The Great Battlefield of Electricity

Prof. Slaby and Tesla.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN — Sir: I have read with deep astonishment in THE SUN of yesterday a statement of Prof. Slaby of Berlin which I can scarcely believe to be accurate. Only two years ago he wrote me a letter generously acknowledging my pioneer work and calling me the "father of wireless telegraphy." I am at a loss to imagine what has occurred since then that Prof. Slaby, who has considered me a seer, should now look upon me as a fanatic.

I am still more disappointed to notice that in his recent lecture, upon which you have commented and which I have just perused in a German technical journal, he does not give me credit for a beautiful invention which he calls the "multiplier," and which alone makes multiple and selective wireless telegraphy practicable. Have I not first described this device and given rules for its construction and attunement? Was I not the first to apply it in wireless transmission? What are the resonating tuned circuits with their nodal points and terminals of maximum pressure and their fixed lengths in my wireless system but "multipliers?"

I will not reply to Prof. Slaby in a critical spirit, but will, on the contrary, gladly acknowledge the high quality of his labors. To him unquestionably belongs the credit of having made the most valuable additions to Hertzian telegraphy. Every publication he has made on this subject was a distinct step in advance, both as regards theoretical understanding and practical results. While many other workers in this field have proceeded seemingly at hazard, he has applied himself to the solution of the problems with superior knowledge and skill and has left them far behind.

From the statement in THE SUN I infer that he does not believe in my transmission of power without wires and method of insulating underground leads by cold air or hydrogen, for only these inventions can he mean in referring to the reduction of the cost of conduction. About this we shall see. Many a pioneer has been pronounced a fanatic before.

I heartily agree with Prof. Slaby as to the application of electricity to marine propulsion and recognize the rationality of his efforts to improve telegraphic transmission through existing air and submarine lines. and have myself made such a proposal two years ago to one of the prominent cable companies. Prof. Slaby speaks of transmitting thousands of messages over one wire. I have examined his latest devices, describe i in a technical periodical, and they would permit only about a dozen simultaneous messages. To increase their number and also the reliability of transmission he will have to make essential modifications in his apparatus. When he makes these modifications he will find me on the ground, ready — not to cross my sword with his, but to grasp his hand.

N. TESLA.