POSSIBLY DUPLICATE POSTING -------------------------- Michael Foster wrote:
> I don't how others have done this, but here's what I did some > years back. I used spectroscopic grade carbon rods, so virtually > no chance of contamination. An arc was struck between the rods > at 35VDC, don't know what the current was, but the rods were held > by hand and rubbed against each other until a significant amount > of "slag" was collected below them in a ceramic crucible. > > A strong magnet was used to separate the resulting magnetic > particles. Some of these particles were pounded with a hammer to > see if they were malleable, and in fact they flattened out into > shiny little disks. In other words, they're metal. > > The rest of the particles were dissolved in HCl and then given a > ferricyanide test for iron. You get that beautiful blue color. > What else do you want? > > Unused rods were crushed and tested with the same magnet. No > magnetic particles were in evidence. Yes folks, it's > transmutation. It's easy and repeatable, and should be used as > at least an indicator that CF is possible. I can't imagine that > others haven't done more or less the same procedures, unless they > were afraid of the results. > > M. Michael, YES!!!! You are but a few months or less away from a million bucks and perhaps some unwanted fame as the savior of cold fusion. Your experiment shows both transmutation and that the strange and unaccountable energy source of CF can also act as a sink -- imagine how much fusion energy is produced in converting carbon (or oxygen or nitrogen -- air is involved too you know) to visible amounts of iron in a few minutes. It should at least have taken the roof off your house. Avoiding the water environment is an important simplification. In fact the whole experiment is so simple... Still, you need to think of ways that it can be questioned, like: - None of the electrical connections (except maybe back at the battery) can be iron-based. - You have to test for iron in at least two chemical ways (and ferromagnetism is a nice back-up). - You also have to re-test unused rods for the presence of iron chemically AND you have to test for the presence of any iron-containing compounds. Consider getting the advice of a good analytic chemist or two. - I've already stated my desire to avoid mass spectroscopy but I'm sure JREF will insist upon it. Find a couple of labs that'll give you good turnaround. - And lots of other things, e.g., seal the collecting magnet in a new sealable plastic bag. Crucible and all equipment must be tested for the presence of iron, etc., etc. Much of this back-up contamination prevention can be worked out with the JREF representatives in your discussions with them. (So maybe you don't have to do as much thinking as I've proposed.) But BEFORE you do all that you'll want to be first in line: Get the Challenge rules (below the main Challenge page http://www.randi.org/research/index.html), print it out and submit your application (notary involved). Do it TODAY!!! Send your application by FedEx at their highest priority. Don't forget the SASE! Copy your test protocol into an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and tell them your formal notarized application is on its way. Remember, a million bucks is on the line. However... Sadly, I must strongly suggest that you avoid all reference to "cold fusion" in your application. Jed's insistence that Randi deal with the complexities of real science seems to have "poisoned the well" in that regard. Fortunately this transmutation experiment is so simple and so far removed from conventional understanding of the subject I'm sure the CF connection won't be made unless you mention it. "Applicant states that he can convert carbon into iron by application of electricity." Then detail your method much as you have above. Simplicity! I love it! Michael, the very best of luck to you. And if you worry about how this will change your life, remember: - Your purpose is to alert the science community to the reality of cold fusion (CMNS/LENR/CANR) and its potential as an energy source. Something that's pretty damn important. - Of course your experiment has no such potential and you can always give away your prize money (like to some deserving academic CF researchers <g>). Talk as much as you can stand to the press when they stop you in the street but avoid giving formal interviews. Always mention the CF connection. Freely admit the basic idea is not original to you. Then just say you did it for the money or "for fun". - We Vortexians are with you! Again, Good Luck Michael! Please keep us informed of your progress. Gratefully, Walter Faxon
