The 'Free Energy' Perpetual Motion Machines
The Story
For centuries, inventors have claimed to create machines that produce more energy than they consume, violating the laws of thermodynamics. From Robert Fludd's water screw in 1618 to modern 'over-unity' devices, these scams use hidden power sources, misinterpreted measurements, or outright fraud to appear legitimate. They often attract investment from those hoping to revolutionize energy but lacking scientific literacy.
🚩 Red Flags
- Claims that violate established scientific laws
- Secretive designs or 'black box' technology
- Reliance on demonstrations rather than independent testing
- Vague explanations using pseudoscientific terms
- Claims of conspiracy by big oil or established science to suppress them
⚖️ The Fallout
Countless investors have lost money. The most famous modern case was Steorn's Orbo, which claimed free energy and took out a full-page ad in The Economist challenging scientists to test it - it failed spectacularly. These scams continue because the promise of free energy is so alluring.
📚 Lessons Learned
The laws of thermodynamics are not suggestions. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. If someone solved energy forever, they wouldn't need your small investment.
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