just been blowing smoke.  That happens from time to time.

&gt; and the history of science suggests that the thinking of the 'old folks'
&gt; was almost always inadequate for every new idea which came along, and
&gt; usually a positive hindrance.

"The" (unique) history of science?  As writ by who, as writ to who?
Would you so blithely and so blindly accept "the" history written by
any other one-sided party to a dispute?  I doubt it.  Can you not see
the force of a "group identity myth, moderately entrenche