Brilliant and versatile Croatian-born American inventor and engineer (1856–1943) whose discoveries revolutionized the understanding and practical applications of electricity and magnetism. Rare TLS signed “N. Tesla,” one page, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, February 4, 1895. Letter to Richard Watson Gilder. In full: “As I have told you the other day, I am associated with our mutual friend, Mr. Edward D. Adams, in the development of my inventions. As I believe that the superior knowledge which he possesses in all lines of business will be the chief element in the success I hope to attain, I am anxious to keep him well informed. I would therefore beg you to be kind enough to mail to his residence, 455, Madison Avenue, Martin’s article which is to be published by you. Of course it is understood that this is only for Mr. Adams’ personal use.” In very good condition, with a few small separations along intersecting folds, some light creases, mild toning, a bit heavier along folds, and clipped top left corner.
When Edward Dean Adams first formed the International Niagara Commission in 1890 in search of a way to harness the energy of the Falls, he sought out the help of Nikola Tesla. Ready to put his newly patented high-frequency alternating-current conductors to work, Tesla secured the Westinghouse Electric Corporation the job of building the generators for the massive Niagara undertaking. With his design and construction proving successful, the first hydroelectric power plant was activated in 1895. In an effort to keep Adams “well informed,” Tesla requests a copy of friend and publicist Thomas Commerford Martin’s forthcoming article on the inventor from The Century Magazine’s editor, Richard Watson Gilder. An incredible letter from the famed inventor just months before the completion of the Niagara Falls Power Plant, the final victory of his Polyphase Alternating Current Electricity, which went on to light the entire globe.
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