A few years ago, I and other PDMHS members were going to survey
Mouldridge Mine in Derbyshire. Since I could do dowsing (or divining as
I tend to call it) we decided to try an experiment. I did several
surface transects and we marked on a map where I got a reaction. These
lined up to indicate two passages trending east.
We then carried out a normal survey and compared the results. The two
features I had picked up matched up with the two largest passages in the
mine. However, there were a lot of smaller passages and stopes that I
had not found.
Thus, dowsing can be an indicator of underground passages but I would
not bet money on its accuracy. I have met people who claim to be able
to draw an accurate plan of underground workings and even one who
claimed to be able to pick up location of tools! I am sceptical about
this - regard it as an indicator only.
I also think that you can get reactions from other things like water and
faults or changes in geological strata. So you can never really be sure
of what you have found. It does actually need a proper scientific study
but I am afraid it has too many connotations of eccentricity for
scientists to risk their reputation on doing this!
Adrian Pearce
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Visit the following sites for references to all kinds of mining subjects
British Mining Database <http://www.ap.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bmd.htm>
Shropshire Mines Trust <http://www.ap.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/smt.htm>
Snailbeach Mine <http://www.ap.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/sbeach.htm>
Tankerville Mine <http://www.ap.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/tanker.htm>
Bersham Colliery <http://www.ap.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bct.htm>
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