The Solution to Professor Runcorn's Problem

Abstract

AT the meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society on January 9, 1970, I drew attention to some mathematical and numerical errors in a theoretical discussion by S. K. Runcorn of his proposed mode of development of an iron-core for the Earth¹ which he regards as providing strong support for his hypothesis of continental drift. Runcorn has recently defended his theory², but the proffered justifications involve serious confusion of the dubiously known physical properties of the actual Earth with the completely known details of the hypothetical problem that he has enunciated and must have in some way precisely defined in order to make it the subject of machine calculations. It is against the validity and correctness of the mathematical steps that he claims to have made that my criticisms have been lodged. The points at issue are not controversial but simply a question of whether or not mathematical errors have been made, matters upon which there can ultimately be no serious ground for sustained disagreement.