Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Photo: Live Science
The rift between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla has long been a famous story in the history of science and technology. Both were involved in a competition to create the best electrical current, known as the 'war of the currents'. Initially, their relationship was good, with Tesla even working for Edison at the Edison Machine Works in Manhattan.
Tesla respected Edison as an outstanding individual, but the dispute between them began to emerge when they had differences in their thoughts on electric currents. Edison developed direct current (DC) while Tesla focused on alternating current (AC).
The conflict escalated when Edison showed no interest in AC development and even ridiculed Tesla when his claim for compensation for designing a system three times more efficient than Edison's was rejected.
Eventually, Tesla decided to leave Edison's company and establish his own. While Edison held thousands of patents, Tesla managed to gather fewer than 300 patents worldwide. It was these differences in approach and perspectives that ultimately sparked their rivalry.
Differences in Electrical Technology Approaches
Edison and Tesla had contrasting views in the development of electrical systems. Edison preferred direct current (DC) while Tesla focused on alternating current (AC).
According to Biography, Edison once said that AC "has no future, and anyone who tries it will be wasting his time". This viewpoint shows a fundamental difference in how they viewed electrical technology.
When Tesla successfully designed an AC system that was far more efficient than DC developed by Edison, the rivalry between the two intensified. These differing approaches were the main triggers for the conflict that unfolded between them.
Termination of Working Relationship
After several conflicts and disagreements, Tesla ultimately decided to leave Edison's company. This decision came after Tesla demanded compensation for his work in designing a more efficient electrical system but was met with mockery from Edison.
Tesla's departure from Edison's company and the founding of his own company marked the end of their working relationship and the beginning of a more intense rivalry between them. Their respective successes in developing electrical technology became pivotal in their famous feud.
With differing approaches, perspectives, and successes in developing electrical technology, the rivalry between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla not only became a story in the history of science but also serves as an inspiration for us to always be open to differences in opinions and viewpoints in the world of science and technology.
