Uncovering Tesla's Shocking Experiment That Caused an Earthquake in NYC

His notes and comments provide no clear indication of how he intended to transmit wireless power, but it's clear that he returned to New York City with confidence that he could achieve his goal. Tesla patented a steam-powered mechanical oscillator in 1893 that could vibrate at high speeds to generate electricity. He once claimed to have accidentally caused an earthquake while testing this machine in his New York laboratory, with heavy machinery flying around and cracking sounds heard. To avoid detection, Tesla told the police that it was an earthquake, but the incident was never officially confirmed.