In 1885, Tesla claimed that he could redesign Edison's inefficient motor and generators, making an improvement in both service and economy. According to Tesla, Edison remarked "There's fifty thousand dollars in it for you - if you can do it".[49] This has been noted as an odd statement from an Edison whose company was stingy with pay and did not have that sort of cash on hand.[50] After months of work, Tesla finally finished the task and inquired about payment. Edison claimed he had been only joking and replied, "Tesla, you don't understand our American humor".[51][52] Edison offered a US$10 a week raise over Tesla's US$18 per week salary, but Tesla refused it and immediately resigned.

Nikola Tesla: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla