Posted by Dave Thewlis on December 12, 2003 at 18:40:42 from 148.78.245.13 user dthewlis.
In Reply to: Re: Dowsing, Hall effect and compasses posted by David Brooks on December 12, 2003 at 17:09:47:
I have no idea whether anybody has ever deliberately tried to make things as freely-swinging as possible. And with a Y-shaped stick that's clearly not the issue anyhow. Somewhere I've read that the stick is supposed to be made of willow, alder, or some other tree which is a good indicator of nearby water when found.
Anyhow, my impression is that the movement (of the stick, or of the rods) is far too deliberate and strong to require a freely-swinging device anyhow, come to think of it. (Remember the stick twisting in Titty's fingers and pushing against her thumbs; I don't think that Ransome exaggerated the effect as reported. )