DIRECTIONS

Tesla and Marconi. The two principle figures in wireless communication have never stood shoulder to shoulder as equals. Misunderstanding kept Marconi fi-om ever comprehending the superior discovery which Tesla had indeed made. It is not befieved that he ever recognized the difference between electric RAYS and WAVES. How the relative worth of each seems to loom over the other in importance is as intriguing as he manner in which each was treated by the world. Closest to the source of the divergence, we find that Tesla and Marconi were viewed as complete opposites. In addition, different levels of honor were ascribed to each, with Tesla receiving honors befitting an original discoverer, and Marconi as a blatant plagiarist Strangely however, this view completely reversed its polarity. The mystery of that shift in esteem fi-om Tesla to Marconi has formed a most startling study in human behavior, for it is believed the two had become separate foci for two very opposed kinds of social forces. Knowing these differences is important to our discussion, since it serves to clarify the reasons for our modem dilemma. Perhaps we may find all of our answers in a particular era when all these issues were being designed. Only an examination of the historical trends which so rigidified the hierarchy of superior command, a hierarchy which does not have its origins within any agency, division, or branch of the government, will provide us with clarified answers. There was time when military interest in matters technologiccil took a decisive turn in the wrong direction.

Tesla appeared on the scientific and social scene long before Marconi. We recall that most common people did not even know the name of Tesla. For most of society’s working class, Tesla did not exist. The only persons who apprehended his work and his worth were, for two different reasons, found in the upper class. One group formed the educated elite. The others formed the business community. The first group was attracted to Tesla after the second group had found his inventive skills all too capable for rendering them the

Service of profit In short as long as Tesla was able to make money for the various financial bases in New York and Europe, he was applauded and “loved”. It is also for this reason that Tesla grew into extravagant tastes in his youth. Mingling vdth the upper social classes in New York had its definite advantages. Increased contact also stimulated increased interest

Tesla was indeed an original discoverer of natural electrical phenomena, a research experimenter of the very highest quality. Tesla was already a scholar in his own right, a visionary who coupled revelations with rare inventive skills. Speaking several languages fluently, and having the bearing and poise of a prince in his own right Tesla was suddenly seized upon by the New York upper class. Had Tesla been anyone else, he would never have travelled as far in these circles. The class distinctions were rigidly held

By most of these families throughout the time that Tesla was moving among them. What afilliatiuiis Tesla made in these circles was the result of his genius and suave princely manners. His was indeed one whose charms were difficult if not impossible, to ignore. Wealth and fame brought him this mystique for a time. Socialites pushed their daughters upon him, but his was not a long fived favor. Viewed from a distance, Tesla was certainly not a long fived star in their space. As soon as the time of his favor had passed, most forgot Tesla and shifted their eyes to some other trifle.

These effects spread from the social centers of wealth outward in larger circles. Those members of the New York Academy of Science, and of the London Royal Society, who once idolized Tesla, those who indeed watched him demonstrate the impossible before their very eyes, were later found wholly given to a strange repudiation of the man and his work. The contradictory focussing and refocusing of attention on each of the two different men is not difficult for us to understand when taking note of the social caste which was directing the attention and deliberating their relative value.