Nikola Tesla: His Name Is Synonymous With Invention

Nikola Tesla (10 July 1856 – 7 January 1943) was a renowned inventor, mechanical and electrical engineer, and physicist as well as futurist whose contributions to the modern world continue to make an impact to this day. His most notable contribution is in the design of the modern-day alternating current electricity and its supply system.

Tesla immigrated to the United States in 1884 with comprehensive experience in electrical engineering and telephony. He worked for Thomas Edison, also a great inventor with whom Tesla had differences with especially in terms of methodologies, in New York City before setting out on his own. He set up companies and laboratories, thanks to the substantial investments of his financial backers, which engaged in the research and development of a wide range of electrical devices.

He invented and patented the AC induction motor and transformer; George Westinghouse licensed both devices as well as hired Tesla to be a consultant for a short period. He was closely involved in the so-called War of Currents by virtue of his innovative work in the development of electric power as well as in several patent battles.

Tesla was a strong believer in wireless lighting and electricity distribution, which he experimented with in his high-voltage, high-frequency power tests in Colorado Springs and New York; he was unsuccessful in these attempts. He also conducted several experiments with electrical discharge tubes, mechanical oscillators and generators, and early x-ray imaging. His wireless controlled boat is notable as the world’s first of its kind.

His showmanship coupled with his notable achievements earned him the reputation as a “mad scientist”. He has obtained approximately 300 patents for his inventions in 26 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada; some of his patents unaccounted for while many have been discovered hidden in patent archives and many more have not been provided with patent protection.

While his work may have faded into relative obscurity, his popularity has been on the increase since the 1990s.