# Are scalar weapons for real? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 4, 2003, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879 "2003-08-04T12:50:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 22
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/421 "2003-08-30T01:09:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tuckerfan \* > \*\* > Additionally, **GQ** , IIRC, Nicky Tesla had designs for broadcast power equipment that was small enough to fit into a Tucker with the cloak and death ray installed. Also, Tucker himself had plans for building a car equipped with four small turbines nestled in the wheel wells to provide motive power for the vehicle. Correct me if I’m wrong, but such a configuration _would_ allow not only for the installation of a cloak and death ray, but also a recharge time of only a few minutes. \*\* It would be hard to say. The major problem is that all the files relating to the Tucker Death Ray Company appear to have been stolen, probably around 1961, and possibly by either Dr. Carlin or one of the Barrises. As a result of this, all knowledge about the Tucker Death Rays comes from contemporary articles, the surviving Death Rays (of which there are 490), and information gained from surviving employees. ---
**Author:** ![legion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/838e76/32.png) [@legion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legion)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/422 "2003-08-30T01:11:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Cervaise \* > \*\*Is that the one with the supplemental flywheel? I can’t find my reference material and I want to keep the models straight. \*\* I’m not sure if that was the one but I did hear somewhere that the introduction of the flywheel had a useful secondary effect. Apparently the flywheel also acted, quite unintentionally, as a heat dissipater. You know how the pre-flywheel models were prone to “locking up” due to excessive heat build up in the Neptunium crystal when used on full automatic? Well, the heat build up problem just seemed to disappear after the introduction of the flywheel! ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/423 "2003-08-30T01:17:43Z")
The flywheels also provided gyroscopic stabilization for the matrix array of the cloak generator. That way, if the vehicle hit a bump it would not become partially visible. ---
**Author:** ![legion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/838e76/32.png) [@legion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legion)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/424 "2003-08-30T01:34:19Z")
Has the first use of Death Ray technology in a hostile environment ever been nailed down? ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/425 "2003-08-30T02:05:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by legion \* > \*\*Has the first use of Death Ray technology in a hostile environment ever been nailed down? \*\* In 1923, during the White Russian campaign against the Bolshevics, a contingent of British trained Americans operating under the code Name **Bubba Has A New Pair Of Shoes** or **BHANPOS** , arrived at Archangel with a bewieldering array of “automotive” equipment. Of course, it wasn’t car parts, but instead a top secret weapons project. [Cite](http://www.penguinwarehouse.com/) (The cite site is in code, obviously. I have clearance. You don’t) In march of that year, a company of these Americans set off on a mission into the interior, never to be seen again. The disappearance of over 90,000 Bolshevics is linked through internal Communist Party memos to this event. Quote one top Red Army officer, “Holy shitzniks! Eet vas bad, da!” His lack of proper accent led to his execution, but not before he sent a coded wiregram to Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Products, Co, Inc., the US puppet organisation for scalar weapon research. Which was, of course, a front for death ray manufacture. All of this info is still classified, but, I have the clearance to read it. This post will most likely see me removed from all ISPs and my files deleted. But, the word has to be heard. Death Ray weapons are being manufactured as we speak. All of the design of the 1920s, since they attained perfection then. Keep watching the skys! I mean, Red rum is murder! Oh shitzniks! They already found me! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/426 "2003-08-30T02:18:10Z")
Why are you shocked that they still make Death Rays, **NoClueBoy**? As I’ve mentioned before in this thread, any member of the general public can go down to a death ray dealer and buy one. I should know, I have 8 (mainly out of inheritance). ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/427 "2003-08-30T02:41:45Z")
Oh… Well… Never mind then. ;j ---
**Author:** ![legion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/838e76/32.png) [@legion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legion)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/428 "2003-08-30T03:08:11Z")
Not only is there a thriving Death Ray industry, there is also a very active Death Ray pressure group, the National Death Ray Association. The NDRA is closely, if secretly, affiliated with the NRA. While the NRA are confident of, in this election year, a seemless transition of power from the out going President Charlton Heston, the NDRA are less than confident that a suitable new President can be found to replace the current President, Ming the Merciless. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/429 "2003-08-30T03:42:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by legion \* > \*\*Not only is there a thriving Death Ray industry, there is also a very active Death Ray pressure group, the National Death Ray Association. The NDRA is closely, if secretly, affiliated with the NRA. > > While the NRA are confident of, in this election year, a seemless transition of power from the out going President Charlton Heston, the NDRA are less than confident that a suitable new President can be found to replace the current President, Ming the Merciless. \*\* Heh, I’ve seen cars with a NDRA bumper stickers running around here. One of them was kind of funny, I thought. > [@](#): > > I’m in the NDRA and I vote with a beam weapon! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/430 "2003-08-30T03:45:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by legion \* > **Not only is there a thriving Death Ray industry, there is also a very active Death Ray pressure group, the National Death Ray Association.** Really! Any idea how I can subscribe to the newsletter? (I bet the ads in the back would be interesting.) ---
**Author:** ![MonkeyMule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@MonkeyMule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMule)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/431 "2003-08-30T04:02:52Z")
Maybe we should submit our drink Idea to the NDRA. But on a more serious note, say someone was able to restore the brizian tucker to working order. Who are the death ray manucatures I should go to for which part in order to get the third eye beam up and runing? Also what would I use to cool the weapon as the aformentiond fins and disks can not be moutnted. Also, would it nbe possible to mount a secodary aiming system for the beam to be operated from the passanger seat? Lastly what would the most relaibe cost evicent fuel to use? SHould dumb the fuel tank for space and switch over to fuel cells or what? ---
**Author:** ![Doc\_Nickel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@Doc\_Nickel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doc_Nickel)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/432 "2003-08-30T04:03:35Z")
“Death rays don’t kill people… oh, wait, yes they do.” “You’ll get my Death Ray when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Or, if the Trans-electron modulator coil misfires, from my charred, smoldering fingers.” “Happiness is a charged particle beam!” … hey, anybody hear an ominous hummmmm? ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/433 "2003-08-30T04:07:10Z")
**legion** Although **NoClueBoy** cited a reference of death rays being used in a hostile environment in 1923, it has been postulated that due to early experiments by the French in the late 1890’s: [http://www.geocities.com/internet\_web\_surfer\_dude/raydemort.htm](http://www.geocities.com/internet_web_surfer_dude/raydemort.htm) the death ray _may_ have been used in the Boer War (1899-1902) (depending upon France’s willingness to share Death Ray technology with Great Britain). One fairly reliable source is a first-hand account written by a British General Reginald Smythe Stratford-On-Newark entitled “Boer War ?? Shmore War !!!” A real page-turner - a “must-read”. ---
**Author:** ![Baggins111](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@Baggins111](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baggins111)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/434 "2003-08-30T04:34:14Z")
OK, for the benefit of all, but for the most part **DocCathode** for suggesting it and **MonkeyMule** for giving the recipe… I tried the recipe. Maybe it was a joke by MonkeyMule with his slung feces and all, but maybe, just maybe, it was a legit suggestion. At least the bartende… I mean, lab assistant, thought it was as well. Blue Tequila = Tarantula (A good brand, considering all the arachnaphobes there are on SDMB), Gin = Hell, any gin I could think of - don’t drink gin (until now) lemon and some lime. Oh, and some Sprite. Unfortuntely, It wasn’t mixed and served in a Martini glass. We (meaning the cute off-duty bartender and I) took it as a shot - as a 1920’s style death ray should be. Going down it was pretty good. The aftertaste wasn’t all that great. I wouldn’t expect a 1920’s style death ray to feel pleasant. Probably just like it should taste. Kinda like when you chew on aluminum foil… But with a hint of some kind of mint. Report on how the Death Ray part was in the morning. So far it’s working well as the room is spinning and it has taken me almost a hour type this… OK, back to legit posts about 1920’s style death rays. ---
**Author:** ![Baggins111](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@Baggins111](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baggins111)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/435 "2003-08-30T04:39:45Z")
OK, for the benefit of all, but for the most part **DocCathode** for suggesting it and **MonkeyMule** for giving the recipe… I tried the recipe. Maybe it was a joke by MonkeyMule with his slung feces and all, but maybe, just maybe, it was a legit suggestion. At least the bartende… I mean, lab assistant, thought it was as well. Blue Tequila = Tarantula (A good brand, considering all the arachnaphobes there are on SDMB), Gin = Hell, any gin I could think of - don’t drink gin (until now) lemon and some lime. Oh, and some Sprite. Unfortuntely, It wasn’t mixed and served in a Martini glass. We (meaning the cute off-duty bartender and I) took it as a shot - as a 1920’s style death ray should be. Going down it was pretty good. The aftertaste wasn’t all that great. I wouldn’t expect a 1920’s style death ray to feel pleasant. Probably just like it should taste. Kinda like when you chew on aluminum foil… But with a hint of some kind of mint. Report on how the Death Ray part was in the morning. So far it’s working well as the room is spinning and it has taken me almost a hour type this… OK, back to legit posts about 1920’s style death rays. ---
**Author:** ![skander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e5b9ba/32.png) [@skander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skander)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/436 "2003-08-30T06:27:02Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Governor Quinn \* > \*\*Clean my eyesockets out, if you will, but there’s _newsreel footage_ from 1943 and 1944 of him chairing public hearings of the Board of Experimental Weapons. In addition, it’s very well known among experts on death ray history that Dr. Hobbes gave lectures on the subject at Columbia University in 1949, Dartmouth College in 1955, Harvard University in 1958, 1960, and 1961, the University of Chicago in 1959, Cambridge College in 1959 and 1962, Oxford in 1960, the UN Building in 1961, the Waldorf-Astoria in 1963, and at the Conrad Hilton in 1965. \*\* My source wishes to remain anonymous, but I have it on good authority that Dr. Hobbes was not seen in public again following an event in 1965 referred to as “The Noodle Incident”. Little is known of this event and solid information is hard to come by; my source was evasive and, frankly, not very informative. The rumour mill whispers of evidence destroyed and a conspiracy of silence. Perhaps someone here can illuminate this mysterious happening? ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/437 "2003-08-30T07:35:15Z")
hmmm I wonder if I might have finally found a market for my 1920’s style death ray reflector? ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/438 "2003-08-30T08:23:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by wolf\_meister \* > **it has been postulated that due to early experiments by the French in the late 1890’s … the death ray _may_ have been used in the Boer War (1899-1902)…** May I presume that “death ray” scholars are dubious about including Archimedes (mentioned briefly back on page 4 by **DocCathode** , _sans_ discussion of the associated parabolic mathematics of Apollonius of Perga) and the impossible-to-validate tales of his ship-burning mirrors in the official history of the device in question? ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Ellis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/439 "2003-08-30T10:13:49Z")
Yes. Both Erhardt (1988) and Warner (1993) both mention that, although it was theoretically possible for Archimedes to have designed a death ray, the heat exchange unit would have been next to useless without the high-temperature alloys developed during the Industrial Revolution. Da Vinci mentioned this in one of his manuscripts. FWIW, Servo and Forrester both concur, although electronics manufacturer Tobias Vaughn (1975) claimed to have built a portable unit without such a unit. Such claims are thought to be dubious. ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2003, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/440 "2003-08-30T14:25:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by skander \* > \*\*My source wishes to remain anonymous, but I have it on good authority that Dr. Hobbes was not seen in public again following an event in 1965 referred to as “The Noodle Incident”. > > Little is known of this event and solid information is hard to come by; my source was evasive and, frankly, not very informative. The rumour mill whispers of evidence destroyed and a conspiracy of silence. Perhaps someone here can illuminate this mysterious happening? \*\* The “Noodle Incident”, from what little can be determined, happened to Prof. Calvin. Dr. Hobbes stopped appearing publicly because he was terminally ill (he died in 1967). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879.md?page=23)