🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Apr16.120006.22253@uhura.neoucom.edu> wtm@uhura.neoucom.edu (Bill Mayhew) writes:
>idea of operation is similar to a so-called coherer dectector that
>was used in the early days of wireless.  In the latter, a direct
>current forms the bubble and the impinging radio signal breaks the
>bubble.  When the bubble breaks, a click is heard in headphones
>attached across the device.

A coherer was a dry device, consisting of very fine metal filings.
A strong radio signal produced a change in resistance, which produced 
a click in headphones.  The metal filings had to be tapped apart after
every signal, and special mechanical devices called tremblers would
periodically tap the coherer.  I believe you are thinking of the gas
barreter (spelling?) which consisted of a fluid, often acid, and a needle 
just touching the fluid surface. This device was preferred for a short
time because it was more sensitive than a coherer.
exte

--
Tom Adams	tadams@sbctri.sbc.com adams@swbatl.sbc.com   314-529-7860
misoneism (mis'-oh-nee-ism) n. Hatred of change or innovation. [Ital.
misoneismo: Gk. misein, to hate + Gk. neos, new.]  -- misoneist n.
No connection whatsoever to the word bureaucrat