NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
Re: Theory vs Practice
From: George Huxtable
Date: 2003 Aug 16, 20:32 +0100
From: George Huxtable
Date: 2003 Aug 16, 20:32 +0100
Gordon Talge has introduced a new thread name, "Theory vs Practice", which I presume refers to the current argument about steering between gravitational hills and valleys. It's a pity, in a way, because it misrepresents that argument, somewhat. I've been an experimental physicist for the whole of my working life. Nobody could believe, more strongly than I do, in the importance of questioning theory and checking it against the real world by experiment and measurement. There is no conflict between theory and practice: they are complementary. Where they disagree, something has to give: usually the theory. I will quote, yet again, my words to David Hoyte, as follows- "...an attempt to change the basic laws of science by asking for the opinions of mariners will be futile. To support his case he needs either contrary numerical observation or contrary logical argument, but presents neither." To this I might add that a reference to a document, describing in some detail the procedure he suggests, would give us all something to get our teeth into. What I dismiss is the proposal to resolve the matter by canvassing the opinions of mariners: any suggestion for testing the matter on a scientific basis would meet with no objection from me. Mind you, I doubt if it will shake our current understanding of the effects of gravity on the surface of the ocean, or on a ship floating within it. The effects of the force of gravity are rather well understood, even if its fundamental cause remains a considerable mystery (to me at least). As to Gordon's message itself, I can agree with every word. George. ================================================================ contact George Huxtable by email at george@huxtable.u-net.com, by phone at 01865 820222 (from outside UK, +44 1865 820222), or by mail at 1 Sandy Lane, Southmoor, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 5HX, UK. ================================================================