[split] Jorge's Retracer Thread: darker ink, retracing of text and drawings

[asteckley]

I will keep naively assuming that the people at McCrone know what they are talking about.

As you wish.  But I have read the full report, and I do understand the physics and chemistry that they used (or not).  The raw data is very useful and seems reliable, but their interpretations of it are not. You need not believe, but the report has several bloopers and makes claims that are not supported by the data -- including the conclusion that the ink is iron-gall.  Even when their instruments did not detect significant amount of iron. 

As someone also with the education and experience in relevant engineering science, I have to concur with Jorge’s assessment. While the McCrone report provides useful raw data, its analysis has weaknesses. In my view, that particular report shouldn’t be accepted without question; its conclusions and inferences warrant further scrutiny. Yes, the report was produced by competent "experts", but that alone rarely means what it says is without flaw.