[Avodah] experimental data

[Eli Turkel]

> According to the gemara, eg BK 50b-51a, a bor that is 10 tefachim deep
> or more contains hevel which is dangerous to breathe. And even if it's
> less than 10 tefachim, the air is still injurious.
> My father was surprised that he couldn't find any rishonim or acharonim
> who compare this to the experimental data. Not whether to dismiss it or
> explain how it works -- no one seems to think it's intriguing and worth
> discussion?!

Why is this more problematical then myriads of other gemarot that dont
compare to
experimental data. An example from recent daf yomi  (Yevamot 120).
Chachamim don't rely on "shuma" for personal identification while
R. Elazar ben Mehavai does
1. argument is whether most people born in the same "Mazal"  have similar
"shuma"
2. argument is whether "shuma" changes after death

either explanation sounds like it could be easily checked by experiment, ie
are they
arguing about facts?

-- 
Eli Turkel
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