Robert Gentry has written a fascinating account of his research into Precambian
granites. These are the rocks which were
there at the beginning of Earth's existance. Gentry researched into Polonium halos, the tiny 'fingerprints' of a a particular type of radioactive decay. Only this decay has a half-life of at the most a few years and at the least a few minutes. This means that if the
granites formed in the timescale of long ages, that these halos should not exist. However, if the granites formed in a very short timescale, then that would account for the halos existence. So Gentry suggests that the Earth is very much younger than normally assumed. Young, that is, perhaps even created pretty much instantaneously.
The problem Gentry encountered of course, was and is the disdain from many of his colleagues and fellow researchers. They all endorsed his
research and his findings. They didn't argue against his methods or his science. It was when Gentry began to suggest a young Earth model, that his support, both personal and financial disappeared. The general reaction was that Gentry has found a 'tiny mystery' which will one day be solved.
This book is not to be missed. Gentry shows great integrity, and vast amounts of tenacity as he finds himself increasingly alone in his research. This is a man who is committed to presenting the truth, whether or not he has to stand alone in doing so.
If you have an interest in Science, whatever you believe about the age of the Earth, you won't be able to put this one down!