CATCHING WIRELESS SIGNALS
by Anon
Chamber's' Journal - Seventh Series (July 26th 1913)
Although the popular impression prevails that an elaborate antenna is necessary to catch wireless signals, this illusion has been dispelled by Mr A.A. Campbell Swinton. This well-known authority has communicated to Nature an interesting circumstance. He found that the various metallic fittings in his residence emitted telephonic vibrations. He followed up this discovery, and found than an iron bedstead and wire mattress upon the fourth floor answered as a very efficient antenna or collector of the wireless waves. He connected a receiving apparatus therewith, and was able to receive the Admiralty signals very distinctly; while numerous other signals of varying audibility came in. Even the time-signals which are sent out from the Eiffel Tower were distinguished. Commenting upon the results of Mr Swinton's peculiar investigations, an electrical contemporary remarks that, with an open umbrella connected to the nails in one's boots, we shall be able to approach one step nearer the vest-pocket wireless apparatus which Professor Ayrton prophesised some years ago.