friar, and author of a work
entitled _La Revelation de la Divine Majeste_, devoted a chapter to the
study of the question "whether hazel rods may be used without sin in
the search for metals." He reached the conclusion that there could be
nothing unchristian in their employment for the discovery of gold and
silver, provided neither words, ceremonies, nor enchantments be called
into requisition, and that it be done "in the fear and under the eyes
of God."

M. de Vallemont quotes as his final authority the Abbe Gallet, Grand
Penitentiary of the Church of Carpentras. He considers that the Abbe's
high position in the church, and his deep knowledge of physics and
mathematics, should lend great weight to his opinion concerning the
divining rod. He therefore requests a mutual friend to put to the Abbe
this question, "Is not the inclination of the rod due to sleight of
hand or something in which the Devil may play a part?" The Abbe
returns a long reply in Latin, which de Vallemont is pleased to
translate and print in his book. It opens thus:

"Monsieur l'Abbe Gallet declares in his own hand that the rod turns in
the direction of water and of metals; that he has used it several times
with admirable success in order to find water-courses and hidden
treasure, and that he is far from agreeing with those who maintain that
there is in it any trickery or diabolical influence."

William Cookworthy, who flourished in England about 1750, was a famous
exponent of the divining rod, and he laid down a most elaborate
schedule of directions for its use in finding hidden treasure or veins
of gold or silver. In conclusion, he sagely observed:[7]

"I would remark that 'tis plain a person may be very easily deceived in
making experiments with this instrument, there being, in metallic
countries, vast quantities of attracting stones scattered through the
earth. The attractions of springs continually occurring; and even
about town, bits of iron, pins, etc. may easily be the means of
deceiving the unwary. For as quantity makes no alteration in the
strength, but only in the wideness of the attraction, a pin under one
foot would stop the attraction of any quantity of every other sort, but
gold, which might be under the other.... Whoever, therefore, will make
experiments need be very cautious in exploring the ground, and be sure
not to be too anxious, for which reason I would advise him, in case of
debates, not to be too warm and lay wager