102 On the Divining Rod. 



use of glasses. Since that time, I have not felt a symptom 

 of the paralytic disorder, but have reason to conclude that 

 it was effectually cured by the shock. But I have reason 

 to think, that the same cause which restored my sight, im- 

 paired my hearing, since a deafness commenced at the 

 same time, which has continued to the present hour. 

 I am. Sir, with respect, 



Your obedient servant, 



SAMUEL LEFFERS.^' 



Art. XVII. — On the Divining Rod, ivith reference to the 

 use made of it in exploring for Springs of water ; in a 

 letter to the Editor, dated 



Norfolk, (Con.) Oct. 23, 1820. 



Remark. — Every person, in the least conversant with the objects 

 of a scientific Journal, must be aware that an Editor is, in no case, 

 answerable for the opinions of his correspondents. We are will- 

 ing to preserve all well authenticated facts respecting the divining 

 rod, although we have the misfortune to be sceptical on that sub- 

 ject : perhaps, however, we ought in candor to add, that we have 

 never seen any experiments. Those so often related by the igno- 

 rant, the credulous, the cunning, and the avaricious, are, in general, 

 unworthjf of notice ; but when attested by such authority as that of 

 the Reverend gentleman, whose name is attached to this letter, the}' 

 will ever command our ready attention. 



Dear Sir, 



I am highly pleased with your Journal of Science ; and 

 doubt not of its being at once a source of instruction and 

 an honor to our Country. 



Permit me to suggest the propriety of inserting an arti- 

 cle, embodying a sufficient number of well authenticated 

 facts on the use of " mining rods^^ in discovering fountains 

 of water under ground, to put their utility beyond a doubt. 

 I presume that yourself or some of your correspondents 

 are already in possession of such facts and could easily fur- 

 nish the article. 



For myself, I was totally sceptical of their efficacy, till 

 convinced bv mv own senses. 



