MJ Thomas Wrote:
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>
>
> But surely you only say this proposed drilling
> through the second block is "a pointless
> desecration" because you believe that you know
> what lies beyond it, i.e. core masonry?


No.

I do not "believe I know". The evidence and logic fully support what we know.




>
> Like everybody else, Anthony, you can only
> hypothesise as to what actually lies beyond the
> block.



Patently untrue.

The theory is founded upon the evidence and supported by further evidence that was discovered during research. The evidence is compelling, the theory is firmly rooted in Egyptian culture, spirituality, cosmology and cosmography from the Old Kingdom. There is no logical reason to doubt it.



> According to your theory this drilling is
> unnecessary.


It doesn't matter whose theory it is. Please stop making this personal. The evidence and context say the drilling is unnecessary. Period.



> But I and many others do not consider your theory
> (which, let's face it, can only be tested by this
> drilling project) to be sufficient reason for the
> work to be stopped.


You, and "many others" have had sufficient time to research what I presented. You, and "many others" have, apparently, failed to do so. Those who are familiar with the subject matter have found no objection to the theory. Those who are familiar with the subject matter have even suggested further evidence that clearly supports the theory. It really is that obvious a solution when one understands the subject matter, or has taken the time to familiarize him or herself with the evidence from the culture in question.

Drilling holes in the blocks will not be "the only" test. No further testing is really needed. Cultural and contextual analysis is what is required, based upon the study of all the pyramids and other mortuary structures from ancient Egypt. This idea that somehow what lies on the other side of a 9cm block of stone will change what we know to be true about Egyptian spirituality, cosmology and cosmography is really rather silly.



>
> You theorise that there is nothing but core
> masonry beyond the block.


The evidence and context say there is nothing but core masonry beyond the block.


> If the drilling shows otherwise, then your theory
> collapses.


Not at all, actually. It may need to be augmented or modified, but my work is much bigger than one pyramid and its structural anomalies. For example, I didn't predict the second plug stone. I had failed to account for the net effect of the profane objects having been dropped down the closed shafts of the Second (Queen's) Chamber. It had no effect on the theory, however. It still stands, virtually the same as when it was first formalized over six years ago.



> I suppose one could argue that this is a good
> enough reason for not wanting the drilling to be
> carried out.

My ego is not on the line here. I don't need to tear up a monument to prove I'm right. If you want to twist my commitment and respect to and for the ancient Egyptian culture into something it is not, then I can't stop you. Drilling holes for a Fox TV special is wrong. Drilling holes for National Geographic is no better. Quelling the curiosity of the voluntarily ignorant masses is no excuse for damaging ancient monuments. For example, Stadelmann has claimed to have identified hieroglyphic inscription on the outer stone of the northern shaft. Those hieroglyphs are artifacts as well. Had Stadelmann missed them, it is likely nobody would have noticed, and the drill would have chopped them up and they'd be lost forever.

What else is going to be destroyed? Why should it be? Should we drill the side of Tut's burial mask, just to see how thick the gold is in various spots?

I wouldn't feel particularly good about somebody dropping an artesian well through my father's casket, thank you. There's no rational reason for this to go on. The theory, logic, evidence and context give us our answer. We don't need invasive, damaging excavation to confirm what we already know.

It's as pointless, apparently, has continuing this discussion with you. I certainly won't try to stop you from having the last word.

Anthony

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him think.