In 1973, the Director of this Conference, Dr Euan MacKie, outlined the controversy in a New Scientist article which concluded: “In summary, Velikovsky has achieved a remarkable success in forecasting otherwise unexpected scientific discoveries. For this reason alone it is difficult to see how there can be any further justification for refusing to consider and actively to test his ideas – no matter how unpalatable they may seem.” These Proceedings represent the beginning of an attempt “actively to test” some of Velikovsky's ideas and to cut through the prejudice surrounding them.
Over recent years, specialist research into Velikovsky's theories has been increasing steadily and a substantial number of authoritative papers have been published. The problem lies in the fact that the climate of opinion ensures that this research is excluded from the established journals and thus denied the influence which it should have on the larger debate. Perhaps these Proceedings will also help to build a bridge between “mainstream” scholars and that minority of their colleagues – described in the Times Literary Supplement of 26 June 1976 as “a powerful force in the undergrowth of academe” – who have had to pursue their investigation of Velikovsky's work outside the established journals and institutions.
CONTENTS
- Introduction (Brian Moore)
- Speakers
- Dr Immanuel Velikovsky: Some Additional Evidence from the Period from the Exodus to the End of the Eighteenth Dynasty. (Unfortunately, due to illness, Dr Velikovsky's paper had to be read in absentia)
- Geoffrey J. Gammon: The Nature of the Historical Record
- Dr John J. Bimson: Can There be a Revised Chronology Without a Revised Stratigraphy?
- Postscript
- Michael Jones: Some Detailed Evidence from Egypt Against Velikovsky's Revised Chronology
- Michael Jones and “Peoples of the Sea”: some clarifying comments (G. Gammon)
- Peter J. James: Chronological Problems in the Archaeology of the Hittites
- Postscript
- Discussion Session
- Prof. A. E. Roy: The Astronomical Basis of Egyptian Chronology
- Dr Euan MacKie: Radiocarbon Dating and Egyptian Chronology
- Factors Affecting Radiocarbon Dates
- The Nature of Radiocarbon Dates
- The Tree-ring Calibration
- Discussion Session
- “Blind Dating” – letter to the Editor (Michael Start)
- Prof A. E. Roy: The Stability of the Solar System
- Dr Robert W. Bass: The Celestial Dynamics of “Worlds in Collision”
- Letter to the Editor (Ralph Juergens)
- Discussion Session
- Dr I. Velikovsky: The Tomb of Ahiram (summary – read in absentia by G. Gammon)
- Closing Discussion
- Envoi (Euan MacKie)
- Postscript (Harold Tresman)
Proceedings of the Residential Weekend Conference, Jordanhill College, Glasgow University, Glasgow, 7-9th April 1987.
The Proceedings, with complete papers, can be obtained as a back issue (SIS Review VI:1-3) from the SIS Book Service.