Diviners finding minerals
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Diviners finding minerals
Diviners finding minerals. Artwork of divining rods being used to search for underground minerals during the 16th century. Diviners are using forked, wooden rods at centre left and upper left. On the diviners advice the supervisors (at bottom left) are directing the workforce to begin digging mines (at right). Divining (meaning " finding" ) rods are held loosely in the diviners hands and spontaneously point up or down if the practitioner walks over a mineral deposit. Although still widely used, divining has no scientific basis and there is no conclusive evidence that it works. The artwork is based on an original from De re metallica (1556) by Agricola. This artwork is from the Playbook of Metals (Pepper John Henry, 1862)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6418343
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1500s 1556 16th Century 1862 Antiquity Classical Divine Finding Fire Fires Forest History Of Science Medieval Mine Miner Miners Mining Surveying Workers Agricola De Re Metallica Diviner Divining Divining Rod Dowser Dowsing False Coloured Fin D
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a scene from the 16th century, showcasing the ancient practice of divining for minerals. In this artwork, diviners are seen utilizing forked wooden rods to search for underground mineral deposits. Positioned at the center left and upper left of the image, these skilled practitioners hold their divining rods loosely in their hands, waiting for them to spontaneously point up or down when they walk over a potential mineral deposit. The supervisors depicted at bottom left are attentively listening to the advice of these diviners. Acting upon their guidance, they direct a workforce towards digging mines on the right side of the image. This mesmerizing illustration is based on an original piece from "De re metallica" by Agricola (1556), as featured in "The Playbook of Metals" by Pepper John Henry (1862). While still widely used during that time period and even today, it's important to note that divining has no scientific basis and lacks conclusive evidence supporting its effectiveness. Nevertheless, this artwork serves as a historical testament to humanity's quest for understanding and harnessing natural resources. With its rich colors and intricate details, this image transports us back in time to witness an intriguing blend of classical history and medieval technology. It reminds us how our ancestors employed various methods in their pursuit of knowledge about minerals while highlighting how far we have come in our understanding through advancements in science and industry.
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