:w:Hiram Percy Maxim

“ This insulator was the pride of my wireless heart for several years.
Anyhow, my father got so interested, that he presented little Lloydie with $2.75—with which the aforementioned gentleman purchased a quarter-inch Rhumkorf coil from Sears-Roebuck. Doubtless the sale is recorded in their records—skeptics in doubt as to my veracity may inquire of this firm. I am a bit ahead of my story, however. Before buying the Rhumkorf coil, I tried to make one—a friend having given me a lot of snarled 36. Did you ever perform on about a pound of 36 that was beyond being ever straightened out? ”

“ In those days nothing could be bought—everything had to be made—and believe me fellow “why or less men” many a cocoa box and tomato can has been slaughtered by the author. And he is glad of it. Having to make a thing is the best way to understand the working of that thing. ”

“ Although I have since bought several hundred, dollars worth of stuff, I shall never regret the fact that I formerly had to make my own instruments. And some of my best successes have been obtained with the use of home made stuff. ”