BY: ROGER MILLINGTON
PREAMBLE
Sonic Geology is an emerging
science. Despite the importance of our work to humankind’s understanding of the
Natural World, we still face unjustified scepticism and even physical threats
in some quarters, from rival organisations and those who find our approach too
challenging to their established world view.
This has led to severe
funding limitations for our work, and the need for us to recruit Citizen
Scientists of all ages and backgrounds in order to investigate sonic phenomena
as and when they appear.
The following is intended as
a guide for the recruitment of Citizen Scientists at the Sounding Space.
INDUCTION PROCEDURES:
When recruiting Citizen
Scientists, the following Induction is suggested:
1. Approach the potential Citizen Scientist with a warm smile.
2. Introduce yourself.
3. Ensure that you use the correct NISG accreditation: Roger Millington, NISG, pleased to
meet you!
4. Explain acronym where necessary and our motto: Audiendo Ad Terram: Listening
to the Earth.
5. A handshake may be proffered where appropriate, and should be
firm and authoritative (NB avoid any excessive gripping, particularly of the
frail or elderly).
6. Initiate research discussion: Have
you heard about the sonic experiment we are conducting here today?
7. Explain Research Context for the Sounding Space
8. Add folkloric elements where necessary to secure
successful recruitment, but always stress the serious scientific nature of our
enquiry:
We
are Scientists, we have no truck with mythology; we are interested in cold,
hard facts. However, it does appear that there may be some grain of truth in
these old stories and tall tales.
As
our research has progressed we have discovered that indeed it may be the case
that over time, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of years, sound can become
trapped in the folds of the earth, seeded, percolated and imprinted in the
rocks beneath our feet.
Often,
some Earth Trauma, mining perhaps, an earthquake or excess of Geomantic Earth
Energy, seems to release these sounds, allowing us to detect them, catalogue
them and analyse them. Just a few days ago we received a call saying just such
a phenomenon was occurring here. And our primary method of detection and
recording is the Ear Trumpet.
We
are a small but dedicated band of researchers, and we have only limited
funding, so if you would like to join us as Citizen Scientists we would be very
grateful for your help.
9. Demonstrate Ear Trumpet technology:
It
is really very simple. Sweep, Plant and Linger! Hold the earpiece to your ear
and Sweep the ground in the manner of a metal detector. If you happen to detect
a sonic phenomenon, simply Plant the trumpet on the earth and Linger while you
listen. My colleagues will be happy to help you record your findings.
We
have discovered that each individual researcher seems drawn to a particular
Trumpet that suits them. If you will permit me, I would like to show you some
of this cutting edge technology and then you can make your choice:
10.
Ear Trumpet Selection
– only available on site, assisted by
Roger Millington
 |
| Sonic Investigator Hildegard Brunel demonstrating 'Ear Trumpet' technology |