August 28, 1984

''I am directing N.A.S.A. to begin a search in all of our elementary and secondary schools and to choose as the first citizen passenger in the history of our space program one of America's finest: a teacher.'' - President Reagan. (A1:6.)

THE world of science is belatedly recognizing the genius of one of its most important, eccentric and enigmatic inventors, Nikola Tesla. A century after he arrived penniless on the docks of New York City, Tesla is receiving credit for brilliant achievements that outdid those of his contemporaries, Edison and Marconi. And more than 40 years after the recluse died in a Manhattan hotel room, in the company of the pigeons who were his favorite companions in the final years of his life, he is at last being elevated to the pantheon of the world's great inventors. It was Nikola Tesla, not Marconi, who invented the first radio; it was Tesla, not Edison, who devised the system of electric power disribution now used throughout the world. Working in small laboratories in midtown Manhattan and Greenwich Village, Tesla invented the polyphase electric motor, the bladeless steam turbine and the radio-guided torpedo. Some scientists say it was Tesla who first conceived ideas for a ''Star Wars'' type of military shield in space.

The strike by hospital workers has been so marked by errors, bitterness and disintegrating agreements that those involved say they have never witnessed a labor dispute quite its equal. There were a number of reasons that set this strike apart; among them, the interest of the city's municipal union leaders, who are in the process of negotiating contracts for their 250,000 members. The leaders have been mindful of the influence a hospital settlement, particularly a modest one, would have on their talks, and their position was felt at the negotiations. Further complicating the process has been the position of the union representing hospital and nursing-home workers, District 1199 of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers Union, A.F.L.-C.I.O. The union, which broke its affiliation with the national union in the spring under the leadership of its president, Doris Turner, is torn by internal strife. This put Mrs. Turner in the position of negotiating under severe pressure, knowing that her future would turn on the outcome.

Atlantic Richfield said it would take a $785 million write-down against third-quarter after-tax earnings in its troubled metals and minerals businesses, which it intends to sell. With the sales proceeds, it plans to buy 25 million of its shares, probably during the next six months. (Page D1.) Atari said it would introduce a range of personal computers soon, but provided few details. It was the first major product announcement for the troubled consumer electronics concern since it was taken over in July by Jack Tramiel. (D1.)

A dispatch from Washington Thursday about investigations into reported problems with brakes in General Motors X-model cars contained two inaccuracies. It should have said that a Federal case against General Motors focused on allegations that the brakes had a tendency to lock, not that Federal officials had found a high incidence of brakes locking. Also, the case is a civil suit, not a criminal action.