DOWSING FOR GOLD. Could Miners Find Gold Using Twigs??

Today I thought I’d talk about something a little different - we’re going to take a look back in time using one of my favourite books - De Re Metallica - and discover the fascinating wizard miners of the 16th century!
After its publication in 1556, De Re Metallica was considered the authoritative text on the art of mining, refining and smelting metals for almost 200 years.
Written by German scholar Georg Bauer, (whose pen name was Georgius Agricola), and published a year posthumously, the text is comprised of twelve books which extensively cover the many different aspects, tools and techniques of 16th century mining.
De Re Metallica provides us with a wealth of insight into the mining industry during the renaissance as well as the culture, legalities, architecture and costume of the time. This remarkable book contains a huge collection of brilliantly detailed illustrations and technical diagrams, all of enormous historical value.
In Book 2, Agricola discusses the commonly practised method of locating veins with the use of a 'divining rod'. He takes a sceptical approach to the subject, describing the method and its origins without advocating it. He then advises that miners look for natural signs when searching for veins, rather than using divination.
Although this brief section may be of little technical use to the modern day reader, it is certainly interesting to see wizards, magicians and their incantations presented seriously within the pages of a significant scientific text.
The information in this video regarding the use of divination rods in mining has been selectively extracted from Book 2 of De Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola, 1556.
The English translation of De Re Metallica is available to read online in its entirety, and is definitely worth checking out.
Read it online at: www.gutenberg.org/files/38015...
To discover some of the fascinating history of the Victorian Goldfields, check out Goldfields Guide at: www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/

[@179joshua]

I found many veins like this that aren't out cropping. It makes it so much easier than digging trenches .I have been doing this for 4 years its amazing tool.dont know how it works but it's spot on

[@lanehorsey5053]

As bonza says, Herb was out here as the manager of the Gwalia mine near Leonora in W.A. I have done some dowsing under the guidance of a opal driller (they still do it and swear by it) the wires acted identically in my hands as his, crossing exactly the same, but i still remain doubtful. great video once again., Thank you.

[@freemedia7627]

Informative video. Thanks for the narration.

[@goldfieldsguide]

Cheers 🙂⚒

[@bonza167]

one of the De Re Metallica translators in English was Herbert Clark Hoover 31st President of the USA, also a renowned mining engineer

[@Jawst]

Wonderful video! I would love to own a book like this! Incredible to think what the world has been through in this time. I think this video was recommended to me after watching Gold and Gunpowder videos on pirates 😆

[@goldfieldsguide]

Cheers Jawst A 🙂⚒ It's an absolutely remarkable book

[@antruok4950]

Interesting depictions - great research

[@goldfieldsguide]

Thanks 🙂⚒

[@iamRajput685]

If I want to search gold copper and silver then ... which metal dowsing rod is best...any suggestions

[@craigd123]

Minelab dow4300

[@179joshua]

Metal for shore right angle rods are the best

[@rodvandamme927]

Yes they can beacause thousand years ago our ancestors so much GOLD.