<p>I read [this</a> article](<a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/us/advances-in-science-of-fire-set-convict-free-after-42-years.html?partner=rss&emc=rss]this”>http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/us/advances-in-science-of-fire-set-convict-free-after-42-years.html?partner=rss&emc=rss) about a man convicted 42 years ago of a hotel fire that killed 29. The article refers to a case where a man was executed for setting a fire that killed his 3 children. The cases have in common that modern science disproves the old “scientific” basis for conviction. So for example, the factual statement by arson investigators in 1970 that accelerants were used has been shown to be wrong. This is not the ancient past. I was 13. We had sent people to the moon. </p>
<p>Makes me think about how truth changes. I used to read old science books in my high school library. They were a hoot because they were filled with what had become obvious errors. </p>
<p>And I think about old things like the witch trials. I believe in another thread someone mentioned an ancestor was hung as a witch. Putting aside all the hysteria in Salem - and the hidden economic and social issues - they thought witches existed, could exercise power and could be identified.</p>