The idea was ambitious but not unreasonable, Guglielmo Marconi having just sent the first tentative signals across the Atlantic in 1901. But the Long Islanders living next to the huge tower would have been more shocked—perhaps literally—if Tesla had carried out his second plan, which was so audacious he hid it initially even from J.P. Morgan, the financier who was bankrolling the operation. Tesla wanted to use the tower for wirelessly transmitting not just signals but also useful amounts of electrical power. His strategy for accomplishing that feat was vague, but it seems he had notions of sending power wirelessly to such things as airships in flight and automobiles on the move.

Tesla never did quite finish the enormous tower—Morgan got fed up and cut off funds. Tesla abandoned the lab, which fell into disrepair, and in 1917 the tower was unceremoniously demolished.

Decades later, Tesla’s laboratory was turned into a factory for photographic paper, an operation that left enough toxic waste on the grounds to have the property qualify as a Superfund site. Today the elegant brick lab building is abandoned once again. Plywood covers its windows. All that remains of the tower is its huge octagonal footing, now overgrown with trees.

Scientists and engineers these days, of course, appreciate Tesla’s enormous if rather quirky brilliance—he invented the induction motor, for one thing, and he championed alternating current when Thomas Edison would have none of it, for another. So it’s no surprise that some of Tesla’s admirers are seeking to preserve his old laboratory.

More the next time...

Today is Earth Day. Earth Day is the birth anniversary of the modern environmental movement, which started in 1970.

Are you concerned about the environment but don’t know how to you can make a difference? Here you will find different ways you can contribute to make our world a better place to live. This site is about thinking green and acting accordingly. Some ideas are:

1. Use

Use green and eco-friendly products. Even if you do not use all green products, use wisely and do not waste unnecessarily.

2. Reuse

Preserve plastic. Isn't it a weird statement? If you have to use plastic, use it and re-use it as long as you can. Let it wear out beyond use before you dispose of it. For example, everyone gets a polythene (plastic) bag for take out lunch. You can reuse the bag the next time you go shopping. Do not throw it out. If you need some motivation, here it is. Shoprite is a store that pays you 2 cents every time you reuse their plastic and paper bags and 5 cents for any non-disposable (like canvas) bag you bring to carry your groceries at Shoprite (Bag Re-Use Program).

3. Recycle

When there comes a time that you cannot use a product any longer, find a way to make a better outcome of it rather than the landfill. Something that you don't need anymore can be used by someone else. You can easily sell it to someone for less than what you paid. However, if you can afford to let it go, then donate it. Let someone else reuse it. There are many websites that let you post items to sell or donate.