Robots

The recent Science/Medicine report (Metro, Dec. 19) on robots as the new servants of mankind was most enlightening. However, almost 100 years ago Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) demonstrated the first robot--remotely controlled object--a model torpedo boat of his design in 1898!

Yet, who today really gives due credit to Tesla for all the wonders of the modern electronic age, which sprang from his brain? Little credit, little recognition!

It’s about time that Tesla be given credit for his concept of robots.

And Tesla’s name should be with those of Edison, Bell, Ford, etc. as a genius of American science. (Tesla was a naturalized Yugoslavian; in those days, his nation was known as Serbia).

E. ANDRE JOHNSON

La Canada