[GreenKeys] Copper Wire?

[Dave Mayfield W9WRL]

Copper wire was invented by accident many years ago by two Germans 
fighting over a penny.

I know this for a fact as I have seen it happen. My Mom and my brother 
are the two cheapest tightest penny pinching Germans you ever saw. 
Anytime I need more wire I just toss a penny in front of them and 
presto! I got wire.

Brooke Clarke wrote:
> Hi:
>
> While researching electro-magnets and reading the 1831 papers of 
> Joshph Henry I've learned that the horseshoe electro-magnets he made 
> used copper wire (1/40 to 1/20" dia) that he insulated with Silk.  
> Later he changed to cotton that worked about the same but was not as 
> expensive.
>
> I've found references to iron wire making in 1565 for use in making 
> "cards" used to comb sheep's wool.
>
> Also bare "Bell Wire" which was used with mechanical force like in a 
> hotel or mansion where the servants were called by ringing a bell.
>
> But have not been able to get a date and application for copper wire.  
> Maybe it was "Bell Wire"?
>
> Anyone know when and why copper wire came about?
>