feedback on... perpetual motion

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MOTHER's readers might more profitably work on the principal idea exhibited by the "atmos" clock, which runs by virtue of small changes in atmospheric pressure. It seems entirely possible that such a structure could be scaled up enough to produce usable forces.

You might also look into the interesting mechanical "motors" which can be made from stretched rubber bands alternately heated by the sun (free energy!) and cooled by water. Or the famous toy called the "drinking bird" could perhaps be increased in size to give appreciable forces . . . again with the aid of the sun's heat. (See MOTHER NO. 22, page 9, for Steve Baer's ingenious application of this idea.—MOTHER.)

In case you're wondering about my qualifications, I have a bachelor's degree with a major in physics, worked 20 years in geophysics and electronic engineering, and have taught physics for 13 years now. I'm hoping that the information I've given here will save MOTHER's readers a good deal of frustration. Admittedly, "new" principles are discovered from time to time . . . but they don't necessarily override older knowledge. Newton's laws still apply today in everyday life, and no fresh finding is likely to make the gravity wheel work.

JOHN W. ECKLIN:

R. Atma's letters and drawings (MOTHER NO. 31, page 124, and NO. 33, page 144) left out a few factors which are important to the perpetual motion wheel. You must consider not only the number and location of the balls, but also the leverage arm, its angle, and the momentum (or speed and direction) of each weight. Most essential is the fact that—because you can't shield the machine from gravity—each ball weighs the same no matter where it is in the device.

However, if magnetism—which is easily shielded—is substituted for gravity, Mr. Atma won't have to give up his dreams.

In fact, anyone can use magnets to propel a car or heat and light a home. If you'd like to see a description of a permanent magnet prime mover (non-thermodynamic), send 504 to the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D.C. 20231 and ask for patent number 3,879,622.

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