Nikola Tesla and His Works - On the Occassion of the Eightieth Anniversary Page 17

thermomagnetic motor, electric electrolytic meter, frequency meter, high frequencies transformer, detectors, etc. In the field of machinery, he worked on revolution counter, steam engine, steam turbine,* etc. Tesla’s steam turbine has not yet found practical application, but the principle of its operation is theoretically very interesting, often mentioned in lectures in many technical schools. In recent times, Tesla focused extensively on the problem of transmitting large amounts of electrical energy without wires for use in households and industries. He conducted large-scale experimental work, raising costly installations on Long Island, including a tower about 187 feet high (about 57 meters). The results of these works have not been published yet, and perhaps they were not completed during the World War I; in 1917, unknown individuals destroyed all of Tesla’s installations on Long Island, including the tower, with dynamite.

VI Conclusion

Nikola Tesla was originally a pure Serb. He was born in Yugoslavia but left his homeland at the age of 28 and went to America. In 1891, he became a citizen of the United States. He spent the majority of his life in New York, where he still resides today.

American journalist Gernsback described a visit Tesla made in 1919 and provided a very suggestive portrait of this great man.

“The door opens,” says Gernsback, “and out comes a tall figure, over six feet tall, dry but upright. It approaches slowly, dignified. Immediately you are aware that you are in the presence of a high-order personality. Nikola Tesla approaches and shakes hands with you, gripping your hand so strongly that it surprises for a man over sixty. A gentle smile with penetrating bright blue-gray eyes, set in unusually deep sockets, captivates you and makes you feel at home immediately.”

“You enter his workroom, which is impeccable in its neatness. Not a speck of dust is visible. No papers clutter the writing desk, and everything is in harmony with it. Everything reflects the man himself, impeccably dressed, tidy, and precise in every move he makes. In a black frock coat, he is without any adornment. You cannot see a ring, pin, or even a watch chain.”

Gernsback continues, “Tesla speaks - in a very high, almost squeaky voice. He speaks quickly and very persuasively. His voice is above all what conquers you.”

“While he speaks, you find it hard to divert your eyes from his. Only when he addresses others do you get the chance to look at his head, the most prominent feature of which is a very high forehead with a protrusion between the eyes - a sure sign of extraordinary intelligence.

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*) US patent no. 1061 206 dated May 6, 1913.