by Arthur J. Ellis

The Diving Rod A History of Water Witching

By Arthur J. Ellis, Washington Government Printing Office, First Printed 1917 (Reprint, 1957)

Contents:
Introductory note by O.E. Meinzer
Form of the divining rod
Origin of the divining rod
Spread of the delusion
Origin of “water witching”
Ecclesiastical controversies
Use of the divining rod in detecting criminals
Scientific controversies
Le Brun and Other
Thouvenel
Cheveruel and Faraday
Latiimer
Raymond
Barret
Mager
Recent investigations
Mechanical water finder
Bibiolgraphy of “water witching”
Index

Excerpt:

SPREAD OF THE DELUSION

German miners were imported into England during the reign of Elizabeth (1558-1603) to lend an impetus to the industry in Cornwall, which had been passing through a period of depression. By them the divining rod was introduced into England, and before the end of the seventeenth century it had spread through the countries of Europe. Everywhere it aroused controversy. Its champions, among whom some of the most learned men of the time, explained it operation, as, indeed, they explained nearly all facts of physics and chemistry, on the principle of “sympathy” or “attraction and repulsion.” The common phenomena of gravity and magnetism doubtless suggested this interpretation.

Language: English
Product Code: B0155

Price: $14.95