I suggested that there may be niche applications for Pd-D or other forms of cold fusion, and we also may learn more about the reaction from it. I suppose we should concentrate mainly on nickel cold fusion for the next few years. But eventually we should revisit these other variations.
Why? Here's a parable, set 200,000 years ago, somewhat anachronistic. People have just discovered fire. A conversation ensues: Congratulations everyone! We have found the best mode for this invention. You rub sticks together to trigger it and you burn other sticks. I say it is time to wrap up the R&D phase, apply for patent, and ship this out to everyone. This is a marvelous, versatile, multiuse discovery. Not only does it keep us warm, it illuminates the night. What more can you ask for? I agree it is marvelous, and we should ship it. But let us also find out if there is anything else we can do with it. Here, let's try burning a rock. . . . Hmmm . . . It does not burn. Okay it doesn't burn. I don't see any use in knowing that. It is negative information. Like knowing that we don't fly and birds don't talk. Well it might be useful to know. We might want make a place where you can put the fire. A, um, fire-place, if you will. Anyway let's try burning some other stuff. Give me that rabbit you just killed for lunch. . . . Huh. It doesn't exactly burn does it? . . . It sure smells good though. . . . Let's taste it. Hey, that's delicious! We have discovered cooking! Okay, add another application to the patent. But anyway, let's stop wasting time on this R&D and get back to work. Hold it, hold it. Let us try burning a few other things. Hand me that coconut shell bucket of water. <Splash! Fsssssss. . . .> Oh. So *that's* how you turn it off. . . . Hand me that lump of coal. We have already tried burning rocks. We know they do not burn. I don't see the point of trying every kind of . . . Oh wait. Ah. Some rocks burn but others do not. Interesting. Okay that is an interesting factoid, but what's the point? Look around! It isn't as if we are running out of sticks. Coal is expensive and rare. Why would you want to burn expensive material? How are you even going to get the stuff? We have not invented pickaxes yet. I don't know, but someday it might come in handy knowing that. Anyway, let's try some other stuff. Hand me that lump of dry clay . . . - Jed
