Galileo Ferraris Versus Nikola Tesla Discovering the Rotating Magnetic Field [History]

The article presents a comparison between the figure of Galileo Ferraris and Nikola Tesla that are worldwide considered the fathers of the rotating magnetic field and the induction motor. The comparison starts with a Ferraris’s and Tesla’s chronological timelines analysis followed by a detailed description of the facts behind the scientific and technical activities of the two scientists. The events taken place after the 1886, (the critical year of the theoretical paper by Ferraris and the patents presentation by Tesla) are discussed as well, giving to the readers all the information for forming their own opinion based on documented historical data.

The author conclusion is that the rotating magnetic field theory must be attributed to Galileo Ferraris as certified by IEEE on 2021, while the first industrial induction motor development must be attributed to Nikola Tesla.