[general_re]

If the object performs some function in relation to some other objects, depending on their nature, any probability calculations obviously change

Perhaps I can help. What do you mean by "function"?

[atlaw]

You earlier stated: "[Y]ou'll notice I've captioned #2, so you don't have to speculate about what the object is made of, or how large it is, or that sort of thing. I'll try to do that where it's not immediately clear what the properties of the object are."

With respect to object #3, I agree with Diamond that it has the appearance of a pollen grain. However, it is not immediately clear to me what the properties of the object are. So as not to alter the game in its present incarnation, can you send me a freepmail with an identification of object #3?

[Diamond]

It is hard to even speak of function without telological overtones, as with an action for which a thing is specially fitted or used, or for which a thing exists. But not knowing what the object was, I was just trying to ascertain whether it was part of a group of related actions contributing to a larger action.

Now that you have identified the object as silica, and even though I have revealed my ignorance of a 'simple' compound of elements, (the object's hollowness being the obvious clue that I could not decipher) I can determine that the object does not meet the criteria of of contingency required to sustain the inference of design. Silica is the result of forces of chemical necessity that can be described by the laws of chemistry. To quote from an abstract on silica, "The compound silica (SiO ) is formed from silicon and oxygen atoms. A chemical compound is defined as a distinct and pure substance formed by the union of two or more elements. Because oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust and silicon is the second most abundant, the formation of silica is quite common in nature."

So my answer here is the same as with #2; leaving aside any anthropic principle, the silica pictured does not exhibit the level of specified complexity that would render a secure design inference.

Cordially,