Tesla on Lodge's Priority

Less Disputable Than the Importance of His Devices In Wireless Telegraphy.

Nikola Tesla returned yesterday to New York from his plant on Long Island and was seen by a Sun reporter in reference to Prof. Silvanus Thompson's statement that both Marconi and Slaby are indebted to Lodge for his discoveries in wireless telegraphy, rather than to anything that they have originated.

"It is to be regretted that so many eminent men should engage in battle over this matter," Mr. Tesla said, "especially when there is no necessity for it. All the facts in the case may easily be ascertained by going over the records.

"In reference to Hertzian telegraphy, I have been a disinterested onlooker, as I devoted myself to my own system. But I know in a general way that Lodge gave first descriptions of certain devices known as the coherer and the tapper, subsequently used by others. Lodge is a pioneer of great force, and I have myself frequently acknowledged my indebtedness to him in other lines of work.

"Nevertheless, I consider that the published writings of Prof. Slaby on Hertzian apparatus are deserving of the greatest credit, which every one should unhesitatingly accord to him, as he has never failed to acknowledge duly the work of others.

"I disagree with Prof. Thompson on the importance he assigns to the coherer and tapper, as I have exhaustively tested these devices and proved them inadequate for carrying on practically quick telegraphy.

"The coherer is an instrument of wonderful sensitiveness, but there are other devices better suited to use in connection with tuned circuits in all cases in which reliability of action is an important factor.

"Quite apart from that, however, the Hertzian circuits separated from the ground by spark gaps and choking coils, as used by Lodge and others, are for all purposes inoperative, as they permit neither the transmission of effects at considerable distances nor tunings."