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• Wednesday, August 6, 2008 01:23 PM

  Notes on bentonite (an aluminium compound):

  There wasn't any bentonite, but there was silica. This was confirmed within weeks of the anthrax attacks by an independent X-ray scattering analysis done at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, as reported in their own newsletter and elsewhere:

  "Ft Detrick sought our assistance to determine the specific components of the anthrax found in the Daschle letter," said Florabel G. Mullick, MD, ScD, SES, AFIP Principal Deputy Director and department chair. AFIP experts utilized an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (an instrument used to detect the presence of otherwise-unseen chemicals through characteristic wavelengths of X-ray light) to confirm the previously unidentifiable substance as silica. "This was a key component," Mullick said. "Silica prevents the anthrax from aggregating, making it easier to aerosolize. Significantly, we noted the absence of aluminum with the silica. This combination [bentonite] had previously been found in anthrax produced by Iraq." - October 31st, 2002, AFIP Newsletter, Christopher C. Kelley

  So, if that test had been completed by the time ABC was leaked to, it would be clear that the leaker was deliberately lying. No one has ever directly challenged the veracity of the AFIP test or the initial analysis of the Daschle letter at USAMRIID, both of which indicated that the spores were pure, and coated with a silica preparation. Given that, there is really no way Ivins could have produced and mailed this material using the relatively primitive equipment he had at his disposal.

  Why isn't the AFIP analysis part of the FBI report, I wonder? Guess that will have to be subpoenaed by Congress, I suppose.

  Last I heard, AFIP stood by their forensic work. Call them up and ask - it's clear confirmation there was no bentonite, but it is also confirmation that there was an additive, silica.

  AFIP Public Affairs Office:

  (202) 782 - 2115

  AFIP Information Desk:

  (202) 782 - 2100

  —CargoCult Read CargoCult's other letters
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