In general, many have said that my question was valid. Thank you.
I have asked many geology profs for the rules used to determine whether a
particular fossil could be used to establish that a stratum is say, 200
million years old.
Previously someone said that there should be whole books written about that
subject or, at least, large sections of books.
I tend to agree with Norm Smith who implied that it is surprising how hard
it is to find such rules.
Andrew MacRae indicates that the question is valid, but, perhaps,such a
discussion needs pictures.
With all due respects to those who understand the topic, I suspect that
Thomas S. Kuhn again wins the day when he says on page 80 of his book
***Structures of Scientific Revolutions*** that data is given as examples
of where a paradigm WORKS, rather than the PROOF that paradigm is true.
Much of the theme ot his book is that paradigms somehow operate without
rules, and that rules come into question at the time of a revolution.
Glenn sent me a list of 26 intact geologic columns, I intend to impose on
him a bit.
Greeting to all.
Russ Arndts