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Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) was a scientist, inventor and engineer who revolutionized the modern electricity supply system. He earned a reputation during his lifetime in the press as a "mad scientist" and infamously clashed with Thomas Edison over patents.
His legacy endures in modern culture in the form of car company Tesla Motors, monuments to his life and career, and depictions in fiction including a crossover with Sherlock Holmes (in a series of books by Ralph Vaughan), adventures with Mark Twain (in a novel by Sesh Heri), and Christopher Priest's 1995 novel The Prestige (where he was played by David Bowie in Christopher Nolan's film adaptation).
References
- In Muppet Sherlock Holmes #2 ("A Scandal in Bohemia"), Gonzo (as Holmes) poses as inventor Eddie San Tesla (who is from Portugal, whereas the real Tesla was Serbian).
- On Sesame Street in a 2011 episode, he was spoofed (in name only) as Nikola Messla, a professor offering grouch courses online.