Forty five years ago, Australian businessman Dick Smith arranged for James Randi to visit Australia and conduct controlled, scientific experiments on water divining. This particular event played a role in promoting interest in scientific skepticism in Australia and the formation of the Australian Skeptics, who have an article on this very topic here.

The 1980 experiments were produced by Dick Smith Adventure Pty Ltd. It proved compelling in what it revealed about water divining (aka dowsing) as a promoted skill, the reasons dowsing has been by some, uncritically accepted as factual, and the thinking process behind those that believe it is a genuine phenomenon. In addition, Randi brought with him a wealth of experience and explanation regarding the cognitive bias specific to water divining and non-critical thinking in general. These became apparent as the documentary unfolded.

Digital restoration from a 45 year old VHS tape took a significant amount of time including the application of unique software. Thanks go to Richard Saunders and Glenn Brady. You can learn more about this and Randi’s visit via The Skeptic Zone, Episode #870.

Do enjoy, James Randi in Australia – 45th Anniversary Edition.