Cover (Photos by Ed Aronson)

As an introduction to the photos shown on our cover, I quote from John J. O'Neill's PRODIGAL GENIUS, THE LIFE OF NIKOLA TESLA.

“A few months after opening the laboratory, he submitted his two-phase motor to Prof. W.A. Anthony, of Cornell University, for testing.”

Update: A TCBA member noticed an electrical device being auctioned on the e-Bay channel. Just out of curiosity, he put in a bid for around $90. Now comes the rest of the story. The device, an alternating current induction motor, came from a collection once housed at Cornell. Could this be THE two-phase motor that Tesla constructed with his own hands? If true, it could very well be one of the only Tesla-made devices in the U.S.A.

The motor was put on display at the A.W.A. Conference in Rochester, NY in September. A short talk was given describing Tesla's work with AC power electrical engineering. The device created quite a stir and a witness told of a man walking around in a strange manner while mumbling, “I must have that motor!”

Question: What monetary value would this Tesla-made(?) artifact be worth?

Countdown!

Now that the countdown to Y2K has ended, there begins with this issue a countdown toward our final issue (Volume 20, #4). With this issue now in your hands, there will be only 7 more published (by me).

The Reason(s)

No doubt, you will hear rumors of all kinds explaining why TCBA News is ceasing publication. The following are but a few:

1. Losing money, going broke (Wrong!)
2. Not enough material (Wrong!)
3. He received an offer to appear in a Hollywood movie. (Wrong!)
4. A conspiracy between the FBI and CIA put him out of business. (Wrong!)
5. (You fill in the blanks)

The Truth

The truth of the matter is that I have given a good part of my life to this endeavor and feel it is time to move on.

I'm hoping that Ruth will soon be able to retire and that we will be able to do some traveling (such as visit some of our Tesla friends). Also, it would be nice to have some time to work on a project of my own (say, Tesla coils? I kid you not).

Another point to be made here is that writing is a sedentary activity. I'm sure that sitting before a typewriter for some 20 years has not been beneficial to my health. I've tried to maintain a modest exercise program to neutralize the bad effects of 20 years of physical inactivity.

Lastly

And last but not least, I feel that I have met some of my goals:

1. To do something positive on Tesla's behalf.
2. To meet others with an interest in Tesla and Tesla coils.
3. Gain an education in the understanding and construction of Tesla coils.

The Most Enjoyable Part

I have been involved in several pursuits throughout the years. I can say, without hesitation, that the group making up the TCBA family is made up of the nicest people of any group with whom I've made contact. Meeting you has been the most enjoyable part of the TCBA experience.

Who Will Take Over?

As of this moment, I cannot tell you whether someone else will take over the publication or if TCBA NEWS will ride into the sunset. No doubt, if someone else does take over the publication it will be different. It might be better to let TCBA fade away and someone else start up their own version. This, of course, would require a new name and logo. Time will tell....

Dedication: Galvani & the Frog's Legs

Elsewhere in this issue is an article on the discoveries of Luigi Galvani.