In a message dated 6/5/2006 11:43:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

The  mantle was a beehive-shaped matrix of thorium
dioxide, formed by burning  away a muslin bag impregnated with it. The
mantles were quite radioactive


Hi Brian,

I do recall using such elements in lanterns on camping expeditions as a boy
and your note was a reminder that they were radioactive. (though not  much
fuss was made of it at the time). On reflecting upon that, I  was reminded of a
quote from Will Rogers, who once observed  that: "None of us is smart enough to
remember everything we know".   That said, it appears that he never got to
meet you...  ;-)

Best,
Joe