Nikola Tesla (1934 Biographical Sketch from Scientific American)

Nikola Tesla was born at the stroke of midnight, July 9-10th, 1856, in Smiljan, Jugoslavia. His father was a distinguished clergyman, and his mother, Georgina Mandic, came from a long line of inventors. Dr. Tesla's inventive genius was apparent from an early age; his education was received at various European universities where he studied the sciences and acquired knowledge of a dozen languages. In 1884 he came to the United States and became a citizen in 1889. He has always, and is now, engaged in independent experimental research.

The inventions and discoveries of Dr. Tesla have been many and varied. Stated in chronological order, some of the more important ones are: The rotating magnetic field induction motor and alternating current system of power transmission, 1882-1888; Tesla coil and oscillation transformer, 1889-1892; electro-mechanical isochronous oscillators, 1890-1892; Tesla wireless system, 1891-1893; electron tubes, 1892-1893; theory of radioactivity, 1896-1898; high-potential vacuum tubes, 1896-1898; telautomatics, 1897-1899; discovery of terrestrial resonance and law of propagation of conduction currents through the globe, 1899; high-potential wireless transmitter, 1899; art of transmitting energy by stationary terrestrial waves, 1906; speedometers on new principles, means for lightning protection, types of steam and gas turbines, pressure and vacuum pumps and other apparatus, 1916-1926.

Due to unfavorable circumstances, Dr. Tesla states, some of his important results have not yet been announced, among them being a new refining process for producing steel, copper, aluminum, and other metals at low cost.