Hi, If you access the Family Tree DNA Lab, they have enough independent material references to satisfy anyone regarding DNA usage for any purposes. I jsut do not think that most of the DNA labs used by genealogy researchers are just trying to sell a product. The one thing that DNA doesn't do is lie. If your DNA (FTDNA uses upto 37 markers) matches another person's DNA in 37 of 37 markers, no matter what else is false, the truth is that you and that person are descended from one individual in the not too distant past. Of course it doesn't tell you who that person is but absolutely gives you the direction in which to search. As an aside, let us say that the infamous Zodiac killer's DNA yields readable Y chromosome from which the FTDNA defined 37 markers could be obtained, and they matched mine, then you could with no doubts say that the Zodiac killer was a Walker. It would tell you his surname and that he and I are closely kin and also that I could POSSIBLY be the Zodiac but it would not point unambiguously to the individual. For that, they would need more DNA markers but just which ones they would be I have no idea. Finally, no matter how you slice it, Y Chromosome DNA testing can be a very worthwhile tool and it was worth every penny I paid for it since I was one of those who had a number of close matches in the group. However, for the unexpected number who had NO close matches, it has to be a HUGE disappointment. That fact can point to several possibilities, most of which are not comforting. The first is that none of his close relatives have joined yet, next, he may have been adopted, kidnapped, or whatever, and last and worst, his mommy may have played around on his daddy. If I were one of those, I would compare my DNA results with every other surname DNA group. If I found a group in which there were one or more individuals matching me closely, that would tell me who my actual ancesters were (but not their name, of course). As with anything else there are upsides and downsides. Lannie List Administrator wrote: > Scott researchers, > > (Comments? Reply to me directly, not the list.) > > Please be careful when using DNA as a genealogical research tool. Such > methods generally can only give you probabilities and are not > considered primary sources of information. If you happen to have DNA > material from a long deceased person you think might be a relative, > that might be more conclusive in proving a relationship. Otherwise, > the results only give you probabilities of being related to a group of > people, often in the same geographic region. While this might be > useful to narrowing your search or ruling out individuals, it isn't > sound proof of your relation to an individual. > > At least, that's how I understand DNA both in genealogical terms and > how the lawyers in a murder trial I was juror for explained it. The > crime lab was only able to say the statistical odds that DNA material > found on the scene was that of the accused. In this case they were > trying to show a DNA evidence sample was from a specific living > individual and they couldn't be 100% sure but the odds of another > person in the area having the same set of markers was longer than > winning the lottery. (The guy was found guilty.) It is a little more > complex than what you see on the crime dramas on TV. > > I'm looking for a good web site to refer you to that explains what DNA > genealogy is all about. I'll give you a link when I find it. > Unfortunately, all those I've found so far are trying to get you to > use it or to buy their kit. That's sort of like asking a barber if you > need a haircut! > > If you have a good source of an understandable explanation of the > usefulness and limitations of DNA in genealogical research, please let > me know by sending a message to me directly (not the list). > > In the meantime, let me refer you to the standards posted on the > National Genealogical Society web site (ngsgenealogy.org): > > > > Standards For Sound Genealogical Research > > Recommended by the National Genealogical Society > > Remembering always that they are engaged in a quest for truth, family > history researchers consistently­ > * record the source for each item of information they collect. > * test every hypothesis or theory against credible evidence, and > reject those that are not supported by the evidence. > * seek original records, or reproduced images of them when there is > reasonable assurance they have not been altered, as the basis for > their research conclusions. > * use compilations, communications and published works, whether paper > or electronic, primarily for their value as guides to locating the > original records, or as contributions to the critical analysis of the > evidence discussed in them. > * state something as a fact only when it is supported by convincing > evidence, and identify the evidence when communicating the fact to > others. > * limit with words like "probable" or "possible" any statement that is > based on less than convincing evidence, and state the reasons for > concluding that it is probable or possible. > * avoid misleading other researchers by either intentionally or > carelessly distributing or publishing inaccurate information. > * state carefully and honestly the results of their own research, and > acknowledge all use of other researchers’ work. > * recognize the collegial nature of genealogical research by making > their work available to others through publication, or by placing > copies in appropriate libraries or repositories, and by welcoming > critical comment. > * consider with open minds new evidence or the comments of others on > their work and the conclusions they have reached. > > © 1997, 2002 by National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted > to copy or publish this material provided it is reproduced in its > entirety, including this notice. > > > ==== SCOTT Mailing List ==== > Here's a couple web pages about Sir Walter Scott's work and Life: > http://synergy.arts.gla.ac.uk/www/english/comet/starn/prose/wscott/life/contents.htm > Sir Walter's birthday is August 15th. Let's party! > http://www.camelotintl.com/heritage/walter.html > > >