MACHINE TO DETECT UNTRUTHS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16762, 11 June 1920, Page 7

MACHINE TO DETECT UNTRUTHS.

Among the marvels of dolicato mechanism is an apparatus invented by Dr. Augustus D. Waller, E.R.S., of tho London University, by which it is possible to detect liars. This is done by taking elbctric records of tho effect of cross-examination on criminal’s nervous system tt> indicate whether lie is telling the truth. Dr. Waller discovered that tho resistance of tho skin to electricity varies with tho_ state of tho emotions, and has so developed the discovery, that oven apprehension can plainly bo “.spotted” by the fluctuations of a spot of light on a scale. “This,” ho says, “is haw wo shall get tho criminal. Ho will bo trying to prove an alibi. Ho will look the judge in the cyo and say ho was never, say, at Chelsea, in his life. Now we apply my method. Attach the electric wires to his hands and then show him a few pictures, including one of tho place tho criminal was suspected of having visited. Tho others will give negative results, but when he is shown that particular one the result will be that tho light will jump—and there is no power in mortal rmin to stop It.”