Page 187 - J. C. Turner - History and Science of Knots

A History of Life Support Knots 177

taineers, abseil engineers, rock climbers, canyoners, mountain army corps and
others must lead to the development of simpler and safer techniques. So far,
there have been few contributions to techniques or equipment from outside
Europe, North America and Australasia; but others, Asians in particular, are
becoming more interested in and more skilled at the adventure sports, and
there is little doubt that they will make their mark in techniques also.

Note that in this paper I have described knots only. I have not spelled out
details of how they are to be applied, of the precautions needed for safe and
efficient operation, or of the risks involved when using them. If any readers
wish to try any of these knots in practice, they should read further in the
appropriate literature and consult people experienced in their use.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

General References

J. Bernstein, Ascent (Simon and Schuster, New York , 1989).
T. G. Brown, `Early Mountaineering' in Mountaineering,
ed. S Spencer (Seeley Service, London, ?1935) 17-39.
T. R. Shaw, History of Cave Science (Sydney Speleological Society,
Sydney, 1992).

Specific References
1. Alpine Club Special Committee, `Report on ropes, axes and alpen-
stocks', Alpine Journal 1 (1864) 321.
2. Alpine Club Special Committee , `Report on equipment for moun-
taineers', Alpine Journal 16 (1892) Special Report 1.
3. C. W. Ashley, The Ashley Book of Knots (Doubleday Doran, New York,
1944).
4. A. Blackshaw , Mountaineering (Penguin, Harmondsworth , 1965).
5. E. R. Blanchet, `The spare rope in theory and practice ', Alpine Journal
41 (1929) 63.
6. D. Busk, `The first rappel: a study in vanity', Alpine Journal 66 (1961)
365.
7. C. T. Dent, Mountaineering (Longmans, London, 1900).
8. H. B. George, `Knots for roping travellers ', Alpine Journal 2 (1865) 95.
9. E. Gerard, La Montagne (1922) 322; seen in [5].
10. D. Graydon (ed.), Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills (The
Mountaineers , Seattle, 1992).