Excerpt from The Divining Rod: A History of Water Witching
The use of a forked twig, or so-called divining rod, in locating minerals, finding hidden treasure, or detecting criminals is a curious superstition that has been a subject of discussion since the middle of the Sixteenth century and still has a strong hold on the popular mind, even in this country, as is Shown by the large number of inqui ries received each year by the United States Geological Survey as to its efficacy, especially for locating underground water, and the per sistent demands that it be made a subject of investigation by the Survey. The bibliography Shows that a truly astonishing number of books and pamphlets have been written on the subject. The purpose of the present brief paper is not to add another contribution to this enormous volume of uncanny literature but merely to furnish a reply to the numerous inquiries that are continually being received from all parts of the country. The outline of the history of the sub ject presented in the following pages will probably enable most honest inquirers to appreciate the practical uselessness Of water Witching and other applications of the divining rod, but those who wish to delve further into the mysteries of the subject are referred to the literature cited in the bibliography, in which they will find reports in painful detail of exhaustive investigations and pseudo investigations of every phase of the subject and every imaginable explanation of the supposed phenomena.
It is doubtful whether so much investigation and discussion have been bestowed on any other subject with such absolute lack of posi tive results. It is difficult to see how for practical purposes the entire matter could be more thoroughly discredited, and it should be obvious to everyone that further tests by the United States Geo logical Survey of this so-called Witching for water, oil, or other minerals would be a misuse of public funds.
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Anbieter: Forgotten Books, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Paperback. Zustand: New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the captivating history of the divining rod, a tool shrouded in mystery and controversy for centuries. It unveils the origins of this enigmatic device, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations and its evolution through the ages. The author explores the diverse applications of the divining rod, from its early use in locating minerals and buried treasure to its later adoption in water witching and even criminal investigations. The narrative takes readers on a journey through the ecclesiastical and scientific debates that have surrounded the divining rod since the 16th century. It examines the perspectives of both advocates and skeptics, shedding light on the enduring fascination with this seemingly supernatural instrument. The book delves into the theories attempting to explain the rod's supposed powers, including animal magnetism, terrestrial electricity, and even subconscious psychological influences. Through a meticulous examination of historical accounts and scientific investigations, this book offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the divining rod phenomenon. It challenges readers to question the boundaries between belief and skepticism, science and superstition, ultimately revealing the enduring power of human curiosity and the allure of the unexplained in our quest to understand the world around us. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 9780266135517_0
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PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9780266135517
Anbieter: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, Vereinigtes Königreich
PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9780266135517
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