The Story Of The Metal Detector

Having a metal detecting hobby is ideal as it comes with many unique perks. For instance, those that engage in this hobby are bound to be physically fit, they are exposed to new environments, get to learn history the easier way and it also helps them get new friends. That being said, did you know that the metal detector you use in your everyday quests has a rich, long history? This history is surprisingly even linked to a historical president of the United States of America. Hang in there as this piece seeks to expound more on this tool’s story.

The First Metal Detectors

After the invention of electricity late in the 18th Century, scholars, gold miners as well as scientists all combined efforts in coming up with a tool that would aid them in detecting metal in the ground. The motivation behind their efforts was that numerous prospectors that were still looking for gold post the ‘Gold-Rush’ would find the tool quite useful as it would literally make them rich. Throughout the first half of the 19th century, nothing came to fruition. However, by 1881, the first metal detector was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. It was not linked to finding gold as the inventor made it in an attempt to save an ailing President-James Garfield- who had been shot in Washington D.C. The leader had been shot in his back but was lucky the bullet and wound did not kill him instantly. Top doctors tried to locate the bullet in vain and the president would continue to suffer immensely.

When Graham visited the ailing leader, he came up with the metal detector to help medics try and locate the bullet. This was not as successful as the metal springs on the president’s bed ended up confusing the unique machine. The president died eventually from an infection on September 19, 1881. 

Improvement of the Designs

While the first tool of this nature did not serve its intended purpose, it became a prototype that formed the basis of all the modern metal detectors. Graham’s device was a big, complex device which was run on vacuum tubes. The devices would increase in number and by during the first and second world wars, the military used them to detect land mines or unexploded bombs.

Around the same time, Gerhard Fisher was given the patent to the first portable detector which he invented during his navigational quests. He sold the first tool from his company, Fisher metal Detectors in 1931.

Modern Day

Since the 1950s, a lot has happened with regards to the Metal Detector. For instance, stakeholders such as Charles Garrett would create a metal detector that was able to get rid of the oscillator drift. Modern day tools have high levels of technology, thanks to the internet, and are highly portable. They can also be used by different populations. Get yourself this tool and have fun in your hobby.