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Boiling a kettle by will power 1932
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Boiling a kettle by will power 1932
Major Raymond Phillips with the apparatus, by which he claimed to cause an electrical gramophone or kettle to operate. The human body acted, he said, as an earth, and the constant capacity was maintained within 3 yards of the apparatus. Quite brilliantly bonkers. Date: 1932
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Media ID 23216338
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1932 Apparatus Boiling Bonkers Control Experiment Gramophone Jun19 Kettle Major Mind Phillips Power Raymond Scientist Zany Headset Willpower
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In an era of scientific exploration and innovation, the 1930s were a time of great curiosity and intrigue, where the boundaries of human potential seemed limitless. Among the many extraordinary claims that emerged during this period, the image of Major Raymond Phillips boiling a kettle using only his willpower stands out as one of the most zany and bonkers. Major Phillips, a self-proclaimed scientist and inventor, claimed to have discovered a way to harness the power of the human mind to boil a kettle or make a gramophone play, without the need for electrical power. In this photograph, taken in 1932, he is seen wearing a headset and concentrating intently, with the kettle and apparatus in close proximity. According to Phillips, the human body acted as an earth, and the constant capacity was maintained within three yards of the apparatus. The scientific community was skeptical of Phillips' claims, and many dismissed them as pure fantasy. However, the Major remained undeterred and continued to perform demonstrations of his "willpower boiling" technique for curious crowds. While the validity of his experiment may be up for debate, there is no denying the captivating allure of such a bizarre and intriguing concept. This image of Major Raymond Phillips and his willpower-powered kettle is a fascinating glimpse into the past, a reminder of a time when the impossible seemed within reach and the power of the human mind was a source of endless fascination. Whether you find it brilliantly bonkers or madly ingenious, one thing is certain - this photograph is a unique and intriguing piece of scientific history.
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