At 06:42 PM 1/7/00 -0800, Davidson wrote:

 >>>>

 Wendy & John, I don't believe the  catalytic heater had been invented
 twenty years ago.
  >>
Please consider that pollution controls and automotive catalytic converters
were introduced over 25 years ago to promote  a very similar reaction, if for
a different purpose. Platinum's use as a catalyst and as an electrode goes
back many decades  further in the world of chemistry and industry. Catalytic
heters were around back then. Similarly, mantles of many lanterns since World
War 2 used another heavy metal to achieve increased light output.

I also own an avacado green 'mushroom' Coleman catalytic heater that operates
on Coleman liquid fuel. I also have two other 70's vintage propane fuelled
catalytic heaters.
As I understand it, the big advance in recent years has been in the design of
the substrate/carrier for the catalyst.
Early 'wicks' were very physically and functionally delicate, prone to
fraying and plugging which lead to incomplete combustion, odours and
headaches.

JoE