OTOH, oil companies eschew it and spend trillions on scientifically-based methods.

Is there some difference between oil and water as far as dowsing efficacy is concerned?

I have used the bent coathanger method on more than one occasion to find water lines. In fact I have two bent coathangers in my office right now that I have used before and their still here if I need them again.
You bend them into an L shape and hold them loosely straight out. When you walk over a water line they will cross over each other.

Danny

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I watched a worker from Denver Water use that method to find a leak in a water main. The leak was right where maked on the road.

Dowsing seems to fall into the same general category as a number of kinds of religious experiences. Something occurs that is efficacious but we don't have any good theoretical explanation as to why it happens and we're not sure of the circumstances in which we can make it repeatable.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
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If a dowser can demonstrate his ability - in a measurable, statistically significant way - then he might profitably apply for the Million Dollar Challenge.

Some of James Randi's comments about dowsing applicants for the Challenge can be found here. The Swift articles referred to on that page do not have to be purchased to be read, as they're available on-line: volume 1, number 1 and volume 1, number 2.

Maybe you would have to hold two gasoline pump nozzles in front of you, instead to two coat hangers.



Whatever you do, don't walk infront of certain clinics with two coathangers in your hands. - bad juju.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
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But I wouldn't want to abuse my talent for a mere profit, would I? Oh wait, I mean the prize isn't real. Oh wait, it's something else.

The first argument doesn't hold any water (pardon the bad pun), since dowsers routinely charge for their "services." The second doesn't either. The third, well who knows?

When somebody charges for a service that can't even be scientifically demonstrated (as opposed to explained), you should be wary.

Oh man, that's just bad.

Ha!