| RefNo | ACS/1/3/3/9 |
| AltRefNo | 86438 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from [John Walter] Gregory, Geology Department, The University, Glasgow, to [Alan Archibald] Campbell Swinton [Esquire], 66 Victoria Street, London, S. W. 1. |
| Creator | Gregory; John Walter (1864 - 1932) |
| Date | 9 December 1927 |
| Description | Suggests it may be more persuasive if Lord Farrer to write to [Joseph Ernest] Petavel, commenting that officials are likelier to grant a personal request than to appear to yield to press pressure. Informs that the U.S. Geological Survey has deemed further investigation of water divining a misuse of public funds, and the National Physical Laboratory likely shares this view. References the work of [William Fletcher] Barrett and Bestermann, who have sparked renewed interest in the topic. Proposes that diviners form an association to record successes and failures, which could help clarify where divining is effective. Sceptical of divining’s reliability, with some advocating for testing, while others, particularly professional diviners, avoid amateur diviners’ involvement due to concerns about credibility. Mentions potential tests involving an electrically charged twig, though there’s concern that the National Physical Laboratory might dismiss the idea as too trivial to test. Thanks winton for bringing Lady [Florence Elizabeth] Barrett’s letter to attention and includes a postscript about Wager’s book, seeking Swinton’s opinion on it. |
| Extent | 1p |
| Format | Typescript |
| PhysicalDescription | Carbon |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA1348 | Gregory; John Walter (1864 - 1932); geologist and naturalist | 1864 - 1932 |
| NA8285 | Swinton; Alan Archibald Campbell (1863 - 1930); electrical engineer | 1863 - 1930 |
| NA8267 | Petavel; Sir; Joseph Ernest (1873 - 1936); engineer and physicist | 1873 - 1936 |