The arrangement then forms an extremely sensitive detector of electric waves or of small electromotive forces, or, if a wave falls on the aerial, the electromotive force at once improves the contact between the mercury and the plugs, and therefore causes a sudden increase in the current through the telephone, giving rise to a sound; but when the wave ceases, or the electromotive force is withdrawn, the resistance falls back again to its origin value, and the arrangement is, therefore, self-acting, requiring no tapping or other device for restoring it to receptivity.
"Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy"
John Ambrose Fleming
It was only a question of time before the detector would pick up the clear beam on the Onzar fleet, even in the midst of battle.
"Evil Out of Onzar"
Mark Ganes
Dr. O'Connor, who'd invented a telepathy detector, had been discussing further reaches in his field.
"Out Like a Light"
Gordon Randall Garrett