William Moulton Marston, creator of Wonder Woman, invented a blood pressure test that became a key component of the modern polygraph machine.

William Moulton Marston was a Harvard-educated psychologist who discovered a strong correlation between lying and elevated systolic blood pressure. In 1915, he developed a test using a standard blood pressure cuff to monitor these physiological changes during interrogations. This discovery became a foundational component of the modern polygraph machine, which was later refined and improved by John Augustus Larson in 1921.Marston was a complex figure who lived in a polyamorous relationship with his wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, and their partner, Olive Byrne. Both women significantly influenced his work and the creation of the Wonder Woman character in 1941. Elizabeth is often credited with suggesting that blood pressure could be used to detect emotion, while Olive's physical appearance inspired the superhero's distinctive look.The connection between the lie detector and the Lasso of Truth is direct and intentional. Marston used the comic book character to promote his psychological theories about truth and submission. The Lasso first appeared in Sensation Comics #6 in 1942, serving as a metaphorical representation of his systolic blood pressure test. It remains one of the most iconic symbols of justice in popular culture.