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 Dowsing

   A technique for finding and measuring some field effects that
                 involve our sub-conscious minds?

                         by Dudley H. Wheeler M.A.

     "The answer I like to believe is that by doing so, the results will provide evidence
     for physical fields that science is so far reluctant to accept, give clues towards a
     new theory of quantum mechanics, yield more information about the ability of brain
     waves to initiate automatic reflex actions, a new view on the impact of blinking the
     eyes, and suggest to biologists the possible generation of attraction and repulsion
     effects between cells purely related to their shape. Such new information will
     hopefully contribute towards gaining a better understanding of how the conscious
     and sub-conscious minds interact."
 

Introduction

Dowsing first became a serious interest for me after I read a newspaper article explaining how
Professor Reddish (Emeritus Professor of Astronomy, Edinburgh University) walked over a linear object ( eg. a pole or wire) with two dowsing rods in his hands (see Fig 1) and they rotated tocross over in front of his chest. He subsequently showed that walking under a suspended wire gave the same reaction. If a plastic tube was put down on the ground under the length of the wire, the rod crossing did not take place under the wire, but at intervals on either side of the plastic tube. For Professor Reddish1 this represented an example of a classical wave interference pattern, but for me it showed that dowsing was real physics in action.

Trying to measure the interference patterns from multiple linear objects (wooden poles) in a field, I found that walking between two trees caused the dowsing rods to rotate. So, walking over a linear object causes a rod rotation and so does walking between two trees. Associating the trees with circular bases, I placed dinner plates on the floor of my living room and obtained the same rod rotations. Diagrammatically, the rods turned from 
It then transpired that any object with a circular base (eg. a wine bottle or saucepan) would initiate the crossing of the dowsing rods. From this point onwards, I conducted a variety of experiments with linear and circular objects in different configurations to try and establish some basic patterns or reactions from the dowsing rods that would help lead to a better understanding and could be duplicated by others.
 

Linked to our Consciousness

Nobody has yet been able to come up with an explanation of the dowsing phenomenon, but the dowsing fraternity are very firmly convinced that the mind is involved. Besides the paranormal ability called Map-Dowsing, which remotely locates missing objects like keys and people, I have come to accept that the mind is able to carry out some sort of tuning function that enables it to concentrate on the job in hand and exclude all the other extraneous background signals (eg. from other linear and circular objects around) that would otherwise be expected to cause some interference. The mind seems to be able to pick up these tuned signals and trigger a response that enables the dowsing rods to rotate.

Experiments

Practically all my experimental evidence has been obtained in the home using linear objects (eg.
wooden poles, plastic tubes, wire, golf clubs) and circular ones
(eg. dinner plates, plastic bowls, wine bottles). It is estimated that at least 80% of people can
dowse, so readers have the opportunity to confirm the results for themselves in the comfort of their own living rooms.

Observations and speculations on what can be measured are noted below. I do not pretend to
understand all of them, but they are included in the hope that others may note something of
interest, which I may have otherwise ignored in a brief summary.

General Observations on what can be measured.

1. Materials. The dowsing phenomenon occurs both with ferro-magnetic (eg. steel, iron) and non ferro-magnetic materials (eg. wood, bone, plastic).
2. The shapes or boundaries of objects are important in determining where the dowsing rods rotate and the locations seem to follow the rules of Euclidean geometry. That is, rotations occur when the dowser arrives :

   a.At the boundary of a linear or circular object.
   b.At the line connecting the centres of circles
   c.Where the line of a linear object or perpendicular from it, intersects with the centre of a
     circle.
   d.Where linear objects either face parallel or perpendicular to one another and their line
     extensions also overlap one another

I term these the Euclidean Locations for Rotation.

3. All objects can affect all other objects. A pressure effect?

Linear and circular objects are found to interact with one another in producing dowsing rod
rotations. As everything can be considered to be made up from lines and curves, it is but a small step to consider that all objects can potentially interact with any other object. As a speculation, this interaction can be regarded as being similar to Einstein's second component of gravity, the pressure that matter exerts upon its surroundings (lambda, the cosmological constant), which can be positive or negative.

4. The dowsing zone where rod rotations commence and end is quite narrow; inches rather than feet wide.

5. The strength of the rod rotation (as felt in the hands) is generally very similar for all experiments, but has been known to vary. It can be particularly strong when dowsing with Y-shaped twigs rather than L-shaped rods. Adding one object to another does not increase the strength of the rod rotation, but the effect may possibly alter the shape of the combined object and its Euclidean Locations for Rotation.

6. Electromagnetic Association. Walking through a light beam will initiate a dowsing rod rotation.
Other researchers findings2,3,4 show that electromagnetic fields such as radio waves, ionising
radiation, electric fields and electrostatic shocks either affect, or are affected by, dowsing zones.
This evidence suggests that there is a dowsing field (D-Field) present, which can co-exist with
electromagnetic radiation, although it is not electromagnetic itself.

7. D-Fields (Dowsing Fields)

There are many dowsing experiments that provide further indications of the existence of D-Fields whilst dowsing.

(i) Interference Patterns

By varying the height of his suspended wire above the plastic tubing on the ground, Reddish1 found that the intervals between the dowsing zones on the ground increased as the wire height
decreased ( and vice-versa).

These variations in the interference patterns suggest field effects.

(ii) Rod Angles

The angles rotated by the rods vary, but are commonly found to be 0° (), 45° (), or 90° ( ).

Other intermediate values and negative values are found (eg. ,).

(iii) Attraction and repulsion

One situation causing what looks like fields of attraction and repulsion between an object and a
single dowsing rod [as defined by the closing () or opening () of the rod], happens whilst
walking alongside a linear object (eg. a wooden pole).

Putting down a series of parallel wooden poles and walking between them, the single dowsing rod describes a curved path that simulates a repeated attraction and repulsion effect (see Fig 3)

Such patterns also occur whilst walking between parallel gravestones or down the aisle of a
church, where the rod turns opposite the straight bases of the pews and traverses across in the
blank entry spaces between them.

(iv) Universal Field

The rods rotate back to their forward direction after leaving the dowsing zone.

Objects are found to leave imprints or memories of their position long after they have been
removed1,4,6. This imprinting can last for minutes, days or years.

Both of these effects suggest the presence of a Universal Dowsing Field (UD-Field).

(v) Motion / Inductance

Raising the dowsing rods quickly into the horizontal search position, and/or walking briskly into the
dowsing zone seems to enhance the sensitivity of the dowsing rod reaction. Such a result brings
to mind the concept of 'cutting lines of force'. The same type of result was obtained by Tromp4
using a changing magnetic field, which could be detected and a static one, which could not.

If the D-Field can exhibit effects normally associated with electromagnetism, it is intriguing to
speculate on where are the induction effects both on earth and the cosmos.

8. Energy

Where does the rod rotation energy come from?

Opinion is divided upon whether it is a field effect or whether the rods rotate under the action of gravity and involuntary muscular action. I favour the field effect, because I cannot see or feel the muscular activity and some dowsers using the Y-rod have experienced the bark stripping away from their wooden rod as a result of their efforts to resist the twisting action in their
hands. But even if this is a field effect, is the energy supplied externally or from the human body or mind?

9. Receptors, Vision and Blinking.

The human body has receptors for the external D-Fields, of which the feet and hands are
important. For me, the eyes and vision are essential as I cannot dowse in the dark or with my
eyes closed. Experiments provided intriguing results where, for example

(a) Using two rods to dowse over a linear wooden pole, if the left eye was kept open only the left rod rotated and the right rod stayed pointing forward. Similarly if only the right eye was kept open.

(b) No dowsing reaction was obtainable unless the rods were kept in view. Looking up in the
dowsing zone to view the rods caused them to rotate.

(c) Using a single rod, it crossed in towards the chest at the dowsing zone. Gazing slightly off to
the side of the rod's tip and blinking deliberately, the rod moved off to the side as if it was being
sucked into a vacuum.

Opportunities for Measurement

There are many physical measurements that can be made related to dowsing. But why should
anyone bother to carry them out? The answer I like to believe is that by doing so, the results will provide evidence for physical fields that science is so far reluctant to accept, give clues towards a new theory of quantum mechanics, yield more information about the ability of brain waves to initiate automatic reflex actions, a new view on the impact of blinking the eyes, and suggest to biologists the possible generation of attraction and repulsion effects between cells purely related to their shape. Such new information will hopefully contribute towards a better understanding of how the conscious and sub-conscious minds interact together.

The dowsing phenomena is one of the easiest para-normal effects to measure and investigate,
whilst only requiring low technology and simple facilities to carry out the research work.
Unfortunately it seems to have been ignored because of scepticism and disbelief, inspite of the
highly convincing evidence from professional dowsers5 making a living from discovering
underground water on a 'no water, no pay' basis and other impressive published accounts6.

Reproducibility Experiments on the Web site.

Science demands that experiments should be reproducible before the results can be considered to have any value. To this end, I have arranged for seven simple dowsing experiments to be put on the Scientific & Medical Network Web site.

I invite readers to try these for themselves and send their results back by e-mail or letter under the heading 'Dowsing Experiments'. These experiments only require the dowser to comment on the rod rotations at specified locations using simple poles, golf clubs, tubes, plates, or discs on the floor. Instructions are given for beginners. This is a serious request and the results will be put into a database for future reference.

References

   1.Reddish, V.C., The D-force - A remarkable phenomenon Jane Street Print Co, Edinburgh
     (1993)
   2.Maby J.C. and T.Bedford Franklin Physics of the Divining Rod ( Bell 1939)
   3.Maby J.C., Radiographic Prospection for Underground Water Congress of Radionics and
     Radiesthesia, London 16-18 May, 1950
   4.Tromp S.W Psychical Physics (Elsevier Publishing 1949)
   5.Applegate, George The Complete Guide to Dowsing Element Publ 1997
   6.Bird, Christopher , The Divining Hand Whitford Press 1993
 

     Introduction

     Readers are asked to carry out seven simple dowsing experiments using linear and circular
     objects. Whilst they provide a more basic level of experimentation than 'mind' dowsing, they
     offer an easy way for any scientists (or any one else) to get involved and begin to
     understand what different dowsing effects can arise from various shapes or forms. This
     knowledge can then be translated into what happens in the outside world. For example,
     linear objects (such as tubes, poles, wire, boards) can be related to tunnels, water pipes,
     electricity cables, water streams and wall foundations, whilst circular objects (such as
     plates, rings, cylinders) can be related to trees, stone circles, wells/caverns, prominent
     mounds or hills.

     The experiments can be carried out inside a room or laboratory with L-shaped rods.  They do not require any quantitative measurement, only a record of which way the rods turn and an
     estimate of by how much eg. 45°, 90°, or 180°.These angles can be represented
     diagrammatically as arrow heads . eg.

     The experiments advise whether two rods or a single rod should be used and the walks to
     be taken. It must be stressed that all results are valid and there is nothing to say that one
     set is more correct than another. But where a number of people do get the same result,
     then this is useful information about reproducibility. Anyone completing the experiments are
     requested to send their answers back either by e-mail or by letter, under the heading of
     Dowsing Experiments. Please include your own address. The results of the author can be
     made available on request.

     Notes for Beginners

     1. Dowsing Rods

     Rods can be made from wire coat hangers, or 2-3mm galvanised steel wire or welding rods. They should be L shaped with a length of approximately 22 cm and handles 15 cm, but
     they can be longer or shorter. For convenience, the handles can be inserted into tubes eg.
     the empty shell holders of plastic pens. This enables the rods to be gripped quite firmly but
     the rods will still rotate quite freely.

     2. Using the Rods

     The normal method of holding the rods is at about shoulder width and height. They should
     be held parallel to one another. There is no need to hold the arms out straight, they can be
     relaxed with the elbows bent. The rods have to be "lightly balanced" in the hands so that
     the rods are able to swing freely in the horizontal plane. This generally means holding the
     rods at or close to the horizontal position. If the rods swing too much, then control can be
     regained by pointing them a bit more downwards towards the floor.

     3. Starting Out

     Feeling the Attraction

     Initial experiments are best carried out using a single linear object placed on the ground eg.
     a broom pole, length of wood, wire, or a golf club. Hold the rods and walk over the linear
     object, taking a line at right angles to its length. At the position of the linear object, the rods
     will swing in across the chest. The attraction felt is only small, just like a gentle wind
     easing the rods together. A pause at the linear object is helpful to allow the rods to respond
     and overcome the effects of inertia. After crossing the linear object, the rods will return to
     the forward position.

     Position of the Feet

     In these experiments, it is the position of the feet that often seems to be crucial in
     determining whether the human detector is able to feel the dowsing influences. So make
     sure they pause on the line of the dowsing object on the floor.

     4. Results

     All results are welcome, even if they show no reactions at all. Contributions may be sent
     back either by e-mail or letter. Please mark them with the heading 'Dowsing Experiments'
     and include your own address. I would love to receive drawn pictures of the rod orientations  in each experiment. If this is difficult for you to do via email, then giving compass-point equivalents such as "ROD LH: North-East, ROD RH: North" will do nicley. Thank you.

     D.H.Wheeler
     31 Friars Pardon
     Hurworth, Co. Durham DL2 2EA
     England
     e-mail dudleyhw@aol.com

     In these experiments, linear objects can be things such as wooden poles, plastic tubes,
     wire, golf clubs, and the circular ones items such as place mats, dinner plates, wine
     bottles, and lids

     Experiment 1. Crossing a Linear Object

     For convenience, the positions that the two rods assume are shown by arrows . The
     arrow head representing the rod's tip.

     Notes:

          The rods often only take up their rotational positions when the feet have entered the
          dowsing zone ie. on the line of a linear object.
          It is advisable to pause in the dowsing zone in order for the rods to overcome the
          effect of inertia before they rotate.

     Experiment 2. Passing a Circle/Disc

     Using a single rod, walk up past the circle/disk, turn around and walk back.
 
 

     Experiment 3. Passing the end of a linear object

     Using one rod, walk up past the object, turn around and walk back.

     Experiment 4. Passing a linear object on a close but parallel
     line

     Using a single rod, walk ~ 40 cm away from a linear object.

     A longer linear object (pole) gives better field definition than a short one.

     Experiment 5. Walking between two circular discs

     Experiment 6. Walking by two circles/discs - not touching

     Using two rods, walk past the discs, but pause at the line connecting the centres of the
     circles/discs.

     Experiment 7. Walking by two circles/discs - touching

     Using two rods, walk past the discs, but pause at the line connecting the centres of the
     circles/discs

          Psychical physics; a scientific analysis of dowsing, radiesthesia and kindred
          phenomena, by S.W. Tromp. New York, Elsevier Pub. Co., 1949.

          xv, 534 p. illus. 24 cm.

          Provenance: Owner's signature, illegible.

          Contains an analysis of the influence of electromagnetic fields on psychic
          phenomena with particular reference to divining.

     use of dowsing for the location of caves, with some results from the first Royal
     Forest of Dean Caving Symposium, June 1994

     Abstract

     Biolocation, more commonly known as dowsing, is an ancient technique. That it is a
     cross-cultural technique is evident from the fact that words exist in most languages
     for the technique, the rod and the operator. However, its recent use for the detection
     of caves from the surface is a controversial practice which has received much
     discussion. The paper will commence with the history of the technique and continue
     with a discussion of the possible scientific explanation of the mechanism involved.
     The author has researched widely in the geophysical location of caves and
     hydrological systems. During the last ten years he has become convinced that the
     traditional dowsing method, when used on site, produces consistent and
     reproducible results, and that there is a case to be answered. He is not willing to
     entertain the possibility of a psychic or extra-sensory explanation, and continues to
     plan experiments with a view to discovering an explanation of the technique within
     physical and medical science. Case studies have been carried out in all the caving
     regions of England and Wales, as well as in France and Spain. Many of these
     studies have suggested the existence of cave systems not yet entered, and several
     have been proved to be correct by later cave diving and exploration. Publication of the
     results has aroused much controversial discussion; the results stand as
     hypotheses, however, until disproved. The paper concludes with some results from
     the Royal Forest of Dean Caving Symposium held in June 1994. The appendix
     contains master maps of dowsing traces throughout the Forest of Dean carried out
     before June 1994.

     1.1. The history of dowsing

     The first recorded use of dowsing is thought to be a cave painting at Tassili nAjjer in
     the Sahara, dated to approximately 6000 B.C. This seems to show an eager crowd
     watching a dowsers search for water. Use of the technique is recorded by the
     Egyptians (c. 3000 B.C.), and after their escape from the Egyptians the Hebrews are
     thought to have used it (c. 2000 B.C.). The activities of their leader Moses are
     recorded in the Bible:

     Thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may
     drink (Exodus 17:5 6)

     Take the rod...and speak ye unto the rock...and it shall give forth water (Numbers
     20:9 11)

     and some readers have taken these references to indicate that Moses was dowsing
     using his staff. During Roman times the author Cicero (50 B.C.) recorded use of the
     VIRGVLA DIVINATORIVM, the dowsing rod. Martin Luther denounced dowsing in
     1528 A.D. as being the work of the Devil, and dowsers of breaking the First
     Commandment. A well-known publication by Georgius Agricola, De re metallica
     (1556) has illustrations and comments on the common use of the technique by
     miners for the finding of metallic ores. Kaspar Schott, a Jesuit priest and
     mathematician, was the first to suggest, in the seventeenth century, that the
     movement of the dowsing rod was due to unconscious muscular action. However,
     despite these well-documented activities for eight millennia, dowsing has remained a
     folk method, and scientific study of the technique only began in 1890. At first,
     although there were positive indications of correlations between scientific
     observations and dowsing results, the designs of the experiments were insufficiently
     rigorous to convince the sceptical scientific community. Some so-called studies of
     dowsing which appeared in the scientific press (e.g. Ellis 1917; Hyman and Vogt
     1958; Vogt and Hyman 1959) were more concerned with the reputation of the
     authors, and carefully ignored all references giving favourable reports of dowsing.
     Ford (1961) was similarly careful to state that dowsing in 1961 was unproven by any
     test yet devised, but concluded that a few dowsers may react to electromagnetic
     influences. A further wait until 1971 was necessary before the first
     properly-conducted double-blind study was carried out by a sceptic (Chadwick and
     Jensen 1971), with control experiments and statistically valid results. The design of
     rigorous experiments continues, for example the Greensites Project (1990) and The
     Dowsing Welly Experiment (1993, reported by Wilcock (1994)).

     1.2. Scope of the study

     This study will be restricted to those dowsing results which could be due to a
     physical effect on site. Phenomena deliberately ruled out in the study are: the
     activities of people who claim that it is not even necessary to visit the site, but that
     maps can be dowsed by a pendulum at home; dowsing for leylines; and medical
     dowsing (radiesthesia).

     1.3. Who uses dowsers?

     The long list of users of dowsing may be surprising to some readers:

          Engineering Companies (e.g. the Bio-Physical Method (BPM) was used in
          1971 in the former USSR to detect water filtering through a dam (Bird 1979))
          Water Companies (a pair of dowsing rods is carried inside the doors of Water
          Board vans)
          Mining Companies (e.g. documented use for finding ore and petroleum in the
          USSR (Bakirov 1973))
          Laundries (for water supply)
          Breweries (for water supply)
          Building Contractors (to locate unknown service pipes on building sites)
          Farmers (for water supply)
          Government Departments
          Police (location of buried items and, it is rumoured, bodies)
          Armed Forces (dowsing used by the British Army since Colonial times);
          dowsing appeared in USSR army manuals in 1930 for the finding of water in
          remote areas; dowsing used by the First and Third US Marine Divisions in
          Vietnam, 1967, as a simple, low-cost method for locating Vietcong tunnels,
          which were used for communication, storage depots, supply network,
          command posts, training centres, hospitals and sally ports for over twenty
          years (Bossart 1968 in the Project Poorboy Annual Progress Report; Bird
          1979, Chapter 11)).

     A large number of general descriptions of dowsing methods have been published in
     books designed for popular reading (e.g. Graves 1976; 1986; Bird 1979; Naylor
     1980).

     1.4. What is detected?

     Location of the following features by dowsers is well-documented (Tromp 1949 and
     many other studies):

          Flowing water
          Springs, and lines of springs
          Wells
          Circulating groundwater
          Service pipes and trenches (not just water pipes, but electricity cables and
          gas pipes, so the trench may be what is being detected)
          Buried foundations
          Roots of big trees
          Geological faults, some of which will have ore deposits
          Caves with flowing water
          Large dry caves

     It is undeniable that dowsing has been profitably used for the detection of new wells
     for water supply (e.g. Mullins et al. 1894).

     1.5. Possible physical fields

     It has been suggested that dowsers are detecting a physical field on site. If this is
     true then what could it be? The following types of fields have been suggested as
     possible candidates:

          Gravitational
          Magnetic
          Electric
          Electromagnetic
          Radioactive
          Seismic (the stress field around fractures, fissures and faults)
          Geothermal
          Geochemical

     Of these, the magnetic, electric and electromagnetic fields are probably the most
     likely candidates. However, for this to be accepted, a physical explanation must be
     provided for the generation of the signals by the features, and for the detection
     mechanism within the human body.

     1.6. What do dowsers experience?

     Dowsers claim that they experience a variety of phenomena, such as tingling like an
     electric shock , a chilly sensation, shivering, trembling, or an unpleasant sensation
     in the stomach. In attempts to determine the source of this apparent shock to the
     central nervous system, instruments have been attached to subjects to measure
     muscular contractions, changes in heart potential and changes in electrical skin
     potential. Involuntary muscular contractions have been observed, and convulsive
     spasms, sometimes violent. Electrocardiogram responses have been seen which
     exhibit a 20mV step change when the dowsing rods are observed to move (Tromp
     1949), and changes in skin potential have also been measured. In experiments when
     artificial fields have been produced, a delay of between 5s and 10s is observed
     between production of a field change and the electrocardiogram response. This
     suggests processing via the brain and central nervous system, rather than direct
     nerve stimulation. Furthermore, the rods are observed to move after the field change.

     1.7. Why do the rods move?

     The movement of the dowsing rods is clearly initiated by muscular action. This is
     observed to be sometimes violent enough to peel bark from a Y-stick, and to scratch
     hands painfully. Novice dowsers who were former sceptics were unaware of this
     involuntary muscular action, and claimed they were trying to stop the rods moving.

     The material of the rods does not matter, since they are just acting as a mechanical
     amplifier of small muscle movements.

     Some experiments have indicated that blindfolding stops a dowsing reaction:
     sceptics have said this indicates that sight was being used to supply alternative
     information, such as depressions in the ground, geological features, etc., but an
     alternative explanation could be that the array of cells at the back of the eye is a
     detector for more than just light, or the optic nerve may be part of the feedback loop
     to the central nervous system. Parameter changes measured by electrocardiogram
     or skin potentiometer occur before the rods move, showing that it is not the
     movement of the rods that initiates the effect.

     Some dowsers claim that the faster they walk, the stronger is the dowsing reaction,
     which might suggest that some form of electromagnetic induction is in operation.

     It has been suggested that a magnetic field detecting sixth sense would have been
     lost through misuse during evolution. However, genetic changes take much longer
     than a few thousand years to take effect. We still have the fight or flight syndrome
     which causes our hearts to pound when we perceive ourselves to be threatened,
     even though in modern life we are not going to punch our opponent or to run away,
     and the net result of this is the modern curse of heart attacks. Also our spinal
     columns have not really adapted to the change from quadripedal to bipedal gait,
     resulting in the modern defects of bad backs and slipped discs.

     1.8. Sensitivity

     Washing hands in hot water appears to cause dowsing sensitivity to increase, even
     for those who claim not to be able to dowse. The following measurements of
     electrical resistance between left and right palms may indicate a correlation between
     electrical resistance of the human body and dowsing ability. The two columns in the
     table below are for dowsing-sensitive persons and non-sensitive persons (Tromp
     1949):

     Degree of wetness of palms
 

Degree of wetness       of palms	Sensitive Persons,	Non-sensitive Persons
Wet hands	10	50
Quickly-dried hands	22	250
Towelled hands	38	400
Hot air-dried hands	50	500  (3000?)

     Table 1. Electrical resistance left to right palms

     Thus sensitive persons have lower resistances at all times than non-sensitive
     persons, by a factor of about ten, but it is just possible that non-sensitive persons
     with wet hands may approach operating conditions of sensitive persons, and under
     these conditions may be able to dowse.

     1.9. Published studies

     Experimenters have found that it is difficult to design experiments which have
     controls, are double blind, and have statistical significance. By double blind is meant
     that the experimenters must themselves not know the correct answer, so that there
     is no possibility of passing on information unconsciously to the operators. Preferably
     the experimenters should be sceptics, so that positive results will carry more weight.

     In 1933 De Vita placed electroscopes over underground streams, and found that they
     discharged more rapidly than control electroscopes placed over normal ground of the
     same soil type and rock type. Jemma confirmed de Vita's results in the following
     year, and also found that dowsers are affected by the ionisation of the air. This so
     called fine-weather field is affected by the altitude and position of the sun, and is to
     do with atmospheric electricity. There are also indications that dowsers are affected
     by electrical storms.

     Maby and Franklin ,both physicists (1939), found that dowsers reacted to
     electromagnetic waves. The frequency may well be important, however, since I have
     conducted a series of experiments under overhead electricity pylons, and have found
     no reaction for a 50Hz electromagnetic field, and I have also visited transmitters and
     found no reaction for radio and radar transmissions at higher frequencies.

     Tromp (1949) proposed a possible mechanism where the human body passing at
     speed through a field will increase in capacity as it approaches the conductor
     (stream of water), and skin potential will decrease. If this is the mechanism, it will be
     affected by the initial skin resistance, the relative conductivities of the soil and the
     underground stream, the speed of movement and the conductivity of the atmosphere.
     Tromp pointed out that carrier pigeons became disoriented near radio and radar
     transmitters, and in the high potential gradients caused by whirling snow. He also
     discussed a number of animals which appear to have navigational ability, such as
     carrier pigeons, salmon, eels, dolphins, whales and bees (see also Kirschvink
     (1981)). Other interesting matters pointed out by Tromp are that magnetite is found
     in the beak and wing feathers of carrier pigeons, and Papuan humans can often
     navigate in dense jungle.

     In 1952 a team of electrical engineers tested the famous dowser Henry Gross, and
     found that his skin potential changed by up to 200mV over subterranean water,
     compared with a change of 10mV for non-dowsers.

     Rocard, a French physicist (1964) reported that dowsers react to changes in the
     earth’'s magnetic field caused by underground water, and claimed that electric
     currents of 50mA/m2 in water and magnetic field gradients of 1mG/m were
     detectable by dowsers. He also claimed to have found that a high skin conductivity
     is desirable for good dowsing results.

     Barrett and Besterman (1968) carried out field studies for finding water, using a
     number of independent experiments with two or more dowsers, and compared the
     results with those suggested by consultant engineers and geologists. They found the
     dowsers got twice as much water as the engineers, while the geologists got hardly
     any . They concluded that the movement of the dowsing rods is due to unconscious
     muscular action, the tension of the grip being converted to sudden neuro-muscular
     spasms when the operator is in the presence of water.

     Harvalik (1970), a physicist, found that the dowser reacts to changing magnetic
     fields produced by electric ground currents with frequency in the range 1 500Hz, but
     not to static magnetic fields. Using magnetometers he deduced that the dowser
     reacts to as little as 10-9G change. There was some indication that dowsing ability
     was enhanced by drinking water, perhaps indicating that conductivity in the region of
     the kidneys is important. It is impossible to exclude the earth’'s magnetic field from
     the brain or any other part of the body, and there is therefore no reason why the
     development of a field-detecting ability should be ruled out. Harvalik conducted
     elaborate experiments with metal shielding of the human body, and a torch-like
     instrument to concentrate and direct an artificial magnetic field in an attempt to
     locate the positions of possible sensors. When the operator was carried horizontally
     on a stretcher, the reaction occurred when the solar plexus was over the feature.
     When the metal shield was between the navel and the breast bone the signal was
     not detected, indicating a detector site slightly below the solar plexus, perhaps the
     adrenal gland in the kidney region (which contains magnetite, as reported by
     Kirschvink (1981)). Shielding of the head indicated a second possible detector site at
     the base of the brain, perhaps the pineal gland. It has also been found that human
     bones from the region of the sphenoid/ethmoid sinus complex contain magnetite,
     and it is suggested that these deposits are concerned with magnetic field detection;
     the sinus complex approximating to the region previously deduced from orientation
     experiments to be the site of a magnetoreceptor (Baker 1981; Baker et al. 1983).
     Other points mentioned by Harvalik are that two detectors will be necessary to
     detect a field gradient, and the detection mechanism could be based on nuclear
     magnetic resonance (calculations indicate that the earth's magnetic field would give
     rise to precession at about 2000Hz, and a field gradient of 1mG/m would give a beat
     frequency of about 1Hz which could be detectable). A good summary of Harvalik's
     work is also given by Bird (1979).

     The work of Chadwick and Jensen (1971) appears to be the first documented
     experiment carried out under double blind conditions which was relevant to the
     dowsing problem. Chadwick, the experimenter, was a sceptic, and did not know the
     correct answers. 150 subjects were tested, mostly novice dowsers. A path was
     chosen leading through a park, with no known features. Subjects were asked to
     place small wooden blocks where they felt they were getting a reaction or field . The
     positions of the blocks were noted after each run, and removed before the next run.
     When all the subjects had been tested, a conventional magnetometer survey was
     carried out along the path. The correlations between the subjects and the
     magnetometry were found to be statistically significant at the .05 level. There was
     therefore some evidence of correlation between magnetic gradient changes and
     dowsing reactions. The conclusions were that there are sufficient statistically
     significant results to warrant further investigations.

     Williamson (1979) reported on the use of the biophysical method (BPM) in Russia.
     Of wells suggested by BPM operators, only 8% were dry, while of those suggested
     by geophysical methods 13% were dry.

     Randi (1979) conducted a test with four dowsers in Italy, using three buried pipes
     with running water. As stated by Chamberlin (1980) the test had several deficiencies.
     No meaningful statistical evaluation was possible, and the test contributed little
     knowledge to the scientific community.

     Presti and Pettigrew (1980) reported the occurrence of magnetic material in the neck
     muscles of homing pigeons, and have suggested that this is coupled to muscle
     receptors to form an effective magnetic detector.

     Hansen (1982) gives an especially good summary of experimental research into the
     techniques of dowsing.

     Killip (1984) reviewed the possibilities for detecting geophysical anomalies at building
     sites by dowsing. He carried out a systematic survey using rectangular traverse
     lines, and claimed that a standardised technique can locate many types of buried
     features on a proposed construction site, including brick culverts with underground
     streams, service pipes and pipe trenches, and buried foundations. Killip was careful
     to say that there should be further corroboration by excavation, boring, seismic,
     resistivity, magnetometric and gravimetric instruments, but pointed out that many of
     the features could not be detected by these methods within a reasonable budget.
     Since dowsing is cheap, he therefore states that the lack of a scientific explanation
     should not be held as justification for non-use, since reliable and consistent readings
     can be obtained by methodical working. A similarly successful detection of old
     church foundations has been demonstrated by Bailey et al. (1988).

     Baig (1985) reported dowsing undertaken in India. The water vein detected by
     dowsing was then surveyed by earth resistivity meter, when water-bearing strata
     were detected. It was deduced that the dowsing method could produce water-bearing
     rocks more quickly than could conventional methods.

     Mogila (1986) reported a field study at the Monastery of the Caves, Kiev, where
     conventional sub-surface radar had failed to locate secret passageways. Of 130 sites
     indicated by dowsers, 73 (56%) corresponded with existing passages, previously
     known to the curators but not to the dowsers. At a further 29 dowsed sites (22%),
     previously unknown to the curators, test drillings revealed cavities. This gave a total
     success rate of 78%.

     Williamson (1987) suggests magnetic anomalies as the basis of dowsing. This may
     be given greater credence by the work of Hess et al. (1987), who have shown that
     magnetic stimulation of the human brain from coils placed over the human scalp
     causes twitches of the hand muscles, which can be greatly enhanced by concurrent
     voluntary contraction.

     The Greensites Project (France 1990; Herbert 1990) has aimed to compare the
     results of various methods for detecting caves from the surface, including
     geophysical, botanical and dowsing techniques. Electromagnetic traversing
     (resistivity, magnetometry) gave the best results at unknown cave locations, but
     there is good correlation for several dowsers. An experiment over Pant Mawr involved
     several independent dowsers, and was carried out using a pegged-out grid over
     passages which had been accurately radiolocated. Nobody who dowsed the grid was
     present on the day the surveying was done. The dowsers participated on different
     days and did not exchange information between themselves, nor were they given any
     indication of the other results obtained. There was some correlation between
     dowsers, and with the known cave position, and one dowser produced a plan which
     appeared to be an enlargement of a small part of the cave, at the correct angle
     (France 1991a). The conclusion on this was the jury is still out (France 1991b).

     Vilchko (1993) reported his experiments with migratory birds in the BBC4 Science
     Now programme on 24.8.93. Magnetite is found in birds near the brain, in the flight
     feathers and in the beak. His experimental birds when released flew out of the cage
     in the migratory direction. He has also found that birds use white, green or blue light
     to magnetise the retina of the eye, while red light disorientates them. This magnetic
     orientation therefore uses magnetite, the retina of the eye and light, and a similar
     mechanism could clearly also apply to humans.

     Wilcock (1994) has reported the results of The Dowsing Welly Experiment held to
     detect any correlation between earthing of the dowser and lack of dowsing reaction.
     While the experiment suffered from some technical design problems, it was
     concluded that there was no connection between earthing and lack of dowsing
     reaction.

     1.10. Case studies of feature location by dowsing

     Wade (1961) was one of the earliest cavers to use dowsing for speleological
     purposes. He attempted cave location on Greenhow Hill, assisting diggers in the
     search for an entry to Mongo Gill Caverns, and found Strans Gill Pot in Wharfedale.
     He also undertook experiments at Black Keld (in an attempt to detect the Mossdale
     Caverns to Black Keld route from the Black Keld end), at Gill House Pot, on
     Fountains Fell and in Chapel-le-Dale.

     Bossart (1968) has reported the regular use of dowsing by U.S. troops to detect
     Vietcong tunnels in Vietnam in 1967. A detailed plan and section of the tunnels used
     for the experiments is given by Bird (1979, Chapter 11).

     Ogil’vy carried out a search for a lost underground drainage system at the
     Ostankinsky Palace in Moscow, and dowsing predictions for its location were proved
     accurate by digging (Bird 1979, 240). Pluzhnikov undertook a search for medieval
     escape tunnels between the citadel and two monasteries in Serpukhov (Bird 1979,
     242 244). The tunnels were located by dowsing in less than eight hours, and proved
     to be 2m wide, several km in length, and to pass under the River Nara in two places.

     Dore used dowsing to locate Scott Hollow Cave in southern West Virginia
     (Anderson, Internet personal communication 1993). The dowsing was used to
     determine where to begin digging with a backhoe (mechanical excavator), and entry
     was gained to about 20km of passages.

     DiBlasi (Internet personal communication 1993) has reported an experiment in 1987
     to locate buried foundations in which geophysical surveys were compared with
     dowsing results. The first instrument used was a Martin-Clark resistivity meter; and
     20 person hours was needed for gridding and inserting probe arrays, plus 1.5 person
     hours for entering the data into a surface modelling program on a computer. Next an
     EM-38 conductivity meter was used; taking 12 person hours for survey and 1.5
     person hours to enter data; this instrument is just placed on the ground, and the
     results were nearly identical to those of the resistivity meter. Finally two independent
     dowsers who had not seen the previous geophysical results took half an hour to
     outline the foundations with flags (total 1 person hour) and to obtain identical results.
     Dowsing also located a pit which the other two methods did not locate. The site was
     excavated and the results of all three methods were confirmed, but obviously
     dowsing was much more cost-effective. In a further experiment with a proton
     gradiometer, dowsing proved considerably more accurate than the gradiometer in
     locating buried structures (this is not surprising, as the proton gradiometer does not
     excel at finding wall and road foundations). Dowsing has also been used with great
     accuracy to locate graves of many periods, the results being proved by excavation.

     My own work in limestone regions has led to the following suggestions about the
     courses of new caves, later proved by cave diving and exploration:

          the East Kingsdale Master Cave route (followed before it was proved by diving)
          the new diving route north north east from West Kingsdale towards Yordas
          Cave
          the diving route at Alum Pot east north east towards the route between
          Washfold Pot and Footnaw's Hole
          the Dub Cote/Brackenbottom water supply/Douk Gill/Brants Gill route, which
          must be the main drain for the Fountains Fell water
          the direction of the Gingling Hole extensions

          SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h a predicted route for the Malham Tarn Sink
          water via Malham Cove then south west and south to Aire Head Springs (not
          yet entered, but a dye test from Malham Cove proved positive, as reported in
          Descent 109)

          detection of some passages in Slaughter Stream Cave, before their
          subsequent exploration, the prediction of a Coldwell Swallet/Redhouse
          Swallet connection, and a Redhouse Swallet/Slaughter Stream Cave
          connection under Chapel Hill and Bicknor Street (the last two await
          exploration)
          the route of Swildons Hole beyond the final sump, dowsed three years before
          it was entered at White Pit to yield about 100m of passages to a depth of
          35m, lying over the active route of Swildons Hole on its way to Wookey Hole
          dowsing at Greendown Farm with Dave (Tusker) Morrison, followed by Hymac
          digging on the same day to reveal Clay Holes. This has been dug to some
          depth, and the predicted dowsing route is south-west towards Wigmore
          Swallet
          in the Western Massif of the Picos de Europa, a passage was predicted from
          a new pot 8/11, near the top camp of the OUCC 1992 Expedition at Ario, to a
          previously unknown exit at the Mohandi alp. After I left, this was explored and
          completely surveyed from 8/11 to the unknown exit, then named Pozu
          Mohandi (26/11)

     1.11. Conclusions

     The following opinions are the reasoned conclusions of this paper:

          The dowser is endowed with a subconscious cognitive faculty which results in
          unconscious muscular reaction, accompanied by a nervous sensation
          The mechanism for detection may be magnetic or electric in nature, and high
          skin conductivity seems to be a contributing factor
          The detector sites in the human body may be magnetite dispersed in tissue
          with nerves running through it, or the retinas of the eyes (needing light to
          activate them), the pineal gland and/or the adrenal glands.
          The movement of the rods is caused by amplification of small involuntary
          muscular contractions resulting from stimulation of the central nervous
          system, perhaps by magnetic stimulation of the brain or spinal column using
          two detectors
          Water divining survives today because its practical utility does not place too
          great a strain on pragmatism. Dowsing results will ultimately be validated by
          their accuracy and practical value rather than theories and opinions

     What is now required is the development of a general theory which will permit
     scientists to incorporate the biolocation mechanism into scientific knowledge.

     2. Results from the Royal Forest of Dean
     Caving Symposium held in June 1994

     The organisers of the walks to Slade Valley and Bearse(Maurice Febry) and
     Coldwell/Symonds Yat/The Dropper (Dave Parker) must be thanked for putting up
     with the dowsing training trips, and for letting me in particular walk in front without
     comment, except when something had been found by dowsing reaction.

     2.1 Slade Valley and Bearse, 11th June 1994

     The results are plotted on Figure 1. The area had never before been visited by me, I
     was not shown the map of the route, and before the end I must confess I had a
     profound sense of disorientation. The results were drawn on the map after our return.
     From the car park at the track crossing within the wood at Bearse Common
     (572058), I was asked to walk along the track in both directions, SE towards the
     main road, and NW into the forest. Nothing was found between the main road and
     the car park, but a positive indication was obtained heading SW across the track,
     just to the W of the car park.

     We walked down the track SW. A reaction was obtained crossing the track in a
     southerly direction passing under a barn (571057), and then heading out SW into a
     flat field. This was followed back N to a depression and sink (I was told later that this
     was Barn Sink). Proceeding WSW down Slade Valley, a quarry was inspected north
     of the track, but nothing was detected there. Continuing down the track, a strong
     reaction was obtained crossing NE-SW (this was later found to go to Slade Valley
     Rising (W side) at 566055, but was not followed at the time). A branch track was
     taken, crossing the stream and proceeding uphill into the wood SSW. Here two
     reactions were obtained: one ran from the eastern boundary fence of the wood due
     W to Dark Hill Cave. Another ran WSW downhill through very dense woodland, and
     was followed to the stream. Returning to the main track and proceeding WSW, the
     above mentioned strong reaction was confirmed to Slade Valley Rising (W side), as
     were two others, the second being Slade Valley Flood Rising, and the third having a
     pump blockhouse.

     At Slade Bottom a track was taken SE and then E through Slade Wood. The first
     reaction crossed ENE-WSW and was later revealed to be a continuation of the
     second reaction near Dark Hill Cave. A reaction to Slade Wood Resurgence from the
     ENE, traced to the wood boundary, is probably a continuation of the feeder from
     Barn Sink. Three further reactions were obtained along the track E through Slade
     Wood before the main road. The first comes from the SW to a small rising, the
     second crosses NE-SW but has no visible feature, and the third, wide reaction runs
     from the road N of Bearse Farm to the SW and is probably heading eventually for
     Clanna via Little Hoggins.

     Proceeding E into the Forestry Commission plantation along a track E and then N, a
     reaction was obtained running E-W. This is probably from an as yet unidentified sink
     near the eastern boundary of the plantation, and no doubt joins the Clanna drainage.
     Proceeding N, no further reactions were obtained until a series of depressions just
     across a fence. A strong reaction was obtained from Rutters Hole due W to the main
     road. Proceeding back towards the cars, and N into the Bearse Common plantation,
     the strong reaction was picked up at Bearse Pot, and then followed back through
     dense undergrowth to the track crossing W of the cars, to complete the circular
     walk.

     It appears, therefore, that a continuous feeder has been detected from Rutters Hole,
     via Bearse Pot and Barn Sink to Slade Wood Resurgence. Two parallel routes,
     probably old risings, run W, one emerging at Dark Hill Cave. Three systems from the
     NE emerge at risings in Slade Valley. One system from the SW emerges at a small
     rising in Slade Wood. Finally, a system from the eastern boundary of the Forestry
     Commission plantation circles Bearse Farm and probably heads for Clanna. These
     results are a fair indication of what can be achieved in an afternoon's walk in an
     unknown area by dowsing.

     2.2. Coldwell, Symonds Yat and The Dropper, 12th June
     1994

     This walk began at the English Bicknor Sports Club, and initial dowsing training was
     carried out along Redhouse Lane, on the reaction running from Bicknor Court Swallet
     to Redhouse Swallet (see Figure 2). A further reaction was obtained running
     NNW-SSE across the T-junction due E of Bicknor Court.

     Along the Coldwell Walks, the first reaction was obtained at Ship Rock, where a
     small cave was visited. Coldwell Swallet has a strong reaction running SE, and
     probably joins the reaction running from the NW to Redhouse Swallet.

     In the woods south of Symonds Yat, Symonds Yat Swallet and a series of sinks
     flowing WNW and NW join the Slaughter Resurgence feeder. At The Dropper a
     reaction indicated that this sink flows due W and probably joins the feeder which
     runs from Cross Joints Swallet to Slaughter Resurgence.

     The dowsing party returned Hillersland and Blackthorns Farm, passing over two of
     the three parallel passages of Slaughter Stream Cave, and also visiting the Chapel
     Hill reaction for the proposed route from Redhouse Swallet to Slaughter Stream Cave
     under Chapel Hill and Bicknor Street.

     References

     Agricola, Georgius 1556. De re metallica, Book 12. English translation 1912, Mining
     Magazine, London. Also translated by Hoover, H.C. and Hoover, L.H. 1950, Dover
     Publications, New York.

     Baig, M.Y.A. 1985. Water-divining and geophysical exploration for groundwater.
     Assoc. Hydrol. India 4th annual convention and seminar on hydrology, Hissar,
     14.6.85, III-4 III-5.

     Bailey, R.N., Cambridge, E. and Briggs, D.H. 1988. Dowsing and church
     archaeology. Intercept Ltd, Wimborne.

     Baker, R.R. 1981. Human navigation and the sixth sense. Hodder & Stoughton,
     London.

     Baker, R.R., Mather, J.G. and Kennaugh, J.H. 1983. Magnetic bones in human
     sinuses. Nature 301, 6.1.83, 78 80.

     Bakirov, A. 1973. BPM lessens drilling costs and makes prospecting more efficient.
     Prague conference.

     Barrett, W.F. and Besterman, T. 1926 and 1968. The divining-rod, an experimental
     and psychological investigation. Methuen and Co., London (1926) and University
     Books, New York (1968)

     Bird, C. 1979. The Divining Hand. E.P. Dutton, New York.

     Bossart, R.K. 1968. The utility of dowsing as a means of detecting Vietcong tunnels.
     In Gardinier, R.J. and Clauser, J.K. (eds) Project Poorboy Annual Progress Report,
     Proj. NR-348-018, Contract N00014-67-C-0349, Office of Naval Research,
     HRB-Singer Inc. State College, Pennsylvania

     Chadwick, D.G. and Jensen, L. 1971. The detection of magnetic fields caused by
     groundwater and the correlation of such fields with water dowsing. Utah Water
     Research Laboratory Report PRWG 78-1, January 1971, U.S. Geological Survey,
     Water Resources Division.

     Chamberlin, H. 1980. Dowsing tests deficient? The Skeptical Enquirer the Zetetic
     4(4), 76 77.

     Ellis, A.J. 1917. The divining rod a history of water witching. U.S. Geol. Survey
     Water-Supply Paper 416, Washington, 59pp.

     Ford, T.D. 1961. Underground water, geology and water-divining. Trans. Cave
     Research Group of G.B. 6(1), 3 17

     France, S. 1990. The Greensites Project. South Wales Caving Club Newsletter 106,
     29 31.

     France, S. 1991a. Detecting caves. William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust Limited,
     Newsletter 61, August 1991, 19 27

     France, S. 1991b. Jury still out in dowsing case. SWCC Newsletter 109, Summer
     1991.

     Graves, T. 1976. Dowsing: Techniques and applications. Turnstone Books, London.

     Graves, T. 1986. The diviner's handbook. The Aquarian Press, Wellingborough.

     Hansen, G.P. 1982. Dowsing: a review of experimental research. J. Soc. Psychical
     Research 51(792), 343 367.

     Harvalik, Z.V. 1970. A biophysical magnetometer-gradiometer. Journal of the Virginia
     Academy of Science 21(2), 59 60.

     Herbert, M. 1990. Greensites: Dowsing. South Wales Caving Club Newsletter 108,
     16 17.

     Hess, C.W., Mills, K.R. and Murray, N.M.F. 1987. Responses in small hand
     muscles from magnetic stimulation of the human brain. J. Physiol. 388, 397 419.

     Hyman, R. and Vogt, E.Z. 1958. Some facts and theories on water-witching in the
     USA. Geotimes 2(9), 6 7 and 15.

     Killip, I. 1984. Detecting geophysical anomalies at construction sites by dowsing.
     Land and Minerals Surveying 2(12), 633 644

     Kirschvink, J.L. 1981. Journal of Experimental Biology 92, 333 335.

     Luther, Martin 1528. Decem praecepta. Wittenberg.

     Maby, J.C. and Franklin, T.B. 1939. The physics of the divining rod, being an
     account of an experimental investigation of water and mineral divining. George Bell,
     London.

     Mogila, I. 1986. Dowsing in the Soviet Union. Soviet dowsers reveal long sought for
     legendary and hidden underground passageways at Russia's famous Monastery of
     the Caves near Kiev. Psi Research, 5 (1 2) March/June 1986, 34 38

     Mullins, J. and sons 1894. The divining rod; its history, truthfulness and
     practicability. Colerne, Box, Wiltshire.

     Naylor, P. 1980. Discovering dowsing and divining. Shire Publications Ltd, Princes
     Risborough.

     Presti, D. and Pettigrew, J.D. 1980. Ferromagnetic coupling to muscle as a basis for
     geomagnetic field sensitivity in animals. Nature 285, 99 101.

     Randi, J. 1979. A controlled test of dowsing abilities. The Skeptical Enquirer the
     Zetetic 4(1), 16 20.

     Rocard, Y. 1964. Le signal du sourcier. Dunod, Paris.

     Tromp, S.W. 1949. Psychical physics: A scientific analysis of dowsing, radiesthesia
     and kindred divining phenomena. Elsevier Publishing Company, New York.

     Vogt, E.Z. and Hyman, R. 1959. Water witching USA. University of Chicago Press,
     Chicago, 248pp.

     Wade, C. 1961. Divining. Trans. of the Northern Cavern and Mine Research Society
     1, 12 22.

     Wilcock, J.D. 1994. An experiment to investigate the supposed connection between
     the biolocation reaction and electrical insulation from the ground: The dowsing welly
     experiment. Cave Radio & Electronics Group Journal 15, 10 11

     Williamson, T. 1979. Dowsing achieves new credence. New Scientist 81, 8.2.79, 371
     373.

     Williamson, T. 1987. A sense of direction for dowsers? New Scientist 19.3.87, 40
     43.

     John Wilcock,

     22 Kingsley Close,

     STAFFORD

     ST17 9BT

     Appendix A: Forest of Dean Master Maps

     The appended maps are dowsing results obtained over wide areas of the Forest of
     Dean before 1992.

     Figure A1. This map is chiefly concerned with the Slaughter Stream Cave, and the
     destination of its waters. Points of note are:

          Hoarthorns Wood Swallet and Kiln Hole predicted connection to the
          neighbourhood of Wet Sink
          Coldwell Swallet predicted connection to Redhouse Swallet
          Bicknor Court Swallet predicted connection to Redhouse Swallet
          Redhouse Swallet predicted connection to neighbourhood of Chunnel
          Passage, passing under Chapel Hill and Bicknor Street
          Slaughter Resurgence is thought to be leakage through the roof of a flooded
          passage which goes beneath the River Wye. The reaction is detectable on
          the opposite bank near The Biblins. It is then predicted to dramatically
          change direction to the SSE to join other drainage from the W side of the
          Forest of Dean, and to eventually go beneath the River Severn near Lydney

     Figure A2. This map covers the central section of the western side of the Forest of
     Dean coalfield, and part of the course of the River Wye. The work during the
     symposium in the Slade Valley and Bearse area on 11th June 1994 is not shown.
     Points of note are:

          Two former meanders of the River Wye at Newland and Lower Meend. These
          have been visited to see if former sinks could be detected, but nothing has
          been found
          Continuation of the southwesterly predicted course for water passing under
          the River Severn, with sinks at Trowgreen and Noxon

     The continuation to the SW to the region of Lydney is not shown. Here it is predicted
     to join a similar deep feeder from the eastern side of the Forest of Dean coalfield
     running SSW, and probably drainage also from the trough of the syncline under the
     coal. The eastern deep feeder picks up drainage from sinks at Westbury Brook, Trow
     Ditch at Greenbottom, Cinderford Brook at Ruspidge Valley, Howbeech Trough, and
     Blackpool Brook at Blakeney Walk. After the feeders join near Lydney, they are
     predicted to continue SE under the River Severn.

     Figure A3. The map covers the southern part of the course of the River Wye,
     showing part of the Otter Hole System (described on Figure A4), and also a series of
     predicted caverns along the Tidenham Chase Syncline. Points of note are two
     separate groups of feeders (shaded differently):

          Ban-y-Gor feeder joins a complex series of feeders from Parson's Allotment
          and Poor's Allotment (Madcats)
          Dennel Hill via Boughspring

          These feeders are predicted to join, to pass under Dayhouse Quarry (which is
          flooded) and to feed SSW under the River Severn, where the (first) Severn
          Bridge boreholes found artesian fresh water and a cavity.

          Figure A4. This map covers the area to the west and south-west of Chepstow.
          Three main systems are covered, Otter Hole, Well Head/Grondra/Lavant Well,
          and the Severn Tunnel Great Spring System. Points of note are:

          Apart from the well-known Rookery Sink and Rogerstone Grange Sink feeders
          to Otter Hole, predicted routes are shown from Croes Bleddyn Swallet, Itton
          North Swallet, Itton South Sink, and a sink in the stream bed of the Mounton
          Brook 300m NW of Pandy Mill at 492945
          Complex connections are predicted between a sink in Mounton Brook at
          Pandy Mill (494944) and Well Head Resurgence, and further sinks at 495942
          and 499938 together with The Grondra to Lavant Well
          Section of the Severn Tunnel Great Spring feeders south of Caerwent to
          Whirley Holes Resurgence (now dry, but which was reported to have vast
          volumes of clear water before the Severn Tunnel Great Spring was tapped)
          and the Nedern Brook Sink (which was capped with a concrete invert as it
          was thought to be a source for the Great Spring). The System is further
          described on Figure A5

     Figure A5. The map covers the Penhow, Rogiet and Caldicot regions, and concerns
     two systems, White Brook to St Bride's Mill, and the Severn Tunnel Great Spring
     System. Points of note are:

     Predicted route from White Brook Sink, via Penhow to St Bride’'s Mill

     Predicted routes from Wentwood Reservoir Sink, Llanvair Discoed (two sinks) and
     Cas Troggy to deep feeder S to Rogiet, with branch to the south of Caerwent to
     Whirley Holes Resurgence (see Figure A4) and the Nedern Brook. The feeder to
     Rogiet is predicted to swing ENE under Caldicot. From the Nedern Brook the route
     is predicted to be SE to Portskewett, Sudbrook and the Severn Tunnel Great Spring,
     and then under the River Severn

     Figure captions

     Figure 1. Dowsing tests at Slade Valley and Bearse, 11th June 1994.

     Figure 2. Dowsing tests at Redhouse Swallet, Bicknor Court, Coldwell Walks (Ship
     Rock and Coldwell Swallet), Symonds Yat Swallet and other swallets to Slaughter
     Resurgence, and The Dropper, 12th June 1994.

     Figure A1. Master map for the northern region of the Forest of Dean.

     Figure A2. Master map for the central eastern region of the Forest of Dean.

     Figure A3. Master Map for the southern part of the River Wye.

     Figure A4. Master Map for the Otter Hole, Mounton Brook, Lavant and Caerwent
     regions.

     Figure A5. Master Map for the Penhow, Rogiet and Caldicot regions.

     John Gach Books, Inc.

     List 417: Spiritualism, Parapsychology,
     Occult (Surnames M-Z)

     Created: 11 Oct 1999
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     263. Tromp, S. W.
          Psychical Physics: A Scientific Analysis of Dowsing, Radiesthesia and
     Kindred Divining Phenomena. New York: Elsevier Publishing Company, Inc., 1949.
     8vo. 1st Edition. [xvi]+534+[2]pp. + 1 folding table. 150 text figures. Printed tan
     cloth. Sheets browned, else a very good copy. Uncommon. Contains a 1496 item
     bibliography. Inquire / Order $50.00
 

2: RADIESTHESIA.

Pendulum interpretation, or, Radiesthesia, cannot work by the apparatus
alone. The Dutch geologist Soco Tromp has shown that dowsers are unusually sensitive
to the earth's magnetic field, and respond to the changes inthe filed can be verified
with magnometers. He also discovered that a good dowser can detect an artificial field
an that he/she can detect such fields only two-hundredth the strength of the the earth
field.

Dowsers tested in te Laboratoire de Physique in Paris were able to tell whether
the electric current was switched on or off simply by walking past a coil at a
distance of three feet.

At the University of Halle it has been discovered that dowsers show an increase in
blood pressure and pulse rate in some fields.

Soviet scientists divide all people into four basic groups according to the
way the dowsing apparatus 'sees' them. A rod is attached to the first group
which includes all women ( who have a 40% higher success rate than men). Group
two consists of men who repulse the rod completely, while those in the last two
groups repel the rod from shoulders and waist respectively. Polarity maps of the
human body, prepared with an electrocardiograph by Tromp, supports grouping.

The Japanese have developed a method of determining the sex of chicks before
the eggs have hatched by passing a pendulum over the eggs going over a conveyor
belt.. The pendulum swings along the axis if the egg is sterile, clockwise circle for a
male, and AC for a hen.The factories using this method claim a success rate of 99%.

We are all sensitive to the physical forces around us, and it seems that
there are ways of enhancing this sensitivity. Dowsing has been in use for
at least five thousand years.

Bas-reliefs from early Egypt show figures in strange headgear carrying, at
arms length in front of them, a forked stick; and Emperor Kwang Su of China
is depicted in a statue dated 2200BC carrying an identical object. Both it
seems, were in search of water.

* PSYCHICAL PHYSICS: A SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF DOWSING, RADIESTHESIA, AND KINDRED DIVINING PHENOMENA, by SOLCO W. TROMP, founder of the International Society for Biometeorology. 1949 study objectifying many aspects of dowsing, still the most systematic and thorough scientific appraisal of the subject. 534 pages
$ 29.00 Bound xerox