Summary

A coherer detector: an early type of radio signal detector, used in the early 20th century.

This object was part of a display created by the Museum of Applied Science Victoria to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Sir Oliver Lodge (1851-1940). He was the first to use the term 'coherer' to describe his improved radio detector. Edouard Branly (1844-1940) was the first to invent a device for detecting radio waves using a glass tube with metal filings.

Physical Description

A glass tube with brass fittings at both ends. It is filled with metal shavings.

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