Short Stories of Science and Invention

A Collection of Radio Talks by

Charles F. Kettering

INDEX

Weekly, from September 1942 to July 1945, Charles F. Kettering gave five-minute intermission talks about Science and Invention during the radio broadcasts of the General Motors Symphony of the Air.

Kettering invented the first automobile self-starter, and for 31 years directed a research laboratory for General Motors.

These radio talks are a fascinating legacy from the mind of a prolific inventor. The obvious anachronisms now add a historical perspective of the war-time period in which they were written.

These web pages now preserve some of the most popular stories for a new generation to read The text and art come from a General Motors booklet of selected talks. (Reprint, March 1959)

31. Dots and Dashes
A Radio Talk by Charles F. Kettering

Next Wednesday, May 24, [1944], we understand there will be re-enacted in Washington a scene which took place just 100 years ago. A telegraph message will be sent from Washington to Baltimore - the dots and dashes will again spell out, "What hath God wrought ?"

Smoke Signals

     Today when we hear the word "telegraph" we naturally think of an electrical device, but many other methods of sending messages have been designed by men through the ages. Over 3,000 years ago the Greeks relayed back to Greece news of the capture of Troy, by signaling with fires.

     The American Indians used puffs of smoke for signals. One of the largest of the mounds they used for this purpose is near Miamisburg, Ohio, about 10 miles from Dayton.

    Tribes in Africa and on the islands of the Pacific have for centuries had a form of telegraph, using specially made drums; for extreme distances a listening drum is exactly tuned to the same tone as the sending drum.