Before we get to modern perpetual motion machines, let’s take a look at some actually interesting ideas that illustrate the limit of the second law. First up, the Brownian Ratchet.

To others (like me), perpetual motion machines are impossible—they don't fit with our well-tested ideas of the conservation of energy. However, they can still make a fun puzzle, as you see above.

Everyone loves perpetual motion machines. They represent the highest levels of creativity in finding loopholes in the laws of physics. Let's take a look at this one.

All of the perpetual motion machine-like figurines are handmade by Mr. Lee, so there may be slight differences in the inclination of the rails, etc. For this reason, it is necessary to make fine ...

Not quite a perpetual motion machine, but it’ll do. Bill Perkins is editorial page editor of the Dothan Eagle and can be reached at [email protected] or 334-712-7901.

Harry Perrigo, an MIT graduate, also demonstrated a perpetual motion machine to the US Congress in 1917. That device had a secret battery. However, some inventors probably weren’t frauds.

To them, it's a machine that is just beyond our grasp. If only we could tweak our design just a little bit, it would work. To others (like me), perpetual motion machines are impossible—they don't fit ...