Opining on what profession we might choose if we had our time over again, few could ignore the calling of forensic archaeology after reading my favorite story of the day in The Daily Telegraph (Frozen in time: Victims of Vesuvius unearthed, 23/11). A Jeffery Archer imagination might also be helpful as clues are shuffled in a speculative jigsaw puzzle of the ages. The frustration might be the reality that speculation is not fact and our ingenious perceptions are filtered by our own past experiences, innately blinding us and distorting objectivity. Uncertainty arises when a woolen jumper is worn when cold but also as protection against hot ash. A winter eruption is suddenly less certain in the debate over Vesuvius’ deadly eruption. With volcanoes erupting over the eons, one might assume thousands of Pompeii-like villages await discovery. Brilliant word craft and analysis in your article could only light the fire of discovery in the hearts of a new generation of archaeologists. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 24Nov2020.