Nikola Tesla, the pioneer of electromagnetic induction, was one of the greatest inventors of all time. Tesla is the brain behind the design of the modern alternating current electricity system. Though his contributions went underappreciated for years, in the modern times, more and more people are realizing the value he added to science. Here are some unknown and intriguing facts about this mastermind.
Nikola Tesla interesting facts
1) It cannot be a mere coincidence that the man who was going to experiment with light and electricity in the future was born during a fierce lightning storm around midnight between 9th and 10th July, 1856. In his early childhood, Tesla experienced flashes of light which were often followed by solution to his problems or inspiration for a new invention.
2) Tesla developed the idea for mobile phones and wireless internet back in 1901. While developing the transatlantic radio, Tesla described to his business partner J.P. Morgan a new means of instant communication. “The frequency would be transmitted to a device that fits in your hand,” Tesla said. This device is nothing but the mobile phone we use today.
3) One famous story surrounding Tesla is, he almost created an earthquake using an “earthquake machine” he had in his laboratory. Tesla’s device was, in reality, not an earthquake machine, but a high frequency oscillator.
4) Tesla had a strange aversion to pearls, to an extent that he could not stand their sight. He refused to speak to women who wore pearls and if his secretary ever wore pearls, he would send her home for the day. No one knows why he had this aversion.
5) Tesla was often referred to as a “Mad Scientist” because of his attitude, intellect and behaviour. He even tried to develop a particle gun once.
6) Tesla was a striking individual who had a great sense of style. He believed, to become successful, one has to look successful. He often wore white gloves to dinner. Because of his edgy dressing sense, he drew the attention of several women. However, he remained unmarried.
7) Tesla has a dedicated unit after his name. The SI unit of magnetic flux density is called “Tesla.”
8) Tesla’s inspiration behind his work on electricity was his mother Djuka Mandic, who invented small electrical appliances in her spare time.
9) Tesla had a photographic memory. He was famous for memorizing books and images and had the ability to visualise in 3D. It is also said, he had the ability to visualize his inventions to the minutest detail. Because of this, he never used sketches or drawings for inventions and completely relied on his memory.
10) Nikola Tesla was a hygiene buff. He had an unfathomable fear of germs and often required a stack of 18 napkins to keep himself clean. Apart from this, he was known to have a strict work routine and would sleep only 2 hours a night.
On the whole, Tesla was a peculiar personality who once thought he could light up the whole world. Which of these facts about Tesla surprised you the most? Comment below and let us know.