Here are a couple more quotes from Gerry Vassilatos' _Lost Science_ concerning experiments with earth energies and iron rods:

"Earth Energy and Vocal Radio: Nathan Stubblefield" Page 86 under the heading 'Terminals':

"Touching a well grounded iron rod is a good first experiment to try in these regards. Try and find a place where power leakage into the ground is minimal...a park or wooded area. Take a yard-long iron ros whose surface is free of shellac or insulator coatings. Carefullt drive the rod into the ground with a hammer. Wetted hands ib the iron should produce a mild electrical sensation. These voltages can be measured. They 'pin' sensitive galvanometers. The current does not cease after several weeks if axtivity when properly placed."

and a similar experiment with hints of an 'orgone accumulator' comes from an excerpt on Franz Anton Mesmer from Page 9 in "Luminous World: Baron Karl Von Reichenbach" under the heading 'Animal Magnetism':

"Mesmer's earliest work centers around the development of a strange battery-like accumulator by which his earliest and most famous cures were wrought...The battery was developed slowly, the result of an attempt to mimic conditions found at certain "sacred spots" of the Austrian countryside. Mesmer constructed the battery to imitate natural configurations. It has a decidely organice asect to its internal structure. A grounded device, the wooden tub housed several thick layers of wet vegetable matter and iron slag. A single iron rod ran through the entire composition, closed at the top with a circular wooden barrier. While working with the development and application of his special battery, Mesmer himself received a distinct impulse when he touched the single iron pole. Electrostatic shock was not unknown. Familiar with these, he declared that this energy was completely different in nature, having a more body permeating and 'thrilling' aspect when experienced. But none of Mesmer's subjects reported that the effect was identical with common electrostatic shocks. These shocks were thrilling, vivyfying, exciting, and definitely curative. Those who touched the exposed rod experienced a sudden tingling rush which permeated their bodies, bringing delighted shrieks or sighs, but most often stimulating a sudden unconsciousness."