Thanks for the thoughts (and for the compliment), Petra.
I need to point out however, an error in your article. Max Wyss was not involved
in the "gap" theory and will not be remembered for that. His work concerned
seismic quiescence - quite a different aspect of earthquake prediction. Gap theory,
which most now believe does not work was championed by Stu Nishenko and
Ray Buland at the UGSG in Golden Colorado. They will be remember as the
founders (or rather propagators) of that attempt at earthquake forecasting.
It is interesting how breakthroughs in science have historically usually come from
people working outside the field. There is some truth in the idea that specialists
often cannot see the forest for the trees while someone looking from outside can.
Perhaps not only is a little learning a dangerous thing but too much learning is
also a dangerous thing - everything in moderation keeps gray matter in a state
of constant activation.