Let's try this again:

In a message dated 11/26/00 10:07:56 PM, ingalls_mark@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< this would be a resistor I presume. . .

. . . I'm trying to learn more about electronics.
 >>

Mark,

Exactly.  This is more in the arena of electical power from about the time
that Edison was still in the workshop.  At one time, banks of large lamps
(1000 watters ) were used to load test generators and for motor control.

Rich