[DeTomaso] coil resistor

[boyd casey]

I noticed that the resistor mounted on the fire wall between the coil and
the voltage regulator had both wires attached to one terminal. I assume the
mechanic who installed the MSD distributor joined both wires to the left
hand pole and the right pole had no wire but still had the nut so it didn't
come off by it's self. Is this normal for an MSD ignition. What purpose does
the resistor serve?Boyd