I should have done some Googling before I asked about the telectroscope. The real device is apparently as fascinating a piece of technological fiction as anything Twain might have written about its inventor! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telectroscope However, the idea did not die with Jan Szcsepanik. It was finally brought to fruition just last year in a breakthrough (in more than one sense of the word) that should have received more general recognition than it has. Here's the full report: http://www.telectroscope.net/ Be sure to read all the links... (Next I have a bridge in London to sell you). Ben