Nikola Tesla, Radio Pioneer, to Visit Fair

Inventor of Famous Coil Evolved Theory of Television Transmission 30 Years Ago

Nikola Tesla, long forgotten wireless pioneer, inventor of early torpedo and battleship control by radio, transmission of power by wireless, inventor of the electric motor and speedometer, holder of hundreds of patents in all phases of the radio field, has been invited as an honored guest to attend the Radio World's Fair, at which his world famous Tesla coil will be exhibited.

The Tesla coil is really the most spectacular of Tesla's inventions, though not the most important one. The basic principle involved is used in all wireless stations today but its main use is stepping up of low voltages into millions of volts.

The Tesla coil, which will be demonstrated at the fair, will be capable of producing a spark 48 inches long from a voltage of approximately 3,000,000 volts. This sort of apparatus was used by Tesla to demonstrate successfully the transmission of power by wireless. It was the reason for his building the famous Tesla tower in Long Island which was destroyed by the government during the war in the belief that unknowingly it might be used for transmitting intelligence to enemy submarines.

Tesla, now a man of 65, lives alone in one of New York's hotels largely from the proceeds which are still bringing him royalties. While a relatively poor man, his inventions have produced millions for the various companies that exploited them.

A number of years ago he predicted a number of developments which will be witnessed at the fair. It is said that he invented the idea of tuning and directional radio and as far back as 30 years ago evolved the theory of television transmission which is substantially the same as that which has been realized today.