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This matter of how light arrives at the eye via the unsilvered surfaces of
the index mirror now seems to be resolved, to (at least) Ken Muldrew's
satisfaction. Others may yet find a scrap of meat remaining on the the
bone, to pick at.

To me, it seems to have shown all the best features of how a mailing-list
discussion ought to be conducted. Listmembers proposed various experiments,
tried them out, argued about the results, argued about the underlying
principles, tossed various ideas to and fro, in a spirit of courtesy and
mutual respect, to reach a conclusion.

"Well, he would say that, wouldn't he?" I hear you say, because my original
suggestions were confirmed. But I think that all on this list are
open-minded enough to be prepared to change their stance, and their minds,
in the face of strong-enough evidence and argument that points another way.

It's a real privilege to be a member of such a list as Nav-L. Thanks to Ken
for raising an interesting question.

It leads me to wonder how quickly and successfully science and
understanding would have progressed, in the Days of Newton and Maskelyne
and Sumner, if they had been able to argue with their contemporaries by
email, instead of sending letters carried by packhorse and sailing ship.

George.


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