Name: Nikola Tesla

Born: July 10, 1856, Smiljan, Austrian Empire (Croatian Military Frontier)

Death: January 7, 1943 (Age: 86)

  • Inventor, mechanical engineer, and electrical engineer.
  • Best known for developing the modern AC (alternating current) electrical supply system.
  • Tesla’s patents and theoretical work also formed the basis of wireless communication and the radio.
  • Developed the first RC (radio controlled) device (a RC boat).
  • The first person to take an X-ray photograph.
  • Tesla became reclusive towards the end of his life, living alone in a New York City hotel room and only appearing occasionally to make unusual statements to the press.

Significant publications

  • My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla (1919), compiled and edited by Ben Johnston from Tesla’s articles in Electrical Experimenter magazine.

Honors and awards

  • Order of St. Sava (1892).
  • Elliott Cresson Medal (1894).
  • Edison Medal (1916).
  • John Scott Medal (1934).

Quotes

“The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane.”

“Money does not represent such a value as men have placed upon it. All my money has been invested into experiments with which I have made new discoveries enabling mankind to have a little easier life.”

Websites

  • Nikola Tesla Museum