Dear Olavi,


> > Pulling to the extend of beyond the range of Hooke's law. Yes, it
> would be interesting to encourage 'spoon benders' to try other means
> of deformation such as pulling or pressing.
>
> > Yes, and trying to press markings on the pieces with softer
> materials, aluminum coins or even with patterned plastic pieces.
> Fingerprints would be convincing.

absolutely!


> > I see your point. Yet I have objections:
> >
> > 1. the method you suggest should result in scratches on the inside
> wall of the container as you accomplish the deformation by pressing
> the paperclips against the wall. The hardness of the metal is higher
> than the one of the container; it is easy to obtain scratches on such
> surfaces. However, no such scratches can be detected (at least on the
> photos; of course, this one would not be sufficient to determine:
>
> Actually the paperclips are softer than the glass according to the
> Mohs scale and wikipedia:
> 4 to 5 Iron
> 6 to 7 Glass, Vitreous pure silica
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_scale_of_mineral_hardness


I found same in the meantime. I was mistaken by the fact that some
vandals use to make figural scrates into the glass window panes of the
suburb in Vienna.
Yet I do not remember whether Hasted's sphere was of 'real' glass or
plexiglass the surface of which is definitely softer.


> You just gave a very important point. That is checking for microscopic
> markings and traces revealing what has happened with the pieces.
> Investigating the fracture surfaces and so on.


ought to be done ...


> > 2. 'your' method will work as soon as the sphere is, say, half-way
> filled, but ...
>
> No problem. You can turn the sphere so that the hole is down.


your point is taken


> Returning to the photo of the sphere. You can notice that there are
> hooks in the middle parts of the scrunch and the twisted ends are
> protruding out, revealing the method of accomplishing the scrunch. If
> the free ends of the twists are very short, it is worth checking if
> there are traces of tools there, pliers markings for example.

yes, this is a very good idea.

Unfortunately, at this point in time I have no idea in whose custody
that sphere and everything else Hasted has left behind are kept after
his passing. I'll try to find out ...


Best,
Peter

--
================================================================
Prof. Peter MULACZ
>> PSI WIEN <<
================================================================
WWW: http://parapsychologie.info/
http://parapsychologie.ac.at/
http://zugun.parapsychologie.info
http://stigmatisation.parapsychologie.info
http://franz-anton-mesmer.parapsychologie.info
http://lambert-binder.parapsychologie.info
E-mail: peter.mulacz@...
peter.mulacz@...
Phone: +43 1 4058335
SnailMail: Hernalser Hauptstrasse 38
A-1170 WIEN/VIENNA
AUSTRIA
================================================================