information on tesla and edison?

Question

there was a demonstration that edison conducted to seemingly discredit tesla

Answer 1

The demonstration that you are reffering to that Edison did refers to Edison's concept of DC power, versus Tesla's concept of AC power. Tesla actually worked for Edison, and quit one day claiming that Edison stole his ideas, and patented them all for his own. Personally, I think this is true, but to each his own.

At the time, it was trying to be decided which form of power we would use more of today, AC, or DC. Edison thought that he would power New York city by putting a generator on every corner because his DC discovery could not be transported very far over transmission wires using low voltage DC. It was very lossy.

Edison used Tesla's method, which utilized the Westinghouse/Tesla transformer method, to do demonstrations in order to convince the public that AC electricity was too dangerous to have near. He electrocuted animals, like puppies, and horses, and even convinced New York to use the electric chair for execution instead of hanging, citing that it was more humane.

Even though low frequency AC is more dangerous than DC, high voltage DC (which is what Edison's design was), had equal causes for concern.

Answer 2

Tesla and Edison were always at each others throat...I remember hearing of what you are speaking of but don't remember the particulars.

Tesla's ideas are being used extensively now. mainly with H.A.A.R.P. or the High-frequincy Active Arural Research Program. It is located in Alaska. It makes for some very interesting reading. go to a search engine and type in the 5 letters. you will not only get the official government site but read on there are many other sites explaining more. Also if you can get hold of a copy of the book, "Angels Don't Play This H.A.A.R.P." it makes for some very interesting reading.

ADDITIONAL: Eric is correct...this was one of the main flaps...thank goodness we have AC and not just DC...many things we have today would not operate on DC or at least not economically...

Answer 3

heres tesla
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_tesla

and heres edison
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_edison