Metal Eating Monster UncoveredbyFredric E. Finch ©1997 All Rights Reserved |
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| Marine biologists have long been familiar with many types of Annelids (marine worms) but few have even seen the elusive Acetylid. We are all aware of their action though: They are what is really responsible for the metal parts of our boats gradually disappearing. These tiny monsters, which have a small oxyacetylene torch in their lower jaw, swim underwater and cut small chunks off any exposed metal, then consume these tasty tidbits with relish. Nothing is sacred. They will eat almost any kind of metal. Fortunately, these devils have a craving for zinc. (We know zinc to be an element that all creatures need for survival.) We can thus protect the necessary parts of our machinery with collars and plates of this metal. It would appear that the failure of scientists to bring this creature to surface before now was chiefly due to the Acetylid's ability to burn their way out of any container or trap that man could devise. I have heard that the Department of Health has stopped efforts to trap this elusive creature using asbestos nets because of danger to workers from this hazardous material. The drawing was done after a brief glimpse just as my propeller dropped off. |
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