Electricity has two primary systems—AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current). You might be surprised to learn that the inventor of AC was none other than Nikola Tesla. His groundbreaking work in electrical power generation and distribution laid the foundation for many modern technologies, including lasers, X-rays, radar, wireless communication, and robotics.
Tesla’s intentions were never to profit from his inventions but to contribute to human welfare. He deeply cared about the environment and worked tirelessly to develop sustainable energy solutions.
Born on July 10, 1856, in the village of Smiljan in the Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia), Tesla’s father, Milutin Tesla, was a priest. His maternal grandfather was also a clergyman, a craftsman, and a singer of Serbian epic poetry. Tesla attributed his remarkable memory and creative abilities to his grandfather.
Tesla pursued higher education in engineering and physics during the 1870s. By the 1880s, he gained hands-on experience working in telephony and at Continental Edison. In 1884, Tesla emigrated to the United States, where he became a U.S. citizen and briefly worked at Edison Machine Works in New York City. Soon after, he established his own laboratories and companies to bring his ideas to life.
One of his most significant achievements came in 1888 when his AC induction motor and related polyphase AC patents were licensed by Westinghouse Electric. This success not only brought Tesla financial rewards but also positioned his AC system as a cornerstone of modern electrical power distribution.
Tesla continued to innovate, working on devices like the mechanical oscillator, electrical discharge tubes, and early X-ray imaging systems. He even built a wireless-controlled boat—a groundbreaking feat at the time. His public lectures were widely attended, and he was celebrated as a visionary inventor.
In 1893, Tesla patented a steam-powered electrical generator, which he showcased at the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. He also demonstrated a radio-controlled boat in 1898 at Madison Square Garden, dubbing it “Teleautomaton.” This technology remained a novelty until its military applications were recognised during and after World War I.
On his 50th birthday in 1906, Tesla introduced a bladeless turbine capable of producing 200 horsepower at 16,000 RPM. His designs were tested extensively, showcasing remarkable efficiency.
Tesla’s disciplined lifestyle was equally fascinating. He worked from 9 AM to 6 PM daily, walked 13–16 kilometers each day, and practiced unique exercises, such as toe curls, which he believed stimulated brain activity. Tesla strongly believed that all fundamental laws of nature could be unified.
Later in life, Tesla adopted vegetarianism, subsisting on milk, bread, honey, and vegetable juices. Known for his photographic memory, Tesla read and retained countless books and spoke eight languages fluently, including Serbian, English, French, and German. On January 7, 1943, Tesla passed away at the age of 86 in Room 3327 of the New Yorker Hotel. His legacy as one of history’s greatest inventors remains intact, and his contributions continue to inspire generations.
Alan Turing: The Father of Modern Computing
Alan Turing, Image Source: Wikipedia
While Nikola Tesla revolutionised electricity, Alan Turing’s brilliance lay in mathematics and computer science. Although relatively unknown during his lifetime, Turing became a hero for breaking complex wartime codes during World War II. Winston Churchill credited Turing with making the greatest contribution to the Allied victory.
Born on June 23, 1912, in London, Turing’s father worked for the Indian Civil Service, and his family had ties to British India. Turing excelled in fields like computer science, cryptography, and theoretical biology. His concept of the “Turing Machine” formalised algorithms and computation, laying the groundwork for modern computers.
During World War II, Turing worked at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, creating the “Ultra Intelligence” program that deciphered enemy codes. Post-war, he designed one of the first stored-program computers at the National Physical Laboratory and contributed to Manchester University’s computer development efforts.
In 1950, Turing proposed the “Turing Test,” a method to evaluate a machine’s ability to exhibit human-like intelligence. His work extended to theoretical studies on morphogenesis and chemical reactions, pioneering concepts later validated in the 1960s.
Sadly, Turing passed away on June 7, 1954, but his revolutionary contributions to computing and artificial intelligence remain unmatched. Mangrol Multimedia honors these trailblazers whose work continues to shape the modern world.
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