Divining science : treasure hunting and earth science in early modern Germany / by Warren Alexander Dym.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dym, Warren Alexander.

Series:

Studies in Central European histories ; v. 52.

Studies in Central European histories ; v. 52

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Metallurgy--Germany--Saxony--History--18th century.

Metallurgy.

Dowsing--Germany--Saxony--History--18th century.

Dowsing.

Geochemical prospecting--Germany--Saxony--History--18th century.

Geochemical prospecting.

Geophysics--Germany--Saxony--History--18th century.

Geophysics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (230 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The study of German mining and metallurgy has focused overwhelmingly on labor, capitalism, and progressive engineering and earth science. This book addresses prospecting practices and mining culture. Using the divining, or dowsing rod as a means of exposing miner beliefs, it argues that a robust vernacular science preceded institutionalized geology in Saxony, and that the Freiberg Mining Academy (f.1765) became a site for the synthesis of tradition and new science. The tacit knowledge of dowsing was the mark of the experienced prospector, and rather than decline in importance through the Enlightenment, the practice transformed from a study of mineral vapors into an experimental branch of geophysics. Mining administrations openly hired practitioners through the eighteenth century.

Contents:

Preliminary Material / W. Dym

Introduction / W. Dym

1. White Gold On Spitzberg Hill / W. Dym

2. Magic, Witchcraft, And The Nature Of The Rod / W. Dym

3. Mining Science: Vernacular Knowledge / W. Dym

4. True Stories Of Freiberg Dowsers / W. Dym

5. The Murderous Matter: Dowsing And New Science / W. Dym

6. The Electric Rod: Dowsing And The Freiberg Mining Academy / W. Dym

Conclusion / W. Dym

Selected Bibliography / W. Dym

Index Of Subjects, Names, And Places / W. Dym

Studies In Central European Histories / W. Dym.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-282-94885-7

9786612948855

90-04-18871-1

OCLC:

780425312

Publisher Number:

10.1163/ej.9789004186422.i-218 DOI