January 4: Edison electrocuted an elephant to prove his point (1903)

Topsy (The image from WIRED)

Thomas Edison electrocuted Topsy, an elephant, to demonstrate the danger of AC (alternating current), which was suggested by George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla. To promote his DC (direct current) as the standard for electric power distribution, Edison had fought against AC of Westinghouse, so-called the War of the Currents. Edison had electrocuted a series of animals with AC to demonstrate the danger of AC. Though the electrocution of Topsy was sensational, his demonstration did not leave positive impression. AC demonstrated its superiority in a better way to become the standard for electric power distribution.