Sounds like men had to be tougher in the ol' days.
[...]
It sounds like the older decent methods are becoming a bit of a lost art, sort of like old navy knots. It would be interesting to see a book or exhibit on the subject, maybe starting with methods of old time alpinists and spelunkers.
They werenīt harder, they just used the most advanced materials and techniques they were aware off. It took some time (and some killed persons) to find something better than hemp for a rope. And maybe someone in 100 years thinks the same when looking at our times.
Beside this, it might be a lost art, but rapelling as example is dangerous, especially if some old fashioned methods are used.
Driving without a safety belt (and staying alive) also could be seen as "lost art", but the costs to keep it alive in other areas than in a museum are too high.
Donīt know whatīs happening in the USA, but here in the alps we have groups specialiced in analyzing accidents, testing materials even under strange conditions and giving advise to the alpinistic clubs. One of famous persons is Pit Schubert. He is the founder of the saftey group of the DAV (german alpine club). His three books "safety and risks in rocks and ice" are simply a must if you care about such things.
becks
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