The Illusion of the Human Remains Detector: A Critical Look
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Detector
In East Tennessee, a man named Art Bohanan has introduced a device he refers to as "The Human Remains Detector." To showcase its capabilities, he invited the media to an old cemetery in Knoxville, where he claimed to detect bones beneath the ground. This demonstration took place in December 2021.
A local news outlet covered the event, presenting it without skepticism, treating the device as a legitimate scientific invention. One notable statement from the report highlights that the technology employed is akin to the principles behind dowsing rods.
At this point, those familiar with dowsing might feel compelled to express disbelief. Essentially, the device lacks scientific validity and operates similarly to traditional dowsing with some added complexity. Instead of simple wires, it features bent springs, an elaborate handle, and various wires, creating a façade of scientific credibility (see the image above).
Bohanan roams the cemetery, proclaiming, "There’s nothing over here between them, but when you move it back over here, it’s an instant response." I must say, it’s astonishing that he managed to identify human remains right next to a gravestone.
After locating a body, he employs a second "technology"—a plastic orb suspended from fishing line. According to him, if the orb spins clockwise, the deceased is female; a counter-clockwise rotation indicates a male. He also asserts that the speed of rotation signifies the individual's age.
This prompts the question: How does the device determine gender without considering the person holding it? Nevertheless, since the device is ineffective, such inquiries may be unnecessary.
Section 1.1: The Quest for Balance in Reporting
In journalism, striving for balance is a common practice. For a touch of "balance," the media included Arpad Vass, who was labeled a "scientist." While he does hold a scientific title, he is also known for his involvement in dowsing, albeit without scientific rigor.
Vass made some peculiar assertions: he claimed Bohanan is using antennas to locate the "electric field" associated with bones. He also mentioned his own invention, a "Quantum Oscillator," which supposedly identifies specific frequencies to locate human remains and other items. He believes it can work up to 75 miles away and can even locate treasures like gold mines or dinosaur bones.
Vass confidently stated, "All the doubters out there, they can doubt all they want,” but one can indeed obtain a patent without proving that something functions as claimed. For instance, a patent exists for a hypothetical Star Trek-style warp drive, which remains unbuilt.
Chapter 2: The Background of Art Bohanan
Art Bohanan is a retired individual who resurfaced in 2018 with similar claims, asserting he had developed a device to locate bodies. His prior demonstration involved wandering through a graveyard with media coverage, and in December 2021, he essentially repeated this performance.
Is there any credibility to these claims? The straightforward answer is no.
I previously discussed dowsing in relation to a "scientific device" intended to detect explosives. That device, sold to Iraqi police, turned out to be a fraudulent scheme that led to tragic consequences. The seller faced legal repercussions for his actions.
Numerous tests have debunked the effectiveness of dowsing. A notable double-blind test conducted in Germany in 1990 involved burying pipes in a field, some of which carried water. Dowsers were challenged to identify which pipes were active. Despite being incentivized with a $10,000 prize, none of the participants showcased any abilities beyond random chance.
If you're interested in further information on dowsing, a comprehensive Wikipedia article serves as an excellent introduction. It conveys the reality that dowsing is a pseudoscience, with evidence demonstrating it is no more effective than chance. The movements of dowsing rods are often attributed to the ideomotor phenomenon, wherein users make involuntary motions.
Section 2.1: The Human Tendency to Deceive Oneself
Human beings excel at self-deception. Many who practice dowsing genuinely believe in their methods, and Art Bohanan appears to have similarly convinced himself. His assertion that his technology is rooted in "dowsing technology" supports this notion.
People often cling to beliefs that resonate emotionally, only to find that they do not hold up under scrutiny. Those making unsupported claims frequently rationalize their failures, attributing them to external factors or exceptional circumstances.
Why does this phenomenon occur? Often, it's because such beliefs provide meaning and validation. Acknowledging their falsehood can be a daunting realization.
Art Bohanan, a likable elderly gentleman, may find fulfillment in the media attention and moments in the spotlight that his claims bring. However, he may never accept that he has been misled by his own beliefs.
In conclusion, the greatest deceiver in our lives is often ourselves. Embracing this truth is part of the human experience, and it’s crucial to remain open to the possibility of being wrong.
This video showcases the discovery of human remains during a metal detecting expedition, raising questions about the validity of such claims.
In this video, body parts are f