The first metal detector was invented in 1900 by Italian physicist, Augusto Nascenzi. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that metal detecting began to gain popularity as a recreational activity. During this time, metal detectors were relatively simple, using a single coil to detect metal objects. These early detectors were prone to interference and often produced false signals, making it difficult for users to pinpoint targets.
Enter George Overton and Carl Moreland. These weren't just armchair theorists; they were hardcore electronics enthusiasts and engineers who believed that understanding the tool was just as rewarding as using it. Their work—compiled in technical papers, schematics, and the foundational Inside The Metal Detector book—served as a wrecking ball to the wall of proprietary secrecy. Inside The Metal Detector George Overton Carl Moreland.pdf
: The physics behind how a metal target responds to a magnetic field by creating its own secondary field. The first metal detector was invented in 1900
