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Birth
Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia in 1856. His parents were a Serbian cleric, and an uneducated, but intelligent peasant woman ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Mobility
At the age of seven, Tesla and his family moved to Gospic. There, Tesla developed an affinity towards mathematics and science ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Rebellion
During high school, Tesla decides how he wishes to lead his life. Despite his parents' wishes of a religious life, Tesla decides to pursue his passion in science ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Advancement
After high school, Tesla convinces his parents to allow him to attend university. He applies and is accepted into the college in Graz ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Coming to America
Tesla arrives in New York City. It is reported that he started out with only a few cents to his name (Feldman and Ford 225). -
Polymath
At the time of his arrival in the United States, Tesla was considered an incredibly well-learned man. In fact, he was capable of speaking in twelve languages (Feldman and Ford 225). -
Eponymous
Tesla invents the Tesla coil. The device is capable of arcing high-output electricity through the air. Tesla claims the coil is capable of "[transmitting electricity] through the Earth for 26 miles..." ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Victory!
Tesla's alternating current model of electrical conductivity is proven superior to Edison's direct current. Because of this, AC is used in breakthrough scientific ventures of the time (Feldman and Ford 225). -
Terra Nova
While working in Colorado, Tesla announces that the Earth beneath our feet is, in fact, a conductor of electricity. He goes on to wow audiences with his demonstration of the power of his Tesla coil by creating massive electric bolts ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Honors
For his achievements in electrical engineering Tesla was awarded the Edison Medal. This is the highest American distinction in the field of science (Feldman and Ford 225). -
Loony
Tesla claims to have created a "death beam" cable of unimaginable destruction. Due to some previous unsubstantiated claims, Tesla is largely ignored ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Posthumous
Because of his achievements Tesla had a unit of measurement named after him. Electrical resistance is measured in Teslas because of him ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Death
Tesla passes away destitute and little more than a shadow of his former self. He is survived by none, as he did not father any children, nor engage with any women in his life ("Nikola Tesla"). -
Symbol #1: Torch
The object that best represents Tesla is the torch. The torch symbolizes "illumination, [and] intelligence..." ("Torch"). Tesla illuminated new paths in the field of electrical engineering. His intellect allowed him to make strides in this field that have benefitted mankind. -
Symbol #2: Fox
Another symbol that represents Nikola Tesla is the fox. Foxes represent "...insight, cleverness, cunningness, and resourcefulness..." ("Fox"). Tesla embodies the fox in the fact that he was incredibly clever and able to come up with revolutionary new ideas in manners others would have never even imagined. He was resourceful in the fact that he built a scientific empire while starting out with little more than a handful of cents. -
Image Citations
http://www.teslasociety.com/pictures/tesla1.jpg
http://tocroatia.net/uploads/800px-Gospic_panorama_s_novog_mosta (INekic) wikimedia.JPG
http://www.teslasociety.com/pictures/bday1.jpg
http://www.teslasociety.com/nikolapic.jpg
http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/gif/teslapic.jpg
http://www.psc.edu/research/graphics/gallery/CORRECTno_earth.329.gif
http://www.ieee.org/ucm/groups/public/@ieee/@web/@org/@about/documents/images/30020205.gif
http://music.columbia.edu/~douglas/classes/motor_mania/AC_motor.jpg -
Book Citations
- An Online Guide to Dream Interpretation. Web. 29 Nov. 2011. http://www.dremmoods.com/
- Feldman, Anthony, and Peter Ford. Scientists & Inventors. New York: Facts on File, 1979.
- "NIkola Tesla." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web 29 Nov. 2011
- "Torch." University of Michigan. Web. 08 Dec. 2011.
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Image Citations
http://www.ua.ac.be/images/ua/container11065/graz%201.jpg
http://www.shmoop.com/media/images/large/statue-liberty-boat.jpg
http://hosting.lefushi.net/159/20100925/A0879000HE/InsetImage/405nm-100mW-Violet-Purple-Blue-Beam-Laser-Pointer-Pen-RD2009_1.jpg
http://www.teslasociety.com/pictures/plaque.jpg
http://www.teslasociety.com/teslamuseum.htm
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si//olympics/2010/blog/2010/02/dallaire_torch_canadian_design.jpg
http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/006
