Posted by Chris on July 14, 1998 at 16:12:14:
In Reply to: response posted by Robert O'Brien on July 11, 1998 at 02:52:28:
: : Are you familiar with the replicating clay hypothesis of Cairns-Smith? If it could be demonstrated, I think it would go a long way towards satisfying the requirement of an inorganic system that reproduces with variability and therefore evolves.
: No, I am not familiar with the hypothesis you cite above. I am usually too involved with derivatives, integrals, and the like to pay much attention to your discipline.
Then I am suprised that you maintain such strong opinions about abiogenesis. I try to withold judgement, or at least express my opinions tenatively, on topics that I'm not really familiar with. If I may recommend a good book on the subject: "Origins: A Skeptic's Guide to the Creation of Life on Earth," by Robert Shapiro.