episode1.490: Learning curve—Alaska with Bill MorrisonBill Morrison and The Turam and the TURAM
alan skeoch
feb. 14, 2026
Early in June, 1958, I me’t Bill Morrison on a run down airstrip in
dilllingham, western Alaska. He taught me how to set up and run the Turam, a sophisticated geophyhsical
instrument that can detect mineralized deposit such as chalcopyrite and other ore bodies deep beneath
overburden of the ground.
The rivers of western Alaska were loaded with Pacific salmon in a rush drop eggs among the gravel riverbeds.
Bill was also an avid fisherman and needed help crossing and crisscrossing the river far below our
tundra campsite. Helping Bill got me an American work permit.
…see pic below.
This is Bill Morriston strapped into te key parts of the Turam
metaphysical instrument…a long receiving coil hanging from his
waist…a receiving mechanism on his chest…a battery pack
on his back…not seen is the mile long grounded copper wire, grounding rods and motor generator.
Should a kodiak bear take a fancy to Bill he had no chance of escape.
With this in minder contracted, Humble spoil of Texas provided
30-06 rifles. Hw could Bill have carried a rifle as well as Turam
pieces?
Note: This is the beginning of series of stories about mining exploration…particularly the mines I had
the good fortune to visit, most of
which have been abandoned.
alan skeoch,
february, 2026.
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