[Harp-L] Comb test

[Jim adams <tusker23@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I recall a few years ago watching an investigative program on TV. The subject of the investigation was a stainless steel wire(?) bracelet which didn't quite form a complete circle around the wrist. Enclosing each end of the wire bracelet was a polished steel ball. In their TV ads, the manufacturer claimed this bracelet had properties which relieved arthritis, stimulated well-being, and generally increased the wearers vitality. They stopped short of claiming it cured cancer though, and I believe they charged about $80 or more for a bracelet. They even had a well-known female professional golfer as their spokesperson, extolling the virtues of their bracelet and claiming it helped her game. There were also numerous cameos of "satisfied customers" who swore to the efficacy of the bracelet and how it relieved their aches and pains. They sold tens, if not hundreds of thousands. The investigative TV program bought a few bracelets and ran them through just about every scientific lab test imaginable including electro-magnetic, x-ray, and various other tests. The results showed that the bracelet consisted of ordinary stainless steel wire, with ordinary steel balls, and possessed no 'magic' healing properties claimed by the manufacturer or by the "satisfied wearers". Yet the "satisfied wearers" all felt that the bracelet was a wonderful thing which helped relieve their aches and pain.....Could it be that they were of this opinion because they WANTED it to be true?.....And is it possible that the comb debate is simply due to exactly that same need?