Various Tesla book cover images

Nikola Tesla Books

Books written by or about Nikola Tesla

health. I had intended to come there, but certain business matters kept me here. Still, God willing, we shall see one another in a few months. I have just perfected a new invention. It is glorious! The success is splendid in every respect, except the financial one. But that too will come soon. If I had enough money now to remain independent, I could amass a great fortune. However, in the position in which I presently find myself, I shall have to accept whatever I receive.

You write Serbian wonderfully, I fear that Simo (or Milan) may have helped you! I am glad that Simo is holding up and hope that he will now fully recover. I am sorry that Uncle is dissatisfied. I told him everything beforehand. Give my warmest greetings to all. Yours,
Nikola
in haste

Address: Right Rev. Nikola Mandic, Metropolitan, D. Tuzla, Bosnia, Austro-Hungary, Europe.

Inscription on the letter paper:
From Nikola Tesla
35 South Fifth Avenue
 

New York, Dec. 8, 1893

Dear Uncle,1

I received today your letter, which I had long been expecting. You do not remember that I wrote to you twice and telegraphed when departing from London, and you replied and promised to write. I also received two letters from Simo, and he too promised that you would write when you found the time. But all that is a small matter. The living truth is that both of us have disgraced ourselves.

Since returning here, I have achieved many successes. The machines of my system illuminated the Exhibition; my inventions were, so to speak, the most interesting feature of the Exhibition; and now again, as I informed you, my system will be used at Niagara. Before a congress of scholars in Chicago, I delivered a lecture on my newest work. These are steam machines of a new system for the production of electricity. My lecture made an indescribable impression. It would be difficult to give you an idea of how highly regarded I am here in the scientific world. I have received many letters from the greatest minds, advising me to give up business matters, for they say that there are enough learned men, but only a small number of those who possess ideas. Thus, instead of turning me away from work, they inspire me more and more.

  1. Uncle Petar, who took the name Nikola when he became a monk (V.Nj.).