Hormesis - Theory and Observation

[GlennACarlson@aol.com]

While considering the alleged hormetic effect of exposure to radon, the 
relative absence of data supporting a similar alleged effect for radiation 
exposure from other sources, and the truism (almost cliche) that "radiation 
is radiation," perhaps, we should also consider the following advice from 
British astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington whose observations verified 
Einstein's prediction that gravity bends light:

"Observation and theory get on best when they are mixed together, both 
helping one another in the pursuit of truth.  It is a good rule not to put 
overmuch confidence in a theory until it has been confirmed by observation.  
I hope I shall not shock the experimental physicists too much if I add that 
it is also a good rule not to put overmuch confidence in the observational 
results that are put forward until they have been confirmed by theory."  Sir 
Arthur Eddington, "New Pathways in Science," 1935.

Glenn A. Carlson, P.E.
glennacarlson@aol.com
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