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No. 17: Fall 1981

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WERE THE BRITISH MEGALITHS BUILT AS SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS?

Alexander Thom and his son have meticulously surveyed nearly 100
megalithic sites in Britain and nearby Europe. Archeologists generally
applaud the Thoms' careful work but vehemently attack their
conclusions. The Thoms see in their surveys evidence that the early
Britons built megalithic astronomical instruments with scientific
capabilities far beyond their needs for calendar-keeping. Actually,
they suggest that these "primitive" people built a society so strong
that it could devote time and labor to a program of astronomical
research generations in extent. In short, they were precociously
bright and socially strong; so much so that they could indulge their
scientific desires.

The Thoms' prehistoric scenario departs radically from that of the
current archeological establishment, which has searched for flaws in
the Thoms' work. Naturally, some defects have emerged. Clive Ruggles,
the author of the present article, is one of the skeptics. He feels
that the megalithic sites are impressive and intriguing but not the
work of mental giants. After all, Ruggles says, 72 points of the
compass have some lunar significance. Almost any circle of stones
built for simple ritual purposes would have some significant lunar
alignments!

(Ruggles, Clive; "Prehistoric Astronomy: How Far Did It Go?" _New
Scientist_, 90: 750, 1981.)

_Comment_. The kind of statistical argument reminds one of those
monkeys who will eventually type out the works of Shakespeare.
Presumably, the same monkeys could construct Stonehenge, given enough
time.

_Reference_. Our Handbook _Ancient Man_ contains abundant material on
megalithic sites. For details, visit: [8]here.

_From [9]Science Frontiers #17, Fall 1981. © 1981-2000 William R.
Corliss_
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Other Sites of Interest

* _[10]SIS_. Catastrophism, archaeoastronomy, ancient history,
mythology and astronomy.
* _[11]Lobster_. The journal of intelligence and political
conspiracy (CIA, FBI, JFK, MI5, NSA, etc)
* _[12]Homeworking.com_. Free resource for people thinking about
working at home.
* _[13]ABC Dating and Personals_. For people looking for
relationships. Place your ad free.

References

1. http://www.science-frontiers.com/index.htm
2. http://www.science-frontiers.com/sf017/index.htm
3. http://www.science-frontiers.com/index.htm
4. http://www.science-frontiers.com/sfonline.htm
5. http://www.science-frontiers.com/sf017/index.htm
6. http://www.science-frontiers.com/sourcebk.htm
7. http://www.science-frontiers.com/catalog.htm
8. http://www.science-frontiers.com/sourcebk.htm
9. http://www.science-frontiers.com/sf017/index.htm
10. http://www.knowledge.co.uk/sis/
11. http://www.lobster-magazine.co.uk/
12. http://www.homeworking.com/
13. http://www.abcdating.com/