Is there any scientific proof that dowsing actually works?

[RATTER15]

I have seen dowsers on the TV make some astounding water finds.

Is dowsing heavily disputed or can/has it been proved to actually work?

[heathfield]

Oh. Good for you, Ratter. Do let us know!!

[chakka35]

Trimeresurus - of course I read your post; I wasn't terribly long! My point is that you had already been told that there was water there and that it was going into your house. After that I would want to know exactly how you moved, what ground you covered in what order and so on. Without properly observed information like that no-one can assess the value of your experience.

heathfield - it may well be that my rods would twitch if I went where I knew water existed -which totally invalidates the whole thing because of the ideomotor effect. I suggest you read about it.

Why are you believers so reluctant to tell me how I should set up a proper test instead of these casual excursions that RATTER15 is about to embark on?

[heathfield]

An 'ideomotor effect' is where we make physical movements without being aware of it. It's exactly what causes the rods to cross, or the pendulum to swing. It doesn't 'invalidate the whole thing', because it's the very basis of how dowsing works!!

[chakka35]

heathfield, you have explained only half of the ideomotor effect. What you have left out is that the movement of the rods (or the ouija board) is caused by the person taking part, not by some outside influence.

There really isn't any more I can say about this. If you can come forward with a sound report of the phenomenon, witnessed by objective outsiders who can verify that all the proper safeguards were observed I'd be intrigued.
But then you'd be silly to contact me: you'd be claiming James Randi's million dollars...

[daisya]

...And with jam on it it seems heathfield. Some people will never be convinced unless it's written in stone and set with jewels. Scientific proof isn't always forthcoming for everything, imo science cannot explain everything we wish it to but it doesn't mean some things don't exist.

[DTCwordfan]

water or cider, ratter? If the latter you could really be onto something.

[chakka35]

daisya- you plainly didn't read my post of 12.43 on Friday 12th, addressed to you.

[vivandorron]

I still remain open minded on the subject and am pleased that this thread is continuing. I don't feel we have yet reached the stage of it being 'water under the bridge'. :-)

Ron.

[chakka35]

billandhiscat - I have explained (on ths site and others) that anecdotes about the paranormal are not evidence because an objective analyst cannot possibly know the exact conditions that obtained at the time.

Also, exhortations to go out and try it are worthless unless you state in advance what those conditions will be, who is going to set them up and who else is going to observe and make notes.

Surely it is obvious to you that this is why successful dowsing occurs only in individual anecdotes while properly conducted trials always prove negative.

[venator]

See my 23.55 Sunday post - it worked for us, and builders don't waste time on things that don't work!

[vivandorron]

I am not doubting that, as a boy, Trim found the location of a water pipe; using his Dad's divining rods. It would be interesting to know if Trim has since put his abilities to the test and the results he has achieved. Also it would be interesting to know more about his father's achievements in the field.

Ron.