In 1997, Remi Van Haelst, a Belgium
chemist, statistically analyzed the carbon 14 data on Shroud of Turin.
He discovered serious disparities in measurements between the three
laboratories and between the sub-samples (various tests and observations
performed by the labs).
Later, Bryan Walsh, a statistician,
evaluated Van Haelst’s work and further studied the measurements. His
conclusions were that the samples, and indeed the subdivided samples
used in multiple tests, contained different levels of the C14 isotope.
The differences were sufficiently clear to conclude that the sample were
non-homogeneous and thus of questionable validity. Moreover, Walsh found
a significant relationship between various sub-samples and their
distance from the edge of the cloth suggesting that the sample was newer
at the edge. This indicated a possible reweaving of the cloth.
Several textile experts, under the direction of Sue Benford and Joseph
Marino, examined documenting photographs of the samples. They found
visual evidence of reweaving. Based on estimates from these photographs,
and an a historically-likely suggested date for reweaving, Ronald
Hatfield, of the radiocarbon dating lab Beta Analytic, estimated that
the shroud might very well be about 2000 years old.
