Slaby born 1849 Berlin son of bookbinder. Studied mechanical engineering and math under Reuleaux. Worked at Schwartzkopff machine firm. Doctored in math at Jena. Taught math mechanics at Potsdam vocational school. Experimented on steam and petrol engines. Wrote Theory of Gas Engines aiding internal combustion development. Studied with Hertz. Habilitated 1876 lectured on electrical motors telegraphy electromechanics. Became tenured electro-technology professor 1883. Built electro-technical lab 1884 making Berlin top training center. Assisted Marconi 1897 on English Channel wireless trials. Repeated experiments in Berlin developing key concepts. Set 21km radio link record Schöneberg-Rangsdorf 1897. Set 60km link Berlin-Jüterbog 1898 using superior inductive antennas. Emperor and military backed his wireless work. AEG Siemens formed Telefunken 1903 after Marconi blocked his signals. Slaby chaired VDE first and Verein Deutscher Ingenieure. Gave tech lectures to Emperor in palace. Gained engineers equal status with universities. Became lifetime Prussian Herrenhaus member 1898. Retired emeritus 1906 succeeded by Orlich. Chaired Akademischer Verein Hütte until 1912. Died 1913 honored with plaque stamp and streets.