The Unsung Hero: Nikola Tesla
The Unsung Hero Nikola Tesla
Introduction
Today marks the anniversary of Nikola Tesla’s birth in 1856; one of the most influential thinkers in history. Tesla was a pioneering engineer and inventor, best known for his contributions to modern-day electricity and electronics. Tesla was a contemporary of Edison, who is credited with popularising and commercialising electricity, while his name has been all but forgotten.
A Lifetime of Contribution to Science
Tesla was born in modern-day Croatia, but his family soon moved to Serbia. His childhood showed a passion for physics and mathematics, and he immediately enrolled in the Austrian Polytechnic in 1875 and continued his studies in Prague for a year.
After graduating he worked as an electrical engineer and soon after discovered the rotating magnetic field in 1882, leading to his invention of the induction motor. This lead to breakthroughs in power transmission and new applications of electric power, and his contributions extended far beyond just the motor.
Other Incredible Inventions
Tesla was a champion for renewable energy and wanted to reduce the world’s need for fossil fuels. He invented a prototype of a solar-powered airship, one of the first flying machines that ran on solar power. He also invented a wastewater treatment system that disinfected water in the late 1880s, and more recently this has been referred to as the Tesla cell.
Tesla was also an incredibly important figure in the development of wireless communication. He proposed the construction of a worldwide system of communications using a network of transmitters and receivers. This significantly advanced the global transmission of radio signals and paved the way for modern day Wi-Fi.
Legacy
Tesla was an under-recognized figure in the development of modern day science, electricity and industry. He was a man of unparalleled intelligence and vision.
Though he did not have the same recognition that Edison received, and his inventions have largely since been underappreciated, his legacy and work still remain to this day. His inventions have changed the course of history and have made the world a much better place.
Tesla was a pioneer of modern industry and engineering and is a shining example of what a person can achieve when they put their mind to it. On this day, let’s remember the great contributions of Nikola Tesla and celebrate his birth.