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Full-Text Articles in Intellectual History

Report On The Visit Of Dr. Wentzel On June 6, 1939, Unknown Jun 1939

Report On The Visit Of Dr. Wentzel On June 6, 1939, Unknown

Dowsing Research

This report on a visit to Berlin by Dr. Wetzel notes progress in scientifically determining physical causes for the dowsing rod phenomenon and laments the rejection of dowsing by experts due to activities by "dilettantes and frauds", whose activities should be stopped through official measures.

Wetzel expressed a desire for the Association for Dowsing to come under the umbrella of the German Police with the protection of the Reichsführer-SS, possibly within the Ahnenerbe. He compares dowsing research to World Ice Theory research, both facing opposition from government and party officials which could discourage researchers.

Wetzel additionally mentions his support for …


Letter From The Reich Main Security Office To The Ahnenerbe, May 26, 1939, Reich Main Security Office May 1939

Letter From The Reich Main Security Office To The Ahnenerbe, May 26, 1939, Reich Main Security Office

Dowsing Research

This note from the Reich Main Security Office on behalf of the Reichsführer-SS (Heinrich Himmler) accompanied a report on dowsing rods which was submitted to Himmler. The note states that the report was being forwarded for information purposes.


Report Of The Sd Directed At Reichsführer Ss Heinrich Himmler, May 26, 1939, Sicherheitsdienst May 1939

Report Of The Sd Directed At Reichsführer Ss Heinrich Himmler, May 26, 1939, Sicherheitsdienst

Dowsing Research

This report from the SD responds to the petition by the Reich Association for Dowsing which defends dowsing and asks for measures to regulate dowsing and empower the association in its oversight capacities.

The SD response begins with a summary of the arguments made by the Reich Association for Dowsing which refers to dowsing successes and outlines obstacles in the form of hostility from the science community, lack of resources, and the detrimental effect of "wild dowsers" on the overall reputation of the practice.

The paper then explores the organization itself, noting that it is based on a system of …


Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, February 23, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz Feb 1939

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, February 23, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Wolfram Sievers in which Harmjanz requests a document related to the commissioning of the work for the Atlas of German Volkskunde by the Ahnenerbe. He indicates that it is needed for an upcoming meeting with the German Research Association.


Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, January 5, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz Jan 1939

Letter From Heinrich Harmjanz To Wolfram Sievers, January 5, 1939, Heinrich Harmjanz

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter from Heinrich Harmjanz to Wolfram Sievers asking for copies of letters from the German Research Association which Sievers had previously promised to share with Harmjanz. Harmjanz asks that they be sent as soon as possible, as they were necessary for making decisions about the staff and relocation of the Atlas of German Volkskunde.