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Message: <blockquote data-quote="tetrasodium" data-source="post: 9499774" data-attributes="member: 93670">Doesn't look so much "secret" as simply an example  of "discovered it's raised often enough to be worthy of printing after the PHB was printed".  The first PHB section seems to be about magic items that happen to be in contact with the effect (ie not like flamestrike or something), the second DMG section seems to be some guidance for the "um, we noticed folks feel like casting this on a specific item should function differently, here's a good ruling we like that doesn't result in a six level drop on the /L9 disjunction spell" type blurb.  I may not have the 1e books to reference but I do have the ad&d2e books & those clarify things nicely.  Instead of the DMG blurb (I couldn't find it with a quick search) the spell itself in the PHB is clarified to include the secondary edge case itself.[spoiler="pg191"]Dispel Magic(Abjuration)Range: 120 yds. Components: V, SDuration: Instantaneous Casting Time: 3Area of Effect: 30-ft. cube Saving Throw: None When a wizard casts this spell, it has a chance to neutralize ornegate magic it comes in contact with, as follows: First, it removes spells and spell-like effects (including deviceeffects and innate abilities) from creatures or objects. Second, it dis-rupts the casting or use of these in the area of effect at the instantthe dispel is cast. Third, it destroys magical potions (which are treatedas 12th level for purposes of this spell). Each effect or potion in the spell’s area is checked to determine ifit is dispelled. The caster can always dispel his own magic; otherwise,the chance to dispel depends on the difference in level between themagical effect and the caster. The base chance is 50% (11 or higheron 1d20 to dispel). If the caster is of higher level than the creator ofthe effect to be dispelled, the difference is subtracted from the num-ber needed on 1d20 to dispel (making it more likely that the dispelsucceeds); if the caster is of lower level, the difference is added tothe number needed on 1d20 to dispel (making it less likely that thedispel succeeds). A roll of 20 always succeeds and a roll of 1 alwaysfails. Thus, if a caster is 10 levels higher, only a roll of 1 prevents theeffect from being dispelled. A dispel magic spell does not affect a specially enchanted item,such as a magical scroll, ring, wand, rod, staff, miscellaneous item,weapon, shield, or armor, unless it is cast directly upon the item.This renders the item nonoperational for 1d4 rounds. An item pos-sessed and carried by a creature gains the creature’s saving throwagainst this effect; otherwise, it is automatically rendered nonopera-tional. An interdimensional interface (such as a bag of holding)rendered nonoperational would be temporarily closed. Note that anitem’s physical properties are unchanged: A nonoperational magicalsword is still a sword. Artifacts and relics are not subject to this spell; however, some oftheir spell-like effects may be, at the DM’s option. Note that this spell can be very effective when used uponcharmed and similarly beguiled creatures. Certain spells or effectscannot be dispelled; these are listed in the spell descriptions.Summary of Dispel Magic EffectsSource of Effect Resists As Result of DispelCaster None Dispel automaticOther caster/ Level/HD of  innate ability other caster Effect negatedWand 6th level *Staff 8th level *Potion 12th level Potion destroyedOther magic 12th, unless special *Artifact DM discretion DM discretion* Effect negated; if cast directly on item, item becomes nonoperational for 1d4 rounds.[/spoiler]</blockquote>

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