[. . . some are claiming (or to that effect)] . . . elevated levels of bilirubin, despite the fact that bilirubin is light-sensitive and prone to photoxidation? I could tell you quite a lot about the latter, having spent two years researching the phototherapy of neonatal jaundice (my first published paper in 1972 as it happens). (emphasis mine)
ColinB, please do tell us. Let me assure you that the goal of most Shroud of Turin researchers, by the hundreds over several decades, is to determine the truth: scientific, historical, etc. If oxidation is a potential problem it should be addressed.
I assume by now that you’ve read A DETAILED CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE CHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE TURIN SHROUD: FACTS AND INTERPRETATIONS by Thibault Heimberger. It is an excellent paper, particularly in its discussions about the bilirubin-rich blood. It is only about 30 pages. I also recommend:
- Alan D.Adler. Chemical and Physical Aspects of the Sindonic Image in The Orphaned Manuscript- A gathering of Publications on the Shroud of Turin. Effata editrice. Torino, Italy. 2002. ISBN 88-7402-003-1.
- Alan D.Adler. The origin and nature of blood on the Turin Shroud in Turin Shroud-Image of Christ? William Meacham, ed., Hong-Kong, March 1986, reproduced in The Orphaned Manuscript- A gathering of Publications on the Shroud of Turin. Effata editrice. Torino, Italy. 2002. ISBN 88-7402-003-1.
- John H. Heller and Alan D. Adler: A chemical investigation of the Shroud of Turin. Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences Journal, 14 (3), 1981.
- L.A.Schwalbe, R.N.Rogers : Physics and Chemistry of the Shroud of Turin. Analytica Chimica Acta, 135 (1982) 3-49.
Please, write a short paper on the bilirubin issues, or even just a few paragraphs. I will publish it here in this blog. I will circulate it among 136 members of the Shroud Science Group, if you wish. Many will see it here, anyway. With the SSG, I cannot circulate it anonymously. I’m sure you understand.