Nikola Tesla was one of the world’s most brilliant scientists who, among other things, discovered the alternating electric current. He also had a hand in many other discoveries, such as radio, X-rays and radar technology. Unfortunately, for all his brilliance, his work was never truly acknowledged even until today.
In fact, the solo writer for popular comic website The Oatmeal, Matthew Inman is a huge advocate of raising awareness of Tesla’s contributions to the world, and produced a very informative strip that detailed Tesla’s many involvements in science.
Yesterday, Inman posted a new blog post on his plans to raise $850 000 to buy the land in New York where Tesla’s laboratory used to be, and prevent it from being torn down for a retail establishment. Read on after the break on how you can help.
What’s important to note is that Tesla’s laboratory, known as Wardenclyffe, is still standing on the site, as well as the foundations to the tower of what would be Tesla’s most incredible contribution to mankind, if only it had happened: free wireless energy for all. Unfortunately the project was shut down after the financier for the project realized there was no way he could make any money from it.
Why $850 000? The New York State is offering a matching grant of $850 000, which means that if the movement manages to raise $850 000 from the public, the State will fund another $850 000, allowing for the purchase of the land, which is currently for sale at $1.6 million.
Currently, the total pledges has already surpassed $491 000, with another 44 days to go before the deteline. In his blog post, Inman called out to many institutional giants such as Google, J. P. Morgan, GE, as well as Tesla Motors for their support. So far, the co-founder of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, has pledged his support for the movement and will be placing a personal donation.
Time is critical right now for the movement, as they need to secure the land in order to gain more time to figure out what is the best way to honour Tesla on the land of his laboratory. Once they own the land, they will be able to focus solely on the Tesla museum/science centre/whatever it is that is eventually erected.
Donations can be made here, with perks for pledges ranging from $25 up to $5000 (unfortunately, most of the lower-priced perks are already fully claimed…but that’s not the point, is it?).
It is about time that the world recognizes and appreciates such a revolutionary mind who was centuries ahead of his time. A Nikola Tesla Day (10th July) is simply not enough. Therefore, do your bit for science!
(Source: The Oatmeal, via The Verge)
