X-ray man: The story of the brilliant Soviet inventor

In the history of Soviet science there are many amazing personalities, but Lev Sergeevich Termen occupies a special place among them. He has been called an “X-ray man” and a “magician from the laboratory” – an inventor, musician, scout and scientist whose abilities and achievements still arouse admiration and many questions.




The beginning of genius
Lev Termen was born in 1896 in St. Petersburg in the family of a lawyer. From an early age he displayed exceptional abilities in physics, music and invention. Already in his youth he created unusual devices and experimented with electricity. After graduating from the Conservatory in the cello class and the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Petrograd University, Termen began work at the Physico-Technical Institute.




Unique abilities and first inventions
It was here that his amazing gift – the ability to “see” electromagnetic fields and their interaction with the human body – was revealed. The Theremin could literally "glow through" objects and people, determining their internal structure. This ability allowed him to create many revolutionary inventions.
His most famous invention was the theremin, the world’s first electronic musical instrument that could be played without touching it. The sound was produced by the movement of the hands in an electromagnetic field between the two antennas. This invention made a splash around the world and is still in use today.




Working for intelligence agencies
In the 1920s, Termen’s abilities caught the attention of Soviet intelligence services. His unique understanding of electromagnetic fields and his ability to create innovative devices have made him an indispensable specialist in the development of spy technology.
Theremin created several revolutionary systems of protection and surveillance, working on the principles of changing the electromagnetic field. His most famous invention was the Buran, a moving object detection system that could work even through walls.




Secret experiments
In secret laboratories, Theremin conducted experiments to study the ability of the human body to interact with electromagnetic fields. He developed techniques to determine the state of the internal organs of a person without X-rays, using only electromagnetic waves.
Of particular interest were his studies on the transmission of thoughts over a distance by means of electromagnetic waves. Although most of the material about these experiments is still classified, it is known that some experiments have produced striking results.


American period
In 1927, Termen was sent to the United States to demonstrate Soviet scientific achievements and gather intelligence. There he opened a laboratory, where he continued his research and gave concerts on the theremin. His inventions interested major American companies, including RCA and General Electric.


Return to the USSR and repression
In 1938, Termen was unexpectedly recalled to the USSR. Upon his return, he was arrested and sent to the closed design bureau of the NKVD, where he continued to work on secret projects. One of the most famous was the listening device “Chrysostom”, which was installed in the American Embassy and worked for many years.


Legacy of the inventor
After his release, Termen continued his scientific work, but on a more modest scale. He created several more versions of the theremin and other electronic instruments and taught at the Moscow Conservatory. The inventor died in 1993 at the age of 97.


Mysteries and mysteries
Many aspects of Termen's life and work are still shrouded in mystery. His ability to “see” through objects has never been scientifically explained. Some researchers believe that he had a special sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, others believe that his abilities were the result of long training and experiments.
Lev Termen remains one of the most mysterious figures in the history of Soviet science. His inventions were decades ahead of time, and some of his ideas are still waiting. The history of the “X-ray man” continues to attract the attention of researchers and lovers of the mysteries of science from around the world.


Categories:
Historical personalities
The mysteries of science
Hidden developments
Soviet inventors
Special services of the USSR
Unexplained abilities
History of technology
Biography of scientists