Murray McGregor wrote:

> As soon as I see ancient texts being used, with unrealistically high
> precisions quoted, as a 'proof' of pro or con small cell theory, it smacks of
> bias.
>
> These texts are a curiosity in todays situation and, taken together, can tell
> us if we are within the parameters of years ago. Interpreting them to one end
> of the potential scale may turn out to be correct but seem arbitrary and
> unproven.

I would not discount scientific data just because it is old. And
measuring to three decimal places is not a recent discovery in the
scientific community. Nor are significant numbers.

But the wheel does seem to be recent, since we invent it monthly on this
list :)

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Me