, "I have had To Johnson, he wrote, "I have had To Johnson, he wrote, "I have had wonderful experiences here. Among other wonderful experiences here. Among other wonderful experiences here. Among other things, tamed a wildcat and I'm nothing things, tamed a wildcat and I'm nothing things, tamed a wildcat and I'm nothing but a mass of bleeding scratches.

but a mass of bleeding scratches. but a mass of bleeding scratches. In the scratches, Luca, there lies a In the scratches, Luca, there lies a In the scratches, Luca, there lies a mind. mind. mind. Mind. Mind. Mind. A few weeks later, while a photographer A few weeks later, while a photographer A few weeks later, while a photographer was present, Tesla set the roof in was present, Tesla set the roof in was present, Tesla set the roof in flames, but was able to extinguish it flames, but was able to extinguish it flames, but was able to extinguish it before much damage was done. before much damage was done. before much damage was done. The display was wonderful in spite of The display was wonderful in spite of The display was wonderful in spite of this, he wrote in his diary. this, he wrote in his diary. this, he wrote in his diary. Having studied the phenomena, Tesla Having studied the phenomena, Tesla Having studied the phenomena, Tesla attributed the generation of fireballs attributed the generation of fireballs attributed the generation of fireballs to the interaction of two frequencies, a to the interaction of two frequencies, a to the interaction of two frequencies, a stray higher frequency wave imposed on stray higher frequency wave imposed on stray higher frequency wave imposed on the lower frequency free oscillation of the lower frequency free oscillation of the lower frequency free oscillation of the main circuit. the main circuit. the main circuit. They could also be produced when stray They could also be produced when stray They could also be produced when stray high frequency charges from random earth high frequency charges from random earth high frequency charges from random earth currents interacted with charges from currents interacted with charges from currents interacted with charges from his oscillator. his oscillator. his oscillator. The following week, he extended the ball The following week, he extended the ball The following week, he extended the ball to a height of 142 feet and began to a height of 142 feet and began to a height of 142 feet and began propagating waves through the ground. propagating waves through the ground. propagating waves through the ground. Referring to electrical or radio wave Referring to electrical or radio wave Referring to electrical or radio wave action at a distance, I know from action at a distance, I know from action at a distance, I know from experience that if proper precautions experience that if proper precautions experience that if proper precautions are not taken, fires of all kinds and are not taken, fires of all kinds and are not taken, fires of all kinds and explosions can be produced by wireless explosions can be produced by wireless explosions can be produced by wireless transmitters.

transmitters. transmitters. In my experiments in Colorado, when the In my experiments in Colorado, when the In my experiments in Colorado, when the plant was powerfully excited, the plant was powerfully excited, the plant was powerfully excited, the lightning arresters for 12 miles around lightning arresters for 12 miles around lightning arresters for 12 miles around were bridged with continuous arcs, much were bridged with continuous arcs, much were bridged with continuous arcs, much stronger and more persistent than those stronger and more persistent than those stronger and more persistent than those which ordinarily took place during an which ordinarily took place during an which ordinarily took place during an electric storm. electric storm. electric storm. I have excited loops, coil aerials, and I have excited loops, coil aerials, and I have excited loops, coil aerials, and lighted incandescent lamps at a lighted incandescent lamps at a lighted incandescent lamps at a considerable distance from the considerable distance from the considerable distance from the laboratory without even using more than laboratory without even using more than laboratory without even using more than five or 10% of the capacity of the five or 10% of the capacity of the five or 10% of the capacity of the transmitter. transmitter. transmitter. When the oscillator was excited to about When the oscillator was excited to about When the oscillator was excited to about 4 million volts and an incandescent lamp 4 million volts and an incandescent lamp 4 million volts and an incandescent lamp was held in the hand about 50 or 60 feet was held in the hand about 50 or 60 feet was held in the hand about 50 or 60 feet from the laboratory, emphasis added, the from the laboratory, emphasis added, the from the laboratory, emphasis added, the filament was often broken by the filament was often broken by the filament was often broken by the vibration set up, giving some idea of vibration set up, giving some idea of vibration set up, giving some idea of the magnitude of the electromotive the magnitude of the electromotive the magnitude of the electromotive forces generated in the space. forces generated in the space. forces generated in the space. Tesla had calculated that the Earth Tesla had calculated that the Earth Tesla had calculated that the Earth pulsated at varying frequencies, pulsated at varying frequencies, pulsated at varying frequencies, especially 12 cycles per second. especially 12 cycles per second. especially 12 cycles per second. With his coils wound with lengths of With his coils wound with lengths of With his coils wound with lengths of wire in harmonic relationships to the wire in harmonic relationships to the wire in harmonic relationships to the required wavelengths needed to girdle required wavelengths needed to girdle required wavelengths needed to girdle the globe, he wrote in his diary, "The the globe, he wrote in his diary, "The the globe, he wrote in his diary, "The length of the coil was calculated based length of the coil was calculated based length of the coil was calculated based on the equation on the equation on the equation wavelength / 4 = harmonic of total wavelength / 4 = harmonic of total wavelength / 4 = harmonic of total wavelength or required length of coil."

wavelength or required length of coil." wavelength or required length of coil." Taking into account the speed of light, Taking into account the speed of light, Taking into account the speed of light, 186,000 186,000 186,000 mi per second, and the circumference of mi per second, and the circumference of mi per second, and the circumference of the Earth, it was determined that coils the Earth, it was determined that coils the Earth, it was determined that coils would have to be roughly a mile in would have to be roughly a mile in would have to be roughly a mile in length or some harmonic of this figure length or some harmonic of this figure length or some harmonic of this figure to be in a resonant terrestrial to be in a resonant terrestrial to be in a resonant terrestrial frequency. frequency. frequency. Other components included the thickness Other components included the thickness Other components included the thickness of the wire itself and horsepower of the wire itself and horsepower of the wire itself and horsepower generated. generated. generated. By increasing the frequency between By increasing the frequency between By increasing the frequency between pulsations, the inventor claimed to be pulsations, the inventor claimed to be pulsations, the inventor claimed to be able to boost horsepower to a few able to boost horsepower to a few able to boost horsepower to a few hundred thousand, although this amount hundred thousand, although this amount hundred thousand, although this amount of produced energy would last only a of produced energy would last only a of produced energy would last only a fraction of a second. fraction of a second. fraction of a second. Cheeto arrived for work one day in Cheeto arrived for work one day in Cheeto arrived for work one day in mid-autumn to find the inventor mid-autumn to find the inventor mid-autumn to find the inventor vigorously watering the ground around vigorously watering the ground around vigorously watering the ground around the metal plate which he had buried near the metal plate which he had buried near the metal plate which he had buried near the lab. the lab. the lab. "If I could only insulate these wires "If I could only insulate these wires "If I could only insulate these wires with liquid oxygen, I could reduce with liquid oxygen, I could reduce with liquid oxygen, I could reduce losses another magnitude," the inventor losses another magnitude," the inventor losses another magnitude," the inventor said. "Here, put these on." said. "Here, put these on." said. "Here, put these on." He gave Cheeto a pair of rubber-soled He gave Cheeto a pair of rubber-soled He gave Cheeto a pair of rubber-soled shoes as he laced up a pair for himself. shoes as he laced up a pair for himself. shoes as he laced up a pair for himself. "All the way today, sir?" Cheeto "All the way today, sir?" Cheeto "All the way today, sir?" Cheeto inquired.

inquired. inquired. "To the limit, my friend. Now, "To the limit, my friend. Now, "To the limit, my friend. Now, remember," the inventor cautioned, "keep remember," the inventor cautioned, "keep remember," the inventor cautioned, "keep one hand behind your back at all times." one hand behind your back at all times." one hand behind your back at all times." Cheeto responded with a nod of his head. Cheeto responded with a nod of his head. Cheeto responded with a nod of his head. He had no plans to risk electrocution by He had no plans to risk electrocution by He had no plans to risk electrocution by creating a circuit through his heart. creating a circuit through his heart. creating a circuit through his heart. "Throw the switch when you see my "Throw the switch when you see my "Throw the switch when you see my signal." signal." signal." "We had better use these, sir." "We had better use these, sir." "We had better use these, sir." Cheeto handed his boss two cotton balls Cheeto handed his boss two cotton balls Cheeto handed his boss two cotton balls and took two for himself, and they and took two for himself, and they and took two for himself, and they plugged them into their ears. plugged them into their ears. plugged them into their ears. The lanky Serb lumbered from his lab in The lanky Serb lumbered from his lab in The lanky Serb lumbered from his lab in his high shoes past the mud to place his high shoes past the mud to place his high shoes past the mud to place testing equipment and cold lamps at testing equipment and cold lamps at testing equipment and cold lamps at various locations in the earth and various locations in the earth and various locations in the earth and positioned himself on a knoll about a positioned himself on a knoll about a positioned himself on a knoll about a mile away near Prospect Lake. Even mile away near Prospect Lake. Even mile away near Prospect Lake. Even though insulated, sparks jumped from the though insulated, sparks jumped from the though insulated, sparks jumped from the ground to his feet as he crunched along ground to his feet as he crunched along ground to his feet as he crunched along the path. the path. the path. The sun was low on the horizon as The sun was low on the horizon as The sun was low on the horizon as Colorado Springs began to turn on street Colorado Springs began to turn on street Colorado Springs began to turn on street lamps and electric lamps in preparation lamps and electric lamps in preparation lamps and electric lamps in preparation for the night. for the night. for the night. "Now," Tesla waved as Cheeto fired up "Now," Tesla waved as Cheeto fired up "Now," Tesla waved as Cheeto fired up the equipment.

the equipment. the equipment. The sound began as a low rumble and The sound began as a low rumble and The sound began as a low rumble and built to a roar that was so strong that built to a roar that was so strong that built to a roar that was so strong that it could be plainly heard 10 miles away. it could be plainly heard 10 miles away. it could be plainly heard 10 miles away. The ground trembled with the noise as The ground trembled with the noise as The ground trembled with the noise as the inventor gazed over to a nearby the inventor gazed over to a nearby the inventor gazed over to a nearby corral to watch a half dozen horses rear corral to watch a half dozen horses rear corral to watch a half dozen horses rear on their hind legs and gallop on their hind legs and gallop on their hind legs and gallop frantically away. frantically away. frantically away. Butterflies were carried around in Butterflies were carried around in Butterflies were carried around in circles as in a whirlpool and could not circles as in a whirlpool and could not circles as in a whirlpool and could not get out no matter how hard they tried. get out no matter how hard they tried. get out no matter how hard they tried. As the plume of streamers stormed up the As the plume of streamers stormed up the As the plume of streamers stormed up the shaft high above the roof of the lab and shaft high above the roof of the lab and shaft high above the roof of the lab and blustered out from the apex, splitting blustered out from the apex, splitting blustered out from the apex, splitting lightning bolts fully 135 ft in length. lightning bolts fully 135 ft in length. lightning bolts fully 135 ft in length. Kaboom, zip, zap, kaboom. Kaboom, zip, zap, kaboom. Kaboom, zip, zap, kaboom. Looking to the sky, the wizard held his Looking to the sky, the wizard held his Looking to the sky, the wizard held his wireless torches up in triumph as they wireless torches up in triumph as they wireless torches up in triumph as they flickered in his thunder. flickered in his thunder. flickered in his thunder. The end came abruptly. The Springs The end came abruptly. The Springs The end came abruptly. The Springs plunged into darkness. plunged into darkness. plunged into darkness. He had shorted out the town. He had shorted out the town. He had shorted out the town. Fortunately, the powerhouse had a second Fortunately, the powerhouse had a second Fortunately, the powerhouse had a second standby generator which was started up standby generator which was started up standby generator which was started up soon after. Tesla was insistent that he soon after. Tesla was insistent that he soon after. Tesla was insistent that he be supplied with current from this be supplied with current from this be supplied with current from this reserve machine as soon as it was reserve machine as soon as it was reserve machine as soon as it was running, but his demand was refused.

running, but his demand was refused. running, but his demand was refused. Forced by El Paso Electric to fix the Forced by El Paso Electric to fix the Forced by El Paso Electric to fix the damaged generator himself, the inventor damaged generator himself, the inventor damaged generator himself, the inventor was back online in a day or two. was back online in a day or two. was back online in a day or two. In the future, he was told, he will be In the future, he was told, he will be In the future, he was told, he will be supplied with current from a dynamo supplied with current from a dynamo supplied with current from a dynamo operated independently from the one operated independently from the one operated independently from the one supplying the El Paso Electric Company's supplying the El Paso Electric Company's supplying the El Paso Electric Company's regular customers. regular customers. regular customers. By the end of 1899, Tesla was ready to By the end of 1899, Tesla was ready to By the end of 1899, Tesla was ready to return to New York. He wanted to get return to New York. He wanted to get return to New York. He wanted to get home for the holidays to spend them with home for the holidays to spend them with home for the holidays to spend them with the Johnsons, but it would take him a the Johnsons, but it would take him a the Johnsons, but it would take him a little longer to wind things down. little longer to wind things down. little longer to wind things down. In December, he sent for his In December, he sent for his In December, he sent for his photographer, Dickinson Alley, to photographer, Dickinson Alley, to photographer, Dickinson Alley, to capture his work in the best possible capture his work in the best possible capture his work in the best possible light. light. light. By using multiple exposures, Alley would By using multiple exposures, Alley would By using multiple exposures, Alley would create what is perhaps Tesla's most create what is perhaps Tesla's most create what is perhaps Tesla's most famous photograph. That of the inventor famous photograph. That of the inventor famous photograph. That of the inventor sitting calmly reading a book dwarfed by sitting calmly reading a book dwarfed by sitting calmly reading a book dwarfed by myriad tongues of explosive lightning. myriad tongues of explosive lightning. myriad tongues of explosive lightning. This picture is a multiple exposure. This picture is a multiple exposure. This picture is a multiple exposure. Tesla, of course, was not sitting there Tesla, of course, was not sitting there Tesla, of course, was not sitting there at the time the oscillator was fired up. at the time the oscillator was fired up. at the time the oscillator was fired up. The electricity would have killed him. The electricity would have killed him. The electricity would have killed him. December the 22nd, 1899.

December the 22nd, 1899. December the 22nd, 1899. Dear Mr. Tesla, Dear Mr. Tesla, Dear Mr. Tesla, we will keep your memory green Christmas we will keep your memory green Christmas we will keep your memory green Christmas Day. How lovely it would be if you Day. How lovely it would be if you Day. How lovely it would be if you should suddenly appear in our midst to should suddenly appear in our midst to should suddenly appear in our midst to spend it with us. spend it with us. spend it with us. I sometimes wonder if you could make me I sometimes wonder if you could make me I sometimes wonder if you could make me glad again just to see you. It is so glad again just to see you. It is so glad again just to see you. It is so long since gladness has been in my days. long since gladness has been in my days. long since gladness has been in my days. Everything that once was has Everything that once was has Everything that once was has disappeared. It is as if one had gone to disappeared. It is as if one had gone to disappeared. It is as if one had gone to sleep in soft moonlight and had anchored sleep in soft moonlight and had anchored sleep in soft moonlight and had anchored out of place and out of time to find out of place and out of time to find out of place and out of time to find himself in the Stone Age, himself a himself in the Stone Age, himself a himself in the Stone Age, himself a stone. stone. stone. What does it all mean? What does it all mean? What does it all mean? Sometimes I have a little sign of you Sometimes I have a little sign of you Sometimes I have a little sign of you through Robert by way of the office. through Robert by way of the office. through Robert by way of the office. I am hoping the new year may bring you I am hoping the new year may bring you I am hoping the new year may bring you what you must desire and that it may what you must desire and that it may what you must desire and that it may bring to us, my dear friend, bring to us, my dear friend, bring to us, my dear friend, faithfully yours, faithfully yours, faithfully yours, Katherine Johnson. 28 28 The Hero's Return The Hero's Return The Hero's Return 1900 1900 1900 Common people must have rest like Common people must have rest like Common people must have rest like machinery, but the great old Nick, the machinery, but the great old Nick, the machinery, but the great old Nick, the busy one, see him go 150 hours without busy one, see him go 150 hours without busy one, see him go 150 hours without food or drink. Why? He can invent with food or drink. Why? He can invent with food or drink. Why? He can invent with his hands tied behind his back.

his hands tied behind his back. his hands tied behind his back. He can do anything. In short, he is He can do anything. In short, he is He can do anything. In short, he is superior to all laws of hygiene and superior to all laws of hygiene and superior to all laws of hygiene and human energy. He is a vegetarian that human energy. He is a vegetarian that human energy. He is a vegetarian that doesn't know how to vegetate. doesn't know how to vegetate. doesn't know how to vegetate. Robert Underwood Johnson. Robert Underwood Johnson. Robert Underwood Johnson. On January the 7th, 1900, Tesla left On January the 7th, 1900, Tesla left On January the 7th, 1900, Tesla left Colorado Springs with every intention of Colorado Springs with every intention of Colorado Springs with every intention of returning. Engaging C. J. Duffner and returning. Engaging C. J. Duffner and returning. Engaging C. J. Duffner and another watchman to look after the another watchman to look after the another watchman to look after the laboratory, the inventor departed with laboratory, the inventor departed with laboratory, the inventor departed with inexplicit promises for future payment. inexplicit promises for future payment. inexplicit promises for future payment. His funds exhausted, he also left His funds exhausted, he also left His funds exhausted, he also left without covering outstanding bills he without covering outstanding bills he without covering outstanding bills he had incurred with the local power had incurred with the local power had incurred with the local power company. company. company. The Johnsons were thrilled with the The Johnsons were thrilled with the The Johnsons were thrilled with the wizard's return, and they celebrated in wizard's return, and they celebrated in wizard's return, and they celebrated in grand style by dining out. With Gilder's grand style by dining out. With Gilder's grand style by dining out. With Gilder's approval, Robert suggested that Tesla approval, Robert suggested that Tesla approval, Robert suggested that Tesla compose a discourse on his recent compose a discourse on his recent compose a discourse on his recent endeavors. endeavors. endeavors. Coincidentally, Marconi was in Manhattan Coincidentally, Marconi was in Manhattan Coincidentally, Marconi was in Manhattan seeking investors and planning on seeking investors and planning on seeking investors and planning on lecturing on his progress in wireless. lecturing on his progress in wireless. lecturing on his progress in wireless. "When I sent electrical waves from my "When I sent electrical waves from my "When I sent electrical waves from my laboratory in Colorado around the laboratory in Colorado around the laboratory in Colorado around the world," Tesla reported, "Mr. Marconi was world," Tesla reported, "Mr. Marconi was world," Tesla reported, "Mr. Marconi was experimenting with my apparatus experimenting with my apparatus experimenting with my apparatus unsuccessfully at sea."

unsuccessfully at sea." unsuccessfully at sea." "Afterward, Mr. Marconi came to America "Afterward, Mr. Marconi came to America "Afterward, Mr. Marconi came to America to lecture on this subject, stating that to lecture on this subject, stating that to lecture on this subject, stating that it was he who sent those signals round it was he who sent those signals round it was he who sent those signals round the globe. the globe. the globe. I went to hear him, and when he learned I went to hear him, and when he learned I went to hear him, and when he learned that I was present, he became sick, that I was present, he became sick, that I was present, he became sick, postponed the lecture, and up to the postponed the lecture, and up to the postponed the lecture, and up to the present time has not delivered it." present time has not delivered it." present time has not delivered it." Although fearful of Tesla, Marconi was Although fearful of Tesla, Marconi was Although fearful of Tesla, Marconi was also desirous of obtaining a great understanding of the master's equipment. understanding of the master's equipment. With Michael Pupin as intermediary, With Michael Pupin as intermediary, With Michael Pupin as intermediary, Marconi was introduced to Tesla at the Marconi was introduced to Tesla at the Marconi was introduced to Tesla at the New York Science Club. New York Science Club. New York Science Club. Pupin was in exceptionally high spirits Pupin was in exceptionally high spirits Pupin was in exceptionally high spirits as John S. Seymour, Commissioner of as John S. Seymour, Commissioner of as John S. Seymour, Commissioner of Patents, had finally retired. Patents, had finally retired. Patents, had finally retired. After 6 years of submissions in his After 6 years of submissions in his After 6 years of submissions in his attempts to try and prove that his attempts to try and prove that his attempts to try and prove that his understanding of resonance and harmonics understanding of resonance and harmonics understanding of resonance and harmonics in the field of AC transmission in the field of AC transmission in the field of AC transmission superseded Tesla's, he had finally won. superseded Tesla's, he had finally won. superseded Tesla's, he had finally won. In December 1899, he applied once again In December 1899, he applied once again In December 1899, he applied once again for his patent, The Art of Reducing for his patent, The Art of Reducing for his patent, The Art of Reducing Attenuation of Electrical Waves, and the Attenuation of Electrical Waves, and the Attenuation of Electrical Waves, and the new commissioner, Walter Johnson, new commissioner, Walter Johnson, new commissioner, Walter Johnson, sanctioned it.

sanctioned it. sanctioned it. Apparently, just 1 month later, the trio Apparently, just 1 month later, the trio Apparently, just 1 month later, the trio left after dinner to visit Tesla's lab. left after dinner to visit Tesla's lab. left after dinner to visit Tesla's lab. George Sheriff was working late and George Sheriff was working late and George Sheriff was working late and greeted them at the door. greeted them at the door. greeted them at the door. "I remember Marconi when he was coming "I remember Marconi when he was coming "I remember Marconi when he was coming to me asking me to explain the function to me asking me to explain the function to me asking me to explain the function of my transformer for transmission of of my transformer for transmission of of my transformer for transmission of power to great distances," Tesla power to great distances," Tesla power to great distances," Tesla recalled. recalled. recalled. Although the inventor obviously had Although the inventor obviously had Although the inventor obviously had mixed feelings about the meeting, he mixed feelings about the meeting, he mixed feelings about the meeting, he nevertheless obliged with a discourse on nevertheless obliged with a discourse on nevertheless obliged with a discourse on the difference between Hertzian the difference between Hertzian the difference between Hertzian radiations and Tesla currents. radiations and Tesla currents. radiations and Tesla currents. "Mr. Marconi said, 'After all my "Mr. Marconi said, 'After all my "Mr. Marconi said, 'After all my explanations of the application of my explanations of the application of my explanations of the application of my principle, that it is impossible.' principle, that it is impossible.' principle, that it is impossible.' "Time will tell, Mr. Marconi," Tesla "Time will tell, Mr. Marconi," Tesla "Time will tell, Mr. Marconi," Tesla shot back. shot back. shot back. Pupin was able to usher Marconi to the Pupin was able to usher Marconi to the Pupin was able to usher Marconi to the door before discussions became more door before discussions became more door before discussions became more heated. heated. heated. "I understand completely what you are "I understand completely what you are "I understand completely what you are doing, Mr. Marconi," Pupin began as he doing, Mr. Marconi," Pupin began as he doing, Mr. Marconi," Pupin began as he walked the young Italian back to his walked the young Italian back to his walked the young Italian back to his hotel. "And I would like very much to hotel. "And I would like very much to hotel. "And I would like very much to act as a consultant in your operation." act as a consultant in your operation." act as a consultant in your operation." "That would be an honor," Marconi said "That would be an honor," Marconi said "That would be an honor," Marconi said as he discussed with Pupin a way to as he discussed with Pupin a way to as he discussed with Pupin a way to persuade Señor Edison to come aboard.

persuade Señor Edison to come aboard. persuade Señor Edison to come aboard. Marconi's reason, in particular, was to Marconi's reason, in particular, was to Marconi's reason, in particular, was to obtain Edison's grasshopper patent, obtain Edison's grasshopper patent, obtain Edison's grasshopper patent, which described a wireless way for which described a wireless way for which described a wireless way for jumping messages from train stations to jumping messages from train stations to jumping messages from train stations to moving trains, and which Edison patented moving trains, and which Edison patented moving trains, and which Edison patented in the 1880s. in the 1880s. in the 1880s. Pupin was elated. Not only was he Pupin was elated. Not only was he Pupin was elated. Not only was he becoming professionally involved in an becoming professionally involved in an becoming professionally involved in an exciting international wireless exciting international wireless exciting international wireless enterprise, he had also begun to cash in enterprise, he had also begun to cash in enterprise, he had also begun to cash in on his new AC patent. on his new AC patent. on his new AC patent. In June, Pupin received a $3,000 advance In June, Pupin received a $3,000 advance In June, Pupin received a $3,000 advance for selling the rights to John E. for selling the rights to John E. for selling the rights to John E. Hudson, president of AT&T. And a few Hudson, president of AT&T. And a few Hudson, president of AT&T. And a few months later, he negotiated for yearly months later, he negotiated for yearly months later, he negotiated for yearly payments of $15,000 per year for an payments of $15,000 per year for an payments of $15,000 per year for an amount totaling $200,000 amount totaling $200,000 amount totaling $200,000 for the invention Commissioner Seymour for the invention Commissioner Seymour for the invention Commissioner Seymour called tautological and no more than a called tautological and no more than a called tautological and no more than a multiplication of Tesla's circuit that multiplication of Tesla's circuit that multiplication of Tesla's circuit that utilized principles well understood in utilized principles well understood in utilized principles well understood in the art. the art. the art. In either case, the patent enabled AT&T In either case, the patent enabled AT&T In either case, the patent enabled AT&T to perfect long-distance telephone to perfect long-distance telephone to perfect long-distance telephone transmissions and provided Pupin with a transmissions and provided Pupin with a transmissions and provided Pupin with a handsome income for many years to come.

handsome income for many years to come. handsome income for many years to come. It also vindicated his position that he It also vindicated his position that he It also vindicated his position that he had understood Tesla's invention better had understood Tesla's invention better had understood Tesla's invention better than Tesla did. than Tesla did. than Tesla did. Tesla tried again to interest the Tesla tried again to interest the Tesla tried again to interest the submarine designer John Holland in submarine designer John Holland in submarine designer John Holland in telautomatics. He also worked to fashion telautomatics. He also worked to fashion telautomatics. He also worked to fashion dirigible wireless torpedoes or small dirigible wireless torpedoes or small dirigible wireless torpedoes or small airships which could be controlled from airships which could be controlled from airships which could be controlled from the ground. "Everybody who saw them," he the ground. "Everybody who saw them," he the ground. "Everybody who saw them," he revealed a few years later, "was amazed revealed a few years later, "was amazed revealed a few years later, "was amazed at their performance." at their performance." at their performance." After putting together a prospectus and After putting together a prospectus and After putting together a prospectus and conferring with his lawyers, the conferring with his lawyers, the conferring with his lawyers, the inventor packed his bags for Washington inventor packed his bags for Washington inventor packed his bags for Washington to speak in person with Admiral to speak in person with Admiral to speak in person with Admiral Higginson of the Lighthouse Board and Higginson of the Lighthouse Board and Higginson of the Lighthouse Board and Secretary John D. Long of the Navy. Secretary John D. Long of the Navy. Secretary John D. Long of the Navy. He planned not only to offer his devil He planned not only to offer his devil He planned not only to offer his devil telautometer, but also a scheme for telautometer, but also a scheme for telautometer, but also a scheme for establishing wireless telegraphic establishing wireless telegraphic establishing wireless telegraphic communication across the Pacific. communication across the Pacific. communication across the Pacific. Met with ridicule and skepticism, the Met with ridicule and skepticism, the Met with ridicule and skepticism, the inventor was shuffled into what Mark inventor was shuffled into what Mark inventor was shuffled into what Mark Twain called the circumlocution office. Twain called the circumlocution office. Twain called the circumlocution office. "My ideas," Tesla said, "were thrown in "My ideas," Tesla said, "were thrown in "My ideas," Tesla said, "were thrown in the naval wastebasket.

the naval wastebasket. the naval wastebasket. Had only a few telautomatic torpedoes Had only a few telautomatic torpedoes Had only a few telautomatic torpedoes been constructed and adopted by our been constructed and adopted by our been constructed and adopted by our navy, the mere moral influence of this navy, the mere moral influence of this navy, the mere moral influence of this would have been powerfully and most would have been powerfully and most would have been powerfully and most beneficially felt in the present Eastern beneficially felt in the present Eastern beneficially felt in the present Eastern complication, complication, complication, the Japanese war with Russia. the Japanese war with Russia. the Japanese war with Russia. Tesla had hoped at least that the US Tesla had hoped at least that the US Tesla had hoped at least that the US Coast Guard or Navy would come through Coast Guard or Navy would come through Coast Guard or Navy would come through on a smaller scale by financing the on a smaller scale by financing the on a smaller scale by financing the construction of modest-sized construction of modest-sized construction of modest-sized transmitters for their lighthouses and transmitters for their lighthouses and transmitters for their lighthouses and ships, but the agencies dodged any ships, but the agencies dodged any ships, but the agencies dodged any serious commitment and continued to hide serious commitment and continued to hide serious commitment and continued to hide behind a bureaucratic quagmire involving behind a bureaucratic quagmire involving behind a bureaucratic quagmire involving the need for congressional approval. the need for congressional approval. the need for congressional approval. "I've circumscribed the globe with "I've circumscribed the globe with "I've circumscribed the globe with electrical impulses," he told Scherff electrical impulses," he told Scherff electrical impulses," he told Scherff upon his return. "Let them have the upon his return. "Let them have the upon his return. "Let them have the Hertzian dabblers. They'll come back Hertzian dabblers. They'll come back Hertzian dabblers. They'll come back around my way soon enough." around my way soon enough." around my way soon enough." "But what will you do with Professor "But what will you do with Professor "But what will you do with Professor Pupin stealing your work in alternating Pupin stealing your work in alternating Pupin stealing your work in alternating current?" current?" current?" "He is involved in sending voice over "He is involved in sending voice over "He is involved in sending voice over wires," the inventor replied. "Who can wires," the inventor replied. "Who can wires," the inventor replied. "Who can be bothered?" be bothered?" be bothered?" It was at this time that Tesla It was at this time that Tesla It was at this time that Tesla commissioned an agent in Britain to commissioned an agent in Britain to commissioned an agent in Britain to locate an appropriate place for locate an appropriate place for locate an appropriate place for constructing a receiving station as he constructing a receiving station as he constructing a receiving station as he continued to rework blueprints for his continued to rework blueprints for his continued to rework blueprints for his transoceanic broadcasting system. Using transoceanic broadcasting system. Using transoceanic broadcasting system. Using his English royalties as collateral, he his English royalties as collateral, he his English royalties as collateral, he asked George Westinghouse for a loan of asked George Westinghouse for a loan of asked George Westinghouse for a loan of a few thousand dollars. He also tried to a few thousand dollars. He also tried to a few thousand dollars. He also tried to interest him in the wireless enterprise.

interest him in the wireless enterprise. interest him in the wireless enterprise. Westinghouse, however, declined to get Westinghouse, however, declined to get Westinghouse, however, declined to get involved, but he did advance the involved, but he did advance the involved, but he did advance the inventor the requested funds even though inventor the requested funds even though inventor the requested funds even though his company had overextended themselves his company had overextended themselves his company had overextended themselves nearly 70 million dollars in their rapid nearly 70 million dollars in their rapid nearly 70 million dollars in their rapid expansion and changeover to the expansion and changeover to the expansion and changeover to the polyphase system. polyphase system. polyphase system. Incessant legal fees due to the Incessant legal fees due to the Incessant legal fees due to the never-ending litigation on patent never-ending litigation on patent never-ending litigation on patent priority battles, mostly with the priority battles, mostly with the priority battles, mostly with the countless subsidiaries, were also a countless subsidiaries, were also a countless subsidiaries, were also a great drain. great drain. great drain. Swiss emigrant B. A. Behrend, author of Swiss emigrant B. A. Behrend, author of Swiss emigrant B. A. Behrend, author of one of the early standard textbooks on one of the early standard textbooks on one of the early standard textbooks on AC motors, wrote in his treatise that AC motors, wrote in his treatise that AC motors, wrote in his treatise that much to the chagrin of New England much to the chagrin of New England much to the chagrin of New England Granite, a GE subsidiary patent Granite, a GE subsidiary patent Granite, a GE subsidiary patent attorney, he refused to testify against attorney, he refused to testify against attorney, he refused to testify against Tesla as such evidence would be against Tesla as such evidence would be against Tesla as such evidence would be against his better convictions. his better convictions. his better convictions. This letter was written in 1901, a full This letter was written in 1901, a full This letter was written in 1901, a full year after Judge Townsend's unequivocal year after Judge Townsend's unequivocal year after Judge Townsend's unequivocal ruling vindicated Tesla as the sole ruling vindicated Tesla as the sole ruling vindicated Tesla as the sole author of the AC polyphase system. See author of the AC polyphase system. See author of the AC polyphase system. See chapter three. chapter three. chapter three. Now Westinghouse could finally begin to Now Westinghouse could finally begin to Now Westinghouse could finally begin to collect damages and pay back its collect damages and pay back its collect damages and pay back its enormous debt.

enormous debt. enormous debt. George Westinghouse sent Tesla a George Westinghouse sent Tesla a George Westinghouse sent Tesla a thank-you note, congratulating himself thank-you note, congratulating himself thank-you note, congratulating himself for winning the suit, and congratulating for winning the suit, and congratulating for winning the suit, and congratulating Tesla for being awarded the credit for a Tesla for being awarded the credit for a Tesla for being awarded the credit for a great invention. great invention. great invention. Westinghouse ended the letter as Westinghouse ended the letter as Westinghouse ended the letter as follows. follows. follows. You know I appreciate your sympathetic You know I appreciate your sympathetic You know I appreciate your sympathetic interest in my affairs. interest in my affairs. interest in my affairs. In the early part of 1900, Tesla filed In the early part of 1900, Tesla filed In the early part of 1900, Tesla filed the three patents related to wireless the three patents related to wireless the three patents related to wireless communication. He made several attempts communication. He made several attempts communication. He made several attempts to contact the elusive Colonel Astor, to contact the elusive Colonel Astor, to contact the elusive Colonel Astor, but concentrated most of his efforts on but concentrated most of his efforts on but concentrated most of his efforts on working on an article for the Century. working on an article for the Century. working on an article for the Century. Robert had requested that Tesla write an Robert had requested that Tesla write an Robert had requested that Tesla write an educational piece about teleautomatics educational piece about teleautomatics educational piece about teleautomatics and wireless communication. and wireless communication. and wireless communication. The plan was to decorate the essay with The plan was to decorate the essay with The plan was to decorate the essay with photographs of the remote-controlled photographs of the remote-controlled photographs of the remote-controlled boat and the inventor's fantastic boat and the inventor's fantastic boat and the inventor's fantastic experiments in Colorado, but Tesla had experiments in Colorado, but Tesla had experiments in Colorado, but Tesla had other ideas. other ideas. other ideas. Influenced by Western philosophers Influenced by Western philosophers Influenced by Western philosophers Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur Schopenhauer about such ideas as the Schopenhauer about such ideas as the Schopenhauer about such ideas as the creation of the Ubermensch through creation of the Ubermensch through creation of the Ubermensch through activation of the will and renunciation activation of the will and renunciation activation of the will and renunciation of desire, and by Eastern philosophers of desire, and by Eastern philosophers of desire, and by Eastern philosophers such as Swami Vivekananda on the link such as Swami Vivekananda on the link such as Swami Vivekananda on the link between the soul and godhead, prana, between the soul and godhead, prana, between the soul and godhead, prana, life force, and akasha, ether, and its life force, and akasha, ether, and its life force, and akasha, ether, and its equivalents to the universe, force, and equivalents to the universe, force, and equivalents to the universe, force, and matter, the inventor decided to compose matter, the inventor decided to compose matter, the inventor decided to compose a once-in-a-lifetime apocalyptic a once-in-a-lifetime apocalyptic a once-in-a-lifetime apocalyptic treatise on the human condition and treatise on the human condition and treatise on the human condition and technology's role in shaping world technology's role in shaping world technology's role in shaping world history.

history. history. Robert pleaded with him not to write a Robert pleaded with him not to write a Robert pleaded with him not to write a metaphysical article, but rather an metaphysical article, but rather an metaphysical article, but rather an informative one. informative one. informative one. But Tesla would not listen. But Tesla would not listen. But Tesla would not listen. Instead, he sent back a 12,000 word Instead, he sent back a 12,000 word Instead, he sent back a 12,000 word discourse which covered such topics as discourse which covered such topics as discourse which covered such topics as the evolution of the race, artificial the evolution of the race, artificial the evolution of the race, artificial intelligence, the possibility of future intelligence, the possibility of future intelligence, the possibility of future beings surviving without the necessity beings surviving without the necessity beings surviving without the necessity of eating food, the role of nitrogen as of eating food, the role of nitrogen as of eating food, the role of nitrogen as a fertilizer, teleautomatics, a fertilizer, teleautomatics, a fertilizer, teleautomatics, alternative energy sources, e.g. alternative energy sources, e.g. alternative energy sources, e.g. terrestrial heat, wind and the sun, a terrestrial heat, wind and the sun, a terrestrial heat, wind and the sun, a description of how wireless description of how wireless description of how wireless communication can be achieved, communication can be achieved, communication can be achieved, hydrolysis, problems in mining, and the hydrolysis, problems in mining, and the hydrolysis, problems in mining, and the concept of the plurality worlds. concept of the plurality worlds. concept of the plurality worlds. Robert was now in a bind. Robert was now in a bind. Robert was now in a bind. Neither he nor Gilder wanted to publish Neither he nor Gilder wanted to publish Neither he nor Gilder wanted to publish a lengthy, controversial, abstract, a lengthy, controversial, abstract, a lengthy, controversial, abstract, philosophical essay which might damage philosophical essay which might damage philosophical essay which might damage the magazine. the magazine. the magazine. However, they couldn't simply cross out However, they couldn't simply cross out However, they couldn't simply cross out sections they were unhappy with, for sections they were unhappy with, for sections they were unhappy with, for they were dealing with a man who was they were dealing with a man who was they were dealing with a man who was born a genius and a friend who had born a genius and a friend who had born a genius and a friend who had contributed two previous gems that added contributed two previous gems that added contributed two previous gems that added greatly to the prestige of their greatly to the prestige of their greatly to the prestige of their publication.

publication. publication. How to approach the hypersensitive How to approach the hypersensitive How to approach the hypersensitive savant was a difficult problem which savant was a difficult problem which savant was a difficult problem which Robert did not relish. Robert did not relish. Robert did not relish. March 6th, 1900 March 6th, 1900 March 6th, 1900 Dear Tesla, Dear Tesla, Dear Tesla, I just can't see you misfire this time. I just can't see you misfire this time. I just can't see you misfire this time. Trust me in my knowledge of what the Trust me in my knowledge of what the Trust me in my knowledge of what the public is eager to have from you. public is eager to have from you. public is eager to have from you. Keep your philosophy for a philosophical Keep your philosophy for a philosophical Keep your philosophy for a philosophical treatise and give us something practical treatise and give us something practical treatise and give us something practical about the experiments themselves. about the experiments themselves. about the experiments themselves. You're making a task of a simple thing You're making a task of a simple thing You're making a task of a simple thing and for all I have said, forgive my and for all I have said, forgive my and for all I have said, forgive my clumsy way of saying it because of my clumsy way of saying it because of my clumsy way of saying it because of my love and respect for you and because I love and respect for you and because I love and respect for you and because I have had nearly 30 years of judging what have had nearly 30 years of judging what have had nearly 30 years of judging what the public finds interesting. the public finds interesting. the public finds interesting. Faithfully yours, believe me, never more Faithfully yours, believe me, never more Faithfully yours, believe me, never more faithfully. AUJ faithfully. AUJ faithfully. AUJ March 6th, 1900 March 6th, 1900 March 6th, 1900 My dear Robert, My dear Robert, My dear Robert, I heard you are not feeling well and I heard you are not feeling well and I heard you are not feeling well and hope that it is not my article that hope that it is not my article that hope that it is not my article that makes you sick. makes you sick. makes you sick. Yours sincerely, N. Tesla Yours sincerely, N. Tesla Yours sincerely, N. Tesla Tesla knew what he was doing.

Tesla knew what he was doing. Tesla knew what he was doing. He had decided once and for all to put He had decided once and for all to put He had decided once and for all to put down a significant percentage of the down a significant percentage of the down a significant percentage of the knowledge he had amassed into one knowledge he had amassed into one knowledge he had amassed into one treatise, and there was no way he was treatise, and there was no way he was treatise, and there was no way he was going to change it. going to change it. going to change it. Most likely, Robert conferred with Most likely, Robert conferred with Most likely, Robert conferred with Gilder. Clearly, the essay was brilliant Gilder. Clearly, the essay was brilliant Gilder. Clearly, the essay was brilliant and original, and the more they read it, and original, and the more they read it, and original, and the more they read it, the more they realized its many layers the more they realized its many layers the more they realized its many layers of wisdom. of wisdom. of wisdom. The best tack to take at this point, The best tack to take at this point, The best tack to take at this point, they reasoned, was to work to clarify they reasoned, was to work to clarify they reasoned, was to work to clarify the piece by using subheadings, by the piece by using subheadings, by the piece by using subheadings, by including all of the startling including all of the startling including all of the startling electrical photos from Colorado, and the electrical photos from Colorado, and the electrical photos from Colorado, and the teleautomaton, and by having Tesla more teleautomaton, and by having Tesla more teleautomaton, and by having Tesla more carefully explain the details of his carefully explain the details of his carefully explain the details of his inventions, inventions, inventions, and then hope for the best. and then hope for the best. and then hope for the best. The published essay began as follows. The published essay began as follows. The published essay began as follows. The onward movement of man. The onward movement of man. The onward movement of man. Of all the endless variety of phenomena Of all the endless variety of phenomena Of all the endless variety of phenomena which nature presents to our senses, which nature presents to our senses, which nature presents to our senses, there is none that fills our minds with there is none that fills our minds with there is none that fills our minds with greater wonder than that inconceivably greater wonder than that inconceivably greater wonder than that inconceivably complex movement which, in its entirety, complex movement which, in its entirety, complex movement which, in its entirety, we designate as human life.

we designate as human life. we designate as human life. Its mysterious origin is veiled in the Its mysterious origin is veiled in the Its mysterious origin is veiled in the forever impenetrable mist of the past. forever impenetrable mist of the past. forever impenetrable mist of the past. Its character is rendered Its character is rendered Its character is rendered incomprehensible by its infinite incomprehensible by its infinite incomprehensible by its infinite intricacy, and its destination is hidden intricacy, and its destination is hidden intricacy, and its destination is hidden in the unfathomable depths of the in the unfathomable depths of the in the unfathomable depths of the future. future. future. Inherent in the structure matter, as Inherent in the structure matter, as Inherent in the structure matter, as seen in the growth of crystals, is a seen in the growth of crystals, is a seen in the growth of crystals, is a life-forming principle. life-forming principle. life-forming principle. This organized matrix of energy, as This organized matrix of energy, as This organized matrix of energy, as Tesla comprehended it, when it reaches a Tesla comprehended it, when it reaches a Tesla comprehended it, when it reaches a certain stage of complexity, becomes certain stage of complexity, becomes certain stage of complexity, becomes biological life. biological life. biological life. Now, the next step in the evolution of Now, the next step in the evolution of Now, the next step in the evolution of the planet was to construct machines so the planet was to construct machines so the planet was to construct machines so that they could think for themselves. that they could think for themselves. that they could think for themselves. And so, Tesla created the first And so, Tesla created the first And so, Tesla created the first prototype, his teleautomaton. prototype, his teleautomaton. prototype, his teleautomaton. Life forms need not be made out of flesh Life forms need not be made out of flesh Life forms need not be made out of flesh and blood. and blood. and blood. As an environmentalist, Tesla was As an environmentalist, Tesla was As an environmentalist, Tesla was concerned about personal hygiene, air concerned about personal hygiene, air concerned about personal hygiene, air and water pollution, and the needless and water pollution, and the needless and water pollution, and the needless waste of natural resources. waste of natural resources. waste of natural resources. Through concentration on energy Through concentration on energy Through concentration on energy problems, solutions could be achieved. problems, solutions could be achieved. problems, solutions could be achieved. Thus, many of Tesla's inventions were Thus, many of Tesla's inventions were Thus, many of Tesla's inventions were created specifically to maximize created specifically to maximize created specifically to maximize efficient use of energy and prove out efficient use of energy and prove out efficient use of energy and prove out the principle that a self-corrected the principle that a self-corrected the principle that a self-corrected thinking machine could alter the course thinking machine could alter the course thinking machine could alter the course of civilization by gaining greater of civilization by gaining greater of civilization by gaining greater control over the evolution of the control over the evolution of the control over the evolution of the planet.

planet. planet. In the middle of the treatise, the In the middle of the treatise, the In the middle of the treatise, the inventor explained in vivid detail the inventor explained in vivid detail the inventor explained in vivid detail the mechanism behind his wireless mechanism behind his wireless mechanism behind his wireless transmitter. transmitter. transmitter. Numerous photographs of his experiments Numerous photographs of his experiments Numerous photographs of his experiments at Colorado Springs also enhanced the at Colorado Springs also enhanced the at Colorado Springs also enhanced the impact of the message. impact of the message. impact of the message. 35 pages later, he ended the treatise 35 pages later, he ended the treatise 35 pages later, he ended the treatise with a discussion of the cognitive with a discussion of the cognitive with a discussion of the cognitive hierarchy and the speculation that hierarchy and the speculation that hierarchy and the speculation that intelligent beings on Mars, if there are intelligent beings on Mars, if there are intelligent beings on Mars, if there are any, most likely utilize a wireless any, most likely utilize a wireless any, most likely utilize a wireless energy distribution system that energy distribution system that energy distribution system that interconnects all corners of their interconnects all corners of their interconnects all corners of their planet. planet. planet. Tesla concluded, Tesla concluded, Tesla concluded, "The scientific man does not aim at an "The scientific man does not aim at an "The scientific man does not aim at an immediate result. He does not expect immediate result. He does not expect immediate result. He does not expect that his advanced ideas will be readily that his advanced ideas will be readily that his advanced ideas will be readily taken up. taken up. taken up. His work is like that of the planter, His work is like that of the planter, His work is like that of the planter, for the future. His duty is to lay the for the future. His duty is to lay the for the future. His duty is to lay the foundation for those who are to come and foundation for those who are to come and foundation for those who are to come and point the way." point the way." point the way." When the article appeared in the June When the article appeared in the June When the article appeared in the June issue of the Century, it created a issue of the Century, it created a issue of the Century, it created a sensation. sensation. sensation. Tesla circulated advanced copies to Tesla circulated advanced copies to Tesla circulated advanced copies to friends such as Mrs. Douglas Robinson, friends such as Mrs. Douglas Robinson, friends such as Mrs. Douglas Robinson, one of the founders of the Metropolitan one of the founders of the Metropolitan one of the founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Julian Hawthorne, Museum of Art, Julian Hawthorne, Museum of Art, Julian Hawthorne, Stanford White, and John Jacob Astor.

Stanford White, and John Jacob Astor. Stanford White, and John Jacob Astor. In Astor's case, Tesla included his In Astor's case, Tesla included his In Astor's case, Tesla included his wireless patent applications, wireless patent applications, wireless patent applications, "Forwarding this matter to your home "Forwarding this matter to your home "Forwarding this matter to your home instead of your office for secrecy instead of your office for secrecy instead of your office for secrecy reasons. reasons. reasons. The patents give me an absolute monopoly The patents give me an absolute monopoly The patents give me an absolute monopoly in the United States not only for power in the United States not only for power in the United States not only for power purposes," the inventor continued in purposes," the inventor continued in purposes," the inventor continued in another letter to the Colonel, "but also another letter to the Colonel, "but also another letter to the Colonel, "but also for establishing telegraphic for establishing telegraphic for establishing telegraphic communication, no matter how great the communication, no matter how great the communication, no matter how great the distance. distance. distance. Those who were Tesla supporters rallied Those who were Tesla supporters rallied Those who were Tesla supporters rallied around him. Nature gave it a favorable around him. Nature gave it a favorable around him. Nature gave it a favorable response, and the French quickly response, and the French quickly response, and the French quickly translated it for their readers. translated it for their readers. translated it for their readers. But those who were against him now had a But those who were against him now had a But those who were against him now had a new supply of ammunition for a frontal new supply of ammunition for a frontal new supply of ammunition for a frontal assault. assault. assault. The stage was set in March 1900 when The stage was set in March 1900 when The stage was set in March 1900 when Carl Herring was elected president of Carl Herring was elected president of Carl Herring was elected president of the AIEE. the AIEE. the AIEE. Professor Pupin was a close second. Professor Pupin was a close second. Professor Pupin was a close second. Herring, who would also become Herring, who would also become Herring, who would also become editor-in-chief of Electrical World and editor-in-chief of Electrical World and editor-in-chief of Electrical World and Engineer, set a new tone for the Engineer, set a new tone for the Engineer, set a new tone for the electrical community. electrical community. electrical community. Just as he had called into question Just as he had called into question Just as he had called into question Tesla's priority work on AC a decade Tesla's priority work on AC a decade Tesla's priority work on AC a decade before when he had backed up Lebovolsky, before when he had backed up Lebovolsky, before when he had backed up Lebovolsky, he also challenged Tesla's credibility he also challenged Tesla's credibility he also challenged Tesla's credibility in the field of wireless.

in the field of wireless. in the field of wireless. Other opponents included Reginald Other opponents included Reginald Other opponents included Reginald Fessenden, who was trying to obtain Fessenden, who was trying to obtain Fessenden, who was trying to obtain competing patents on tuned circuits, and competing patents on tuned circuits, and competing patents on tuned circuits, and such traditional rivals as Lewis such traditional rivals as Lewis such traditional rivals as Lewis Stillwell, Charles Steinmetz, Thomas Stillwell, Charles Steinmetz, Thomas Stillwell, Charles Steinmetz, Thomas Edison, and Elihu Thomson. Edison, and Elihu Thomson. Edison, and Elihu Thomson. The first potshots appeared in the The first potshots appeared in the The first potshots appeared in the Evening Post and then in Popular Science Evening Post and then in Popular Science Evening Post and then in Popular Science Monthly. Monthly. Monthly. Tesla had suggested that the sum total Tesla had suggested that the sum total Tesla had suggested that the sum total of human energy on the planet, which he of human energy on the planet, which he of human energy on the planet, which he called M, could be multiplied by its called M, could be multiplied by its called M, could be multiplied by its velocity, V, which was measured by velocity, V, which was measured by velocity, V, which was measured by technological and social progress. technological and social progress. technological and social progress. Just as in physics, the total human Just as in physics, the total human Just as in physics, the total human force could be calculated as MV squared. force could be calculated as MV squared. force could be calculated as MV squared. If humans go against the laws of If humans go against the laws of If humans go against the laws of religion and hygiene, the total human religion and hygiene, the total human religion and hygiene, the total human energy would diminish. energy would diminish. energy would diminish. In a primitive or agrarian-based In a primitive or agrarian-based In a primitive or agrarian-based society, the energy would progress society, the energy would progress society, the energy would progress arithmetically. However, if the new arithmetically. However, if the new arithmetically. However, if the new generation had a higher degree of generation had a higher degree of generation had a higher degree of enlightenment, then the sum total of enlightenment, then the sum total of enlightenment, then the sum total of human energy would increase human energy would increase human energy would increase geometrically. geometrically. geometrically. Tesla was suggesting that with his Tesla was suggesting that with his Tesla was suggesting that with his inventions of the induction motor, AC inventions of the induction motor, AC inventions of the induction motor, AC power transmission, and his power transmission, and his power transmission, and his remote-controlled robots, human progress remote-controlled robots, human progress remote-controlled robots, human progress would evolve at ever-increasing rates.

would evolve at ever-increasing rates. would evolve at ever-increasing rates. In a highly visible discourse under the In a highly visible discourse under the In a highly visible discourse under the banner title Science and Fiction, an banner title Science and Fiction, an banner title Science and Fiction, an anonymous writer with the nom de plume anonymous writer with the nom de plume anonymous writer with the nom de plume Physicist vehemently attacked this Physicist vehemently attacked this Physicist vehemently attacked this premise. premise. premise. "Unhappily," this critic wrote, "Mr. "Unhappily," this critic wrote, "Mr. "Unhappily," this critic wrote, "Mr. Tesla, in his enthusiasm to progress, Tesla, in his enthusiasm to progress, Tesla, in his enthusiasm to progress, neglects to state which direction is the neglects to state which direction is the neglects to state which direction is the proper one for the human mass to follow. proper one for the human mass to follow. proper one for the human mass to follow. North, south, east, west, toward the North, south, east, west, toward the North, south, east, west, toward the moon or Sirius, or to Dante's Satan in moon or Sirius, or to Dante's Satan in moon or Sirius, or to Dante's Satan in the center of the earth? the center of the earth? the center of the earth? Of course, the whole notion is absurd." Of course, the whole notion is absurd." Of course, the whole notion is absurd." The editorial, which continued for six The editorial, which continued for six The editorial, which continued for six columns, called into question Tesla's columns, called into question Tesla's columns, called into question Tesla's invention of the teleautomaton, his invention of the teleautomaton, his invention of the teleautomaton, his belief that fighting machines would belief that fighting machines would belief that fighting machines would replace soldiers on the field, replace soldiers on the field, replace soldiers on the field, international bullfights or potato races international bullfights or potato races international bullfights or potato races might do just as well, his work in might do just as well, his work in might do just as well, his work in wireless, and his support for the wireless, and his support for the wireless, and his support for the plurality of worlds hypothesis. plurality of worlds hypothesis. plurality of worlds hypothesis. The author suggested that The Century in The author suggested that The Century in The author suggested that The Century in future issues should subject these types future issues should subject these types future issues should subject these types of articles to a scientific board for of articles to a scientific board for of articles to a scientific board for criticism and revision, if only for the criticism and revision, if only for the criticism and revision, if only for the protection against bogus inventions and protection against bogus inventions and protection against bogus inventions and nonsensical enterprises.

nonsensical enterprises. nonsensical enterprises. Hurling epithets as if in combat with a Hurling epithets as if in combat with a Hurling epithets as if in combat with a mortal enemy, Physicist concluded, "The mortal enemy, Physicist concluded, "The mortal enemy, Physicist concluded, "The editors of The Century apparently impute editors of The Century apparently impute editors of The Century apparently impute to their readers a desire to be to their readers a desire to be to their readers a desire to be entertained at all costs. entertained at all costs. entertained at all costs. They evidently often do not know science They evidently often do not know science They evidently often do not know science from rubbish, and apparently seldom make from rubbish, and apparently seldom make from rubbish, and apparently seldom make any effort to find out the difference." any effort to find out the difference." any effort to find out the difference." The onslaught continued in Science and The onslaught continued in Science and The onslaught continued in Science and in a follow-up editorial, again in in a follow-up editorial, again in in a follow-up editorial, again in Popular Science Monthly, this time by a Popular Science Monthly, this time by a Popular Science Monthly, this time by a mysterious Mr. X. mysterious Mr. X. mysterious Mr. X. "Science, pseudo, contains an article "Science, pseudo, contains an article "Science, pseudo, contains an article from XXX. from XXX. from XXX. Physicist is not in it," Tesla wrote to Physicist is not in it," Tesla wrote to Physicist is not in it," Tesla wrote to Johnson, adding sarcastically, "It is Johnson, adding sarcastically, "It is Johnson, adding sarcastically, "It is also highly complimentary to the editors also highly complimentary to the editors also highly complimentary to the editors of your great magazine." of your great magazine." of your great magazine." Other daily papers also attacked the Other daily papers also attacked the Other daily papers also attacked the inventor's controversial claims. inventor's controversial claims. inventor's controversial claims. Tesla, however, maintained a blind eye Tesla, however, maintained a blind eye Tesla, however, maintained a blind eye to this credibility problem and to this credibility problem and to this credibility problem and audaciously or foolhardily followed up audaciously or foolhardily followed up audaciously or foolhardily followed up this article with the infamous piece this article with the infamous piece this article with the infamous piece talking with the planets in Collier's, talking with the planets in Collier's, talking with the planets in Collier's, which we reviewed in an earlier chapter.

which we reviewed in an earlier chapter. which we reviewed in an earlier chapter. Making no secret of his identity, Making no secret of his identity, Making no secret of his identity, Reginald Fessenden, who was now Reginald Fessenden, who was now Reginald Fessenden, who was now embroiled in a legal dispute with Tesla, embroiled in a legal dispute with Tesla, embroiled in a legal dispute with Tesla, vehemently wrote in Herring's journal vehemently wrote in Herring's journal vehemently wrote in Herring's journal that the source of the so-called Martian that the source of the so-called Martian that the source of the so-called Martian signals have long been known and only signals have long been known and only signals have long been known and only the crassest ignorance could attribute the crassest ignorance could attribute the crassest ignorance could attribute any such origin. any such origin. any such origin. Having at one time been a serious Having at one time been a serious Having at one time been a serious obstacle to multiplex systems, they are obstacle to multiplex systems, they are obstacle to multiplex systems, they are now all but eliminated. now all but eliminated. now all but eliminated. Fessenden said the signals were due to Fessenden said the signals were due to Fessenden said the signals were due to street cars, lightning flashes, and the street cars, lightning flashes, and the street cars, lightning flashes, and the gradual electrification of the aerial. gradual electrification of the aerial. gradual electrification of the aerial. Furthermore, the different kinds are Furthermore, the different kinds are Furthermore, the different kinds are easily distinguishable. Those ignorant easily distinguishable. Those ignorant easily distinguishable. Those ignorant of the subject might mistake them for of the subject might mistake them for of the subject might mistake them for intelligent signals. intelligent signals. intelligent signals. Ever since his return to New York, Tesla Ever since his return to New York, Tesla Ever since his return to New York, Tesla made repeated efforts to rekindle his made repeated efforts to rekindle his made repeated efforts to rekindle his friendship with Astor, but the gadabout friendship with Astor, but the gadabout friendship with Astor, but the gadabout was proving difficult to corner. was proving difficult to corner. was proving difficult to corner. Over the summer, the Johnsons tried to Over the summer, the Johnsons tried to Over the summer, the Johnsons tried to woo the inventor to Maine for a woo the inventor to Maine for a woo the inventor to Maine for a vacation, but he was too intent on vacation, but he was too intent on vacation, but he was too intent on contacting the multimillionaire. contacting the multimillionaire. contacting the multimillionaire. August 2nd, 1900. August 2nd, 1900. August 2nd, 1900. Dear Mr. Tesla, Dear Mr. Tesla, Dear Mr. Tesla, I have been thinking of you all day and I have been thinking of you all day and I have been thinking of you all day and all evening as I do so often.

all evening as I do so often. all evening as I do so often. I sat on a little hillside this I sat on a little hillside this I sat on a little hillside this afternoon looking over green meadows to afternoon looking over green meadows to afternoon looking over green meadows to the sea beyond and wishing that I could the sea beyond and wishing that I could the sea beyond and wishing that I could loan you my eyes that you might have my loan you my eyes that you might have my loan you my eyes that you might have my visions and drink in the beauty of the visions and drink in the beauty of the visions and drink in the beauty of the day. day. day. You are as silent as only you know how You are as silent as only you know how You are as silent as only you know how to be. to be. to be. Do call us. Do call us. Do call us. Yours faithfully, Katherine Johnson. Yours faithfully, Katherine Johnson. Yours faithfully, Katherine Johnson. August 12th, 1900. August 12th, 1900. August 12th, 1900. My dear Mrs. Johnson, My dear Mrs. Johnson, My dear Mrs. Johnson, just a line to tell you that I never can just a line to tell you that I never can just a line to tell you that I never can and never shall forget the Philippovs. and never shall forget the Philippovs. and never shall forget the Philippovs. They have given me too much trouble. They have given me too much trouble. They have given me too much trouble. Yours sincerely, N. Tesla. Yours sincerely, N. Tesla. Yours sincerely, N. Tesla. Unable to relax until he settled things Unable to relax until he settled things Unable to relax until he settled things with Astor, Tesla tried again, having with Astor, Tesla tried again, having with Astor, Tesla tried again, having forfeited the chance for a needed forfeited the chance for a needed forfeited the chance for a needed respite. respite. respite. August 24th, 1900 August 24th, 1900 August 24th, 1900 My dear Colonel Astor, My dear Colonel Astor, My dear Colonel Astor, I still remember when you told me that I still remember when you told me that I still remember when you told me that if I could only show you great returns if I could only show you great returns if I could only show you great returns on your investment, you would gladly on your investment, you would gladly on your investment, you would gladly back me up in any undertaking. And I back me up in any undertaking. And I back me up in any undertaking. And I hope, not in a selfish but in a higher hope, not in a selfish but in a higher hope, not in a selfish but in a higher interest, that your ideas have not interest, that your ideas have not interest, that your ideas have not changed since.

changed since. changed since. Reference oscillators, motors, and Reference oscillators, motors, and Reference oscillators, motors, and lighting system. Not less than $50,000 lighting system. Not less than $50,000 lighting system. Not less than $50,000 can be made out of my invention. can be made out of my invention. can be made out of my invention. This may seem to you exaggeration, but I This may seem to you exaggeration, but I This may seem to you exaggeration, but I honestly believe that it is an honestly believe that it is an honestly believe that it is an understatement. understatement. understatement. Is it possible that you should have Is it possible that you should have Is it possible that you should have something against me? Not hearing from something against me? Not hearing from something against me? Not hearing from you, I cannot otherwise interpret your you, I cannot otherwise interpret your you, I cannot otherwise interpret your silence. silence. silence. Finally, Astor replied, stating that he Finally, Astor replied, stating that he Finally, Astor replied, stating that he was glad to get your letter and will get was glad to get your letter and will get was glad to get your letter and will get back to you. back to you. back to you. But this was really a decoy procedure, But this was really a decoy procedure, But this was really a decoy procedure, for Astor continued to slip away. for Astor continued to slip away. for Astor continued to slip away. Tesla shot off another round of letters Tesla shot off another round of letters Tesla shot off another round of letters outlining his progress with his outlining his progress with his outlining his progress with his oscillators for the resonant light. "The oscillators for the resonant light. "The oscillators for the resonant light. "The commercial value, if rightly explored, commercial value, if rightly explored, commercial value, if rightly explored, is simply immense." And wireless is simply immense." And wireless is simply immense." And wireless enterprise. enterprise. enterprise. But again, Astor balked. But again, Astor balked. But again, Astor balked. Astor never directly told Tesla his real Astor never directly told Tesla his real Astor never directly told Tesla his real feelings. His reluctance in advancing feelings. His reluctance in advancing feelings. His reluctance in advancing the partnership suggests that he was the partnership suggests that he was the partnership suggests that he was angry with Tesla for not exploiting the angry with Tesla for not exploiting the angry with Tesla for not exploiting the oscillators and fluorescent lights in oscillators and fluorescent lights in oscillators and fluorescent lights in 1899 as he had promised, but had instead 1899 as he had promised, but had instead 1899 as he had promised, but had instead run off to Colorado Springs to conduct run off to Colorado Springs to conduct run off to Colorado Springs to conduct his wireless folly.

his wireless folly. his wireless folly. Certainly, the onslaught in the papers Certainly, the onslaught in the papers Certainly, the onslaught in the papers injured Tesla's reputation. injured Tesla's reputation. injured Tesla's reputation. But it is this author's belief that the But it is this author's belief that the But it is this author's belief that the attack by the press had little, if attack by the press had little, if attack by the press had little, if anything, to do with Astor's turnabout. anything, to do with Astor's turnabout. anything, to do with Astor's turnabout. Tesla had deceived him. As wealthy as he Tesla had deceived him. As wealthy as he Tesla had deceived him. As wealthy as he was, Astor wanted to invest in a sure was, Astor wanted to invest in a sure was, Astor wanted to invest in a sure thing. thing. thing. The oscillators and the fluorescent The oscillators and the fluorescent The oscillators and the fluorescent lights seemed practically ready for lights seemed practically ready for lights seemed practically ready for market, but rather than perfect these market, but rather than perfect these market, but rather than perfect these inventions, Tesla took the capital to go inventions, Tesla took the capital to go inventions, Tesla took the capital to go off on another venture and returned off on another venture and returned off on another venture and returned without a dime. without a dime. without a dime. Astor was enraged, but too much of a Astor was enraged, but too much of a Astor was enraged, but too much of a gentleman to even let Tesla know. gentleman to even let Tesla know. gentleman to even let Tesla know. With Stanford White and Mrs. Douglas With Stanford White and Mrs. Douglas With Stanford White and Mrs. Douglas Robinson behind him, Robinson behind him, Robinson behind him, Tesla explored a fresh lead. 29 29 The House of Morgan 1901 The House of Morgan 1901 The House of Morgan 1901 J. P. Morgan towered above all the Wall J. P. Morgan towered above all the Wall J. P. Morgan towered above all the Wall Street people like Samson over the Street people like Samson over the Street people like Samson over the Philistines. Philistines. Philistines. Nikola Tesla Nikola Tesla Nikola Tesla In May 1900, Gentleman Jim Corbett was In May 1900, Gentleman Jim Corbett was In May 1900, Gentleman Jim Corbett was KO'd by James Jeffries in a championship KO'd by James Jeffries in a championship KO'd by James Jeffries in a championship bout held in Coney Island. Tesla, an bout held in Coney Island. Tesla, an bout held in Coney Island. Tesla, an avid boxing fan, probably attended.

avid boxing fan, probably attended. avid boxing fan, probably attended. Back at the hotel, a Serbian youth with Back at the hotel, a Serbian youth with Back at the hotel, a Serbian youth with a familiar name had left a message. It a familiar name had left a message. It a familiar name had left a message. It was Anna's son, the one and only girl was Anna's son, the one and only girl was Anna's son, the one and only girl Tesla had ever fallen in love with. Tesla had ever fallen in love with. Tesla had ever fallen in love with. Through the years, they had maintained Through the years, they had maintained Through the years, they had maintained contact, so Tesla had been notified of contact, so Tesla had been notified of contact, so Tesla had been notified of the boy's arrival. However, he was not the boy's arrival. However, he was not the boy's arrival. However, he was not prepared for the career that the lad had prepared for the career that the lad had prepared for the career that the lad had chosen. chosen. chosen. "I want to be a boxer." the boy "I want to be a boxer." the boy "I want to be a boxer." the boy proclaimed. proclaimed. proclaimed. Unnerved by this announcement, Tesla Unnerved by this announcement, Tesla Unnerved by this announcement, Tesla conferred with Stanford, who helped set conferred with Stanford, who helped set conferred with Stanford, who helped set up the youth at a boxing school near the up the youth at a boxing school near the up the youth at a boxing school near the garden. garden. garden. Every so often, Tesla would go down to Every so often, Tesla would go down to Every so often, Tesla would go down to the gym to follow the boy's progress. the gym to follow the boy's progress. the gym to follow the boy's progress. Finally, it was decided he was ready to Finally, it was decided he was ready to Finally, it was decided he was ready to enter the ring. Stanford had done his enter the ring. Stanford had done his enter the ring. Stanford had done his best to set up a reasonable match, but best to set up a reasonable match, but best to set up a reasonable match, but the youth persisted in seeking out a the youth persisted in seeking out a the youth persisted in seeking out a tougher opponent. tougher opponent. tougher opponent. One blow knocked the boy unconscious, One blow knocked the boy unconscious, One blow knocked the boy unconscious, and he died shortly thereafter in the and he died shortly thereafter in the and he died shortly thereafter in the hospital. hospital. hospital. Tesla grieved for him as though he was Tesla grieved for him as though he was Tesla grieved for him as though he was his own son. his own son. his own son. In the fall of 1900, J. Pierpont Morgan In the fall of 1900, J. Pierpont Morgan In the fall of 1900, J. Pierpont Morgan announced the wedding of his daughter announced the wedding of his daughter announced the wedding of his daughter Louisa to Herbert Satterlee, Morgan's Louisa to Herbert Satterlee, Morgan's Louisa to Herbert Satterlee, Morgan's latter-day biographer.

latter-day biographer. latter-day biographer. It was a magnificent event with a guest It was a magnificent event with a guest It was a magnificent event with a guest list numbering 2,400. list numbering 2,400. list numbering 2,400. The Serbian Wunderkind felt quite at The Serbian Wunderkind felt quite at The Serbian Wunderkind felt quite at home at the gala occasion, for many of home at the gala occasion, for many of home at the gala occasion, for many of his friends were there, including John his friends were there, including John his friends were there, including John Jacob and Lady Astor, Mrs. Douglas Jacob and Lady Astor, Mrs. Douglas Jacob and Lady Astor, Mrs. Douglas Robinson and her brother Teddy Robinson and her brother Teddy Robinson and her brother Teddy Roosevelt, whom Tesla had met at Mrs. Roosevelt, whom Tesla had met at Mrs. Roosevelt, whom Tesla had met at Mrs. Robinson's Madison Avenue home in March Robinson's Madison Avenue home in March Robinson's Madison Avenue home in March of 1899. of 1899. of 1899. William Rankin, Edward Dean Adams, William Rankin, Edward Dean Adams, William Rankin, Edward Dean Adams, Darius Ogden Mills, Chauncey Depew, and Darius Ogden Mills, Chauncey Depew, and Darius Ogden Mills, Chauncey Depew, and Stanford White. Stanford White. Stanford White. Other guests included Jacob Schiff, Other guests included Jacob Schiff, Other guests included Jacob Schiff, Henry Clay Frick, Grover Cleveland, Henry Clay Frick, Grover Cleveland, Henry Clay Frick, Grover Cleveland, August Belmont, President William August Belmont, President William August Belmont, President William McKinley, and Thomas Edison. McKinley, and Thomas Edison. McKinley, and Thomas Edison. Morgan was in an exceedingly good mood Morgan was in an exceedingly good mood Morgan was in an exceedingly good mood and personally greeted each guest with a and personally greeted each guest with a and personally greeted each guest with a warm handshake. warm handshake. warm handshake. "I read your article in The Century, Mr. "I read your article in The Century, Mr. "I read your article in The Century, Mr. Tesla, and was very impressed." Tesla, and was very impressed." Tesla, and was very impressed." Coincident with Tesla's impending Coincident with Tesla's impending Coincident with Tesla's impending liaison with the House of Morgan and liaison with the House of Morgan and liaison with the House of Morgan and recent triumphant return from Colorado recent triumphant return from Colorado recent triumphant return from Colorado Springs, his handwriting and signature Springs, his handwriting and signature Springs, his handwriting and signature began to display a frivolous abundance began to display a frivolous abundance began to display a frivolous abundance of ornate embellishments.

of ornate embellishments. of ornate embellishments. Although these samples were written in Although these samples were written in Although these samples were written in moments of gaiety and letters to the moments of gaiety and letters to the moments of gaiety and letters to the Johnsons, they nevertheless reveal a Johnsons, they nevertheless reveal a Johnsons, they nevertheless reveal a subconscious qualitative change in his subconscious qualitative change in his subconscious qualitative change in his state of mind as compared to his usual state of mind as compared to his usual state of mind as compared to his usual lean bare-bones handwriting. lean bare-bones handwriting. lean bare-bones handwriting. Graphologists note that the paper is Graphologists note that the paper is Graphologists note that the paper is frequently treated as a substitute frequently treated as a substitute frequently treated as a substitute object. object. object. Thus, the graphically expensive writers Thus, the graphically expensive writers Thus, the graphically expensive writers usually are the same who not only usually are the same who not only usually are the same who not only dominate the paper, but also their dominate the paper, but also their dominate the paper, but also their environment, just as the graphically environment, just as the graphically environment, just as the graphically timid ones are also timid in other timid ones are also timid in other timid ones are also timid in other respects. respects. respects. One could therefore speculate that Tesla One could therefore speculate that Tesla One could therefore speculate that Tesla was a very visible character at the was a very visible character at the was a very visible character at the affair, and just as Tesla adorned his affair, and just as Tesla adorned his affair, and just as Tesla adorned his signature, he adorned his body, wearing signature, he adorned his body, wearing signature, he adorned his body, wearing the latest suits, top hat, cane, and the latest suits, top hat, cane, and the latest suits, top hat, cane, and white gloves. white gloves. white gloves. He took extreme pride in being the He took extreme pride in being the He took extreme pride in being the leader of his field and one of the leader of his field and one of the leader of his field and one of the best-dressed men to walk Fifth Avenue. best-dressed men to walk Fifth Avenue. best-dressed men to walk Fifth Avenue. Now tending toward flamboyance, the Now tending toward flamboyance, the Now tending toward flamboyance, the inventor began to identify more heartily inventor began to identify more heartily inventor began to identify more heartily with the opulence and power that with the opulence and power that with the opulence and power that surrounded him. surrounded him. surrounded him. 28-year-old Anne Tracy Morgan, Louise's 28-year-old Anne Tracy Morgan, Louise's 28-year-old Anne Tracy Morgan, Louise's younger sister, was particularly taken younger sister, was particularly taken younger sister, was particularly taken with the dashing inventor, and they with the dashing inventor, and they with the dashing inventor, and they began a friendship.

began a friendship. began a friendship. The Thanksgiving dinner at Morgan's home The Thanksgiving dinner at Morgan's home The Thanksgiving dinner at Morgan's home that year was an unusually large and gay that year was an unusually large and gay that year was an unusually large and gay affair with its traditional four affair with its traditional four affair with its traditional four varieties of pies, and Tesla was invited varieties of pies, and Tesla was invited varieties of pies, and Tesla was invited to the day-after event held Friday to the day-after event held Friday to the day-after event held Friday evening. evening. evening. Anne may have seen this as an Anne may have seen this as an Anne may have seen this as an opportunity to extend their friendship. opportunity to extend their friendship. opportunity to extend their friendship. They would come to exchange letters for They would come to exchange letters for They would come to exchange letters for the duration of their lives, but Tesla the duration of their lives, but Tesla the duration of their lives, but Tesla saw it as a business opportunity. saw it as a business opportunity. saw it as a business opportunity. The wizard brought along fascinating The wizard brought along fascinating The wizard brought along fascinating multicolored electric bulbs that multicolored electric bulbs that multicolored electric bulbs that emanated dancing spiderwebs of emanated dancing spiderwebs of emanated dancing spiderwebs of lightning, static electricity devices lightning, static electricity devices lightning, static electricity devices that made a person's hair stand on end, that made a person's hair stand on end, that made a person's hair stand on end, and other wireless paraphernalia. and other wireless paraphernalia. and other wireless paraphernalia. The inventor exchanged hellos with J.P. The inventor exchanged hellos with J.P. The inventor exchanged hellos with J.P. Morgan Jr., now in his early 30s, and Morgan Jr., now in his early 30s, and Morgan Jr., now in his early 30s, and gave photographs of his work at Colorado gave photographs of his work at Colorado gave photographs of his work at Colorado Springs to Anne. Springs to Anne. Springs to Anne. After dinner, Morgan met Tesla privately After dinner, Morgan met Tesla privately After dinner, Morgan met Tesla privately in order to discuss a possible in order to discuss a possible in order to discuss a possible partnership. The tenor of the times is partnership. The tenor of the times is partnership. The tenor of the times is discussed by Herbert Satterlee, a man discussed by Herbert Satterlee, a man discussed by Herbert Satterlee, a man who knew Tesla personally. who knew Tesla personally. who knew Tesla personally. Having written a virtual daily log of Having written a virtual daily log of Having written a virtual daily log of Morgan's life, Satterlee deliberately Morgan's life, Satterlee deliberately Morgan's life, Satterlee deliberately deleted any reference to the deleted any reference to the deleted any reference to the Morgan-Tesla liaison.

Morgan-Tesla liaison. Morgan-Tesla liaison. But the following paragraph, which But the following paragraph, which But the following paragraph, which coincides precisely with this time, coincides precisely with this time, coincides precisely with this time, appears to be a justification for the appears to be a justification for the appears to be a justification for the financier's decision to back the financier's decision to back the financier's decision to back the wireless venture. wireless venture. wireless venture. The dying year saw the completion of The dying year saw the completion of The dying year saw the completion of many combinations of the smaller many combinations of the smaller many combinations of the smaller companies in the steel industry. companies in the steel industry. companies in the steel industry. They were all getting rich. Gates was They were all getting rich. Gates was They were all getting rich. Gates was speculating in Wall Street, Judge Moore speculating in Wall Street, Judge Moore speculating in Wall Street, Judge Moore began to buy fine horses. Conversely, began to buy fine horses. Conversely, began to buy fine horses. Conversely, Reid and the others invested in large Reid and the others invested in large Reid and the others invested in large country estates. country estates. country estates. And Morgan gambled on an oddball And Morgan gambled on an oddball And Morgan gambled on an oddball inventor. inventor. inventor. Dinners at the Waldorf Astoria and at Dinners at the Waldorf Astoria and at Dinners at the Waldorf Astoria and at Sherry's and lavish entertainments were Sherry's and lavish entertainments were Sherry's and lavish entertainments were the order of the day, and everywhere the order of the day, and everywhere the order of the day, and everywhere there was evidence of rapidly there was evidence of rapidly there was evidence of rapidly accumulated wealth. accumulated wealth. accumulated wealth. They all seemed to think there was no They all seemed to think there was no They all seemed to think there was no end to it. end to it. end to it. Known among the clique for his Known among the clique for his Known among the clique for his collection of mistresses, Morgan collection of mistresses, Morgan collection of mistresses, Morgan extended his passion to amassing an extended his passion to amassing an extended his passion to amassing an immense hoard of treasures, including immense hoard of treasures, including immense hoard of treasures, including ancient coins, precious stones, ancient coins, precious stones, ancient coins, precious stones, tapestries, carvings, rare plates, the tapestries, carvings, rare plates, the tapestries, carvings, rare plates, the paintings of the masters, statues, old paintings of the masters, statues, old paintings of the masters, statues, old books, and original manuscripts.

books, and original manuscripts. books, and original manuscripts. Some of his most prized possessions Some of his most prized possessions Some of his most prized possessions included first drafts of Charles Dickens included first drafts of Charles Dickens included first drafts of Charles Dickens novels, a portrait of Nicolaus Rutt by novels, a portrait of Nicolaus Rutt by novels, a portrait of Nicolaus Rutt by Rembrandt, a number of 11th century Rembrandt, a number of 11th century Rembrandt, a number of 11th century Byzantine medallions, and a Gutenberg Byzantine medallions, and a Gutenberg Byzantine medallions, and a Gutenberg Bible. Bible. Bible. Hanging in the study was his latest Hanging in the study was his latest Hanging in the study was his latest acquisition, Christopher Columbus by acquisition, Christopher Columbus by acquisition, Christopher Columbus by Sebastiano del Piombo. Sebastiano del Piombo. Sebastiano del Piombo. It was hung next to a painting of the It was hung next to a painting of the It was hung next to a painting of the Commodore's 300-ft long yacht, which Commodore's 300-ft long yacht, which Commodore's 300-ft long yacht, which Morgan often preferred as sleeping Morgan often preferred as sleeping Morgan often preferred as sleeping quarters to his home when it was docked quarters to his home when it was docked quarters to his home when it was docked near Wall Street during the boating near Wall Street during the boating near Wall Street during the boating season. season. season. Tesla eyed the del Piombo in great Tesla eyed the del Piombo in great Tesla eyed the del Piombo in great admiration. admiration. admiration. Mrs. Robinson has talked me into Mrs. Robinson has talked me into Mrs. Robinson has talked me into donating it to the Metropolitan Museum. donating it to the Metropolitan Museum. donating it to the Metropolitan Museum. Naturally, I hate to part with it, but Naturally, I hate to part with it, but Naturally, I hate to part with it, but you know how persuasive she can be. you know how persuasive she can be. you know how persuasive she can be. The skittish Tesla had seen Morgan at The skittish Tesla had seen Morgan at The skittish Tesla had seen Morgan at close range before, but never for long close range before, but never for long close range before, but never for long periods in so intimate a way. periods in so intimate a way. periods in so intimate a way. Plagued from his youth by a series of Plagued from his youth by a series of Plagued from his youth by a series of skin conditions, Morgan's beet-red and skin conditions, Morgan's beet-red and skin conditions, Morgan's beet-red and deformed proboscis, re-touched out of deformed proboscis, re-touched out of deformed proboscis, re-touched out of all official photographs, was often all official photographs, was often all official photographs, was often swollen and coated with warts.

swollen and coated with warts. swollen and coated with warts. And Aunt Lila, encountering Morgan in a And Aunt Lila, encountering Morgan in a And Aunt Lila, encountering Morgan in a similar circumstance, was quoted as similar circumstance, was quoted as similar circumstance, was quoted as saying, saying, saying, "I was unprepared for the meeting. I had "I was unprepared for the meeting. I had "I was unprepared for the meeting. I had heard of a disfigurement, but what I saw heard of a disfigurement, but what I saw heard of a disfigurement, but what I saw upset me so thoroughly that for a moment upset me so thoroughly that for a moment upset me so thoroughly that for a moment I could not utter a word. If I did not I could not utter a word. If I did not I could not utter a word. If I did not gasp, I must have changed color. gasp, I must have changed color. gasp, I must have changed color. Mr. Morgan noticed this and his small Mr. Morgan noticed this and his small Mr. Morgan noticed this and his small piercing eyes transfixed me with a piercing eyes transfixed me with a piercing eyes transfixed me with a malicious stare. malicious stare. malicious stare. I sensed that he noticed my feelings of I sensed that he noticed my feelings of I sensed that he noticed my feelings of pity and for some time, that seemed pity and for some time, that seemed pity and for some time, that seemed centuries, we stood opposite each other centuries, we stood opposite each other centuries, we stood opposite each other without saying a word. without saying a word. without saying a word. I could not utter a sound and when at I could not utter a sound and when at I could not utter a sound and when at last I managed to open my mouth, I could last I managed to open my mouth, I could last I managed to open my mouth, I could produce only a raucous cough. produce only a raucous cough. produce only a raucous cough. He grunted. He grunted. He grunted. "I want to know, Mr. Tesla," Morgan "I want to know, Mr. Tesla," Morgan "I want to know, Mr. Tesla," Morgan began, eyeing one of the inventor's began, eyeing one of the inventor's began, eyeing one of the inventor's Colorado photographs, Colorado photographs, Colorado photographs, "how you survived among all of this "how you survived among all of this "how you survived among all of this lightning." lightning." lightning." "I didn't," Tesla said, avoiding a "I didn't," Tesla said, avoiding a "I didn't," Tesla said, avoiding a direct stare. "Those are multiple direct stare. "Those are multiple direct stare. "Those are multiple exposures." exposures." exposures." "How clever. "How clever. "How clever. White tells me you want to build a White tells me you want to build a White tells me you want to build a wireless tower."

wireless tower." wireless tower." "I have perfected an apparatus which "I have perfected an apparatus which "I have perfected an apparatus which permits the transmission of messages to permits the transmission of messages to permits the transmission of messages to any distance without wires, making long any distance without wires, making long any distance without wires, making long and expensive cables as a means of and expensive cables as a means of and expensive cables as a means of conveying an intelli