Invisible wrote:

> I used to like watching TV programs like Local Heroes and Rough Science. 
> (I say "used to" since these are no longer produced, sadly.) Rough 
> Science in particular was great in that it depicted people making all 
> sorts of improbable devices out of old junk.

Heh, I have fond memories of Mr Wizard as a child.

> OK, most of those are pretty self-explanatory. But a thermometer? Who'd 
> have thought of making *that* out of a coil of wire?

Yeah, hmm. Some dial types use a bimetallic spring. Which I suppose is 
essentially a coil of wire. :) sort of ... That's a stretch, though.

Actually, an amazingly simple piece of technology exists in your car: 
the thermostat that controls the flow of water to the radiator. Purely 
mechanical, no electronics, but works to maintain the temp of the 
coolant in the engine within a certain range. Just a couple metal parts 
and a chunk of wax.



-- 
~Mike

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