Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) was a pioneer scientist during the turn of the 20th century best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. On 9th to July 10th at midnight, while over Smiljan flashes of lightning, Nikola Tesla was born. The rest is history. Village Smiljan near town of Gospić in Croatia nowadays holds Tesla Memorial Center. The world famous inventor, physicist, mechanical and electric engineer, inventor and futurist, as well as the possessor of a near - eidetic memory. He spoke eight languages and held 300 patents by the end of his life. He lived and died in the United States. His legacy has experienced a major resurgence in recent years — the name Tesla, as you might have heard, is way in vogue right now — as many of his predictions about power and communication have come to realization.