The Man Behind the Invention: Nikola Tesla
The Genius of Nikola Tesla
Few individuals can have influenced the world of technology and science more than Nikola Tesla. As a Serbian-born American inventor, Tesla was one of the most notable pioneers of the modern age. His inventions and discoveries changed our modern world in countless ways.
Early Life and Studies
Tesla was born on July 10, 1856 in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From a young age, Tesla made use of his natural gift for mathematics and engineering. He completed high school at the age of 16 and went on to study engineering and physics at the Austrian Polytechnic School in Graz, Austria.
Career Achievements
In 1884, Tesla arrived in the United States to work for Thomas Edison at the Edison Machine Works in New York. During his tenure at the company, Tesla designed the DC generator, made improvements to Edison's invention of fluorescent lights, and worked on the transmission of electric power.
Tesla soon became a notable figure in the development of AC (Alternating Current) power. His achievements included revealing the principles of the rotating magnetic field, developing the first AC motor, and building the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls. His work with AC power would eventually replace DC (Direct Current) power.
Later Life and Death
Despite his notable achievements, Tesla faced significant financial difficulties throughout his life. In his later years, he lived in a hotel room in New York City, where he entertained a variety of visitors.
Tesla died at the age of 86 on January 7, 1943, in New York. His ashes were placed in a golden receptacle and interred in the Nikola Tesla Corner of the baptistery of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York City.
The Legacy of Nikola Tesla
Tesla made a huge impact on the world of science and technology. His work with AC power remain one of the most influential contributions to the electrical power industry. His accomplishments in the field of robotics, x-ray technology, radio, and wireless communication still inspire scientists and engineers today.
As a result of his impressive accomplishments, Tesla was inducted to the US National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Serbian Orthodox Church declared him a saint in 2013.
The legacy of Tesla's inventions lives on today, making him one of the most important inventors of the modern age. His accomplishments remain an example of science and innovation, inspiring a new generation of engineers and inventors.