[Rod_Cloutier]

I recently saw an article about a new book out called "The Bottomless Well: the twilight of fuel, the virtue of waste, and why we will never run out of energy" in the March 19, 2005 issue of Canada's National post.

The review states "that plenty of consumption is good, and also necessary to fuel humankind's innovations. moreover, they say, there is a wealth of not only oil, but other energy sources to keep the world chugging right along forever"

A right wing book of denial, no doubt needing scrutiny and rubuttal from this forum.

I was also wondering if anyone has heard of the "Herbal fuel" story comming out of the (IIT) Indian Institute of technology in India?

A fellow by the name of Ramar Pillai is claiming that he has found a common herb that can, when dissolved in water produce virtually pollution free diesel fuel. To produce his fuel, Pillai boils water and cooks leaves and bark from his special plant for 10 minutes. After adding salt and citric acid the mixture is cooled and stirred. Once allowed to settle the liquid fuel which is lighter than water floats to the top and is separated by filtering.

(IIT) has theoried that atmospheric carbon dioxide is sucked in during the reaction, the carbon dioxide combines with hydrogen liberated from water and forms this new hydrocarbon fuel.

Anyone having any links to these items would be greatly appreaciated!

[Jack]

Here's a link for your consideration.

http://skepdic.com/herbfuel.html

Regards,

Jack

[Rod_Cloutier]

Jack- I'm sorry I didn't identify my source of information- I read about Herbal Fuel in the skeptic's dictionary- I already had your link on this one.

Thanks anyways!

[aahala]

I once saw a website showing some Indian religious dude who claimed
he had not eaten or drank in 40 years by meditation. Maybe his name
was Ramar.

[aldente]

Here's the according link:
http://www.skepdic.com/inedia.html

plus a rather "typical" respose that can be listened to via audio:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/correx/ar ... muheen.htm

[Devil]

Mr. Pillai was arrested by the CBI for an alleged offence of cheating and conspiracy, for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Regulations for supply and distribution of motor fuels, besides the Essential Commodities Act.