Nikola Tesla: A Brief Biography and Contributions to Science

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

• Born: July 10, 1856, in Smiljan, Lika (now Croatia)
• Parents: Milutin Tesla (Serbian Orthodox priest) and Djuka Mandic
• Family had military and ecclesiastical background

Childhood

• Happy childhood but marred by strange illnesses and phobias
• Older brother Dane died in 1863, causing significant trauma
• Moved to Gospić after brother’s death
• Early interest in electricity sparked by cat named Macak

Education and Early Experiments

High School and Early Health Issues

• Attended Real Gymnasium in Gospić, excelling in mathematics and science
• Theorized about flying machines and experimented with household objects
• Contracted cholera, father promised to send him to a technical school if he recovered

Polytechnic School and Gambling Addiction

• Attended Polytechnic School in Graz, Austria on scholarship
• Excelled initially, then developed a destructive gambling habit
• Dropped out in December 1878 without formal graduation

Early Career

Moves and Jobs

• Lived as draughtsman in Maribor
• Worked for telecommunication firm in Budapest
• First job was at The American Telephone Company in Budapest
• Developed the concept of the rotating magnetic field

Significant Inventions and Contributions

Alternating Current (AC)

War of Currents

• Joined Continental Edison Company in Paris, then moved to America in 1884
• Worked for Thomas Edison on Direct Current (DC) projects but fundamentally disagreed
• Established Tesla Electric Light Company in 1885, later got expelled

AC Motor and Generators

• Established Tesla Electric Company in 1886, patented designs approved by George Westinghouse
• Westinghouse adopted AC systems leading to the ‘War of the Currents’ against Edison
• AC emerged victorious, establishing Tesla’s prominence

Major Breakthroughs and Patents

High-frequency AC Experiments

• Developed lighting systems and electrical devices presented at various lectures
• Devised the fundamentals of radio technology, telegraphy, and wireless communication

Hydro Power and Beyond

• Designed the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls (ultimate end to DC dominance)
• Innovated first uses of X-ray technology and constructed rudimentary radio units

Later Life and Struggles

Wardenclyffe Tower

• Sought to build a wireless transmission tower with backing from J.P. Morgan
• Faced financial difficulties leading to incomplete projects
• Declining health and finances, living as a recluse

Financial Troubles and Legal Disputes

• Failed turbine invention projects
• Lawsuit against Marconi for radio technology patent failed
• Declared bankruptcy and lived on minor invention royalties

Later Publicity and Death

• Renewed recognition in 1931 with Time Magazine cover
• Press conferences on birthday detailing future projects like a particle beam weapon
• Health deteriorated after 1937 accident

Death

• Died January 7, 1943, in New York
• Funeral attended by notable individuals, ashes placed in a golden sphere at Tesla Museum in Belgrade

Legacy

Recognition and Impact

• 700+ patents, foundational contributions to modern electrical engineering
• Inspired modern technological advancements and companies like Tesla Inc.
• Considered alongside other science giants like Galileo, Newton, Edison, and Einstein
• Major contributions have enduring applications in AC power, wireless communication, and more