Sir, - I was both amused and disappointed to read Dr Tassot's column (July 18th), in which he enumerates the reasons we should doubt the theory of evolution. While no scientist, it was obvious even to me that he was mistaken. Others are more qualified to counter his arguments; nonetheless I feel duty-bound to offer my own critique.
1, No empirical proof that macro-evolution occurs - it's true to state that there's no single item of evidence that points directly at evolution. There is, however, an overwhelming amount of circumstantial evidence that, when taken as a whole, points to macro-evolution.
2. No transitional fossils - in fact, every fossil is transitional. Paleontologists are uncovering more and more evidence that, for example, birds evolved from dinosaurs; in China recently a new species of dinosaur with what were obviously the precursors to feathers was discovered.
3. There is no evidence of evolution at a molecular level - the reason we have such a problem in our hospitals with such bacteria as staphylococcus aureus is that they've evolved resistance to our best antibiotics.
4. Geological timescale questioned." As this is a technical argument that I'm unqualified to answer properly, I'll instead refer you to http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-meritt.html, which ably debunks this as well as Dr Tassot's other points.
5. Evolution breaks the second law of thermodynamics - this is the most common claim by creationists, and the most obviously false. The second law of thermodynamics as stated by Dr Tassot seems to prove not only is evolution impossible, but so are cars. However, the evidence of the latter is all around; they're possible because of the presence of an external energy source (car manufacturers). Equally, the increase in complexity in nature is possible because of an external power source (the sun). As this is obvious to anyone with an even rudimentary understanding of thermodynamics, I find myself suspicious of the motivation of anyone who claims otherwise. - Yours, etc.,
Robert Elliott, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.