This "complete load of old fanny" made predictions, such as the Casimir effect and the Lamb shift which were confirmed later.
Judging by
sceptimatic's previous lack of understanding of even the basics of space and vacuums, I'm predicting that there's
no way he's gonna even consider the Casimir effect.
This simplified explanation from
Scientific American™ may better help him comprehend its principles: (I've deleted some minor detail)
A vacuum is full of fluctuating electromagnetic waves that can never be completely eliminated, like an ocean with waves that are always present and can never be stopped. These waves come in all possible wavelengths, and their presence implies that empty space contains a certain amount of energy—an energy that we can't tap, but that is always there.
If mirrors are placed facing each other in a vacuum, some of the waves will fit between them, bouncing back and forth, while others will not. As the two mirrors move closer to each other, the longer waves will no longer fit—the result being that the total amount of energy in the vacuum between the plates will be a bit less than the amount elsewhere in the vacuum.
Thus, the mirrors will attract each other, just as two objects held together by a stretched spring will move together as the energy stored in the spring decreases.
This effect, that two mirrors in a vacuum will be attracted to each other, is what's known as the Casimir Effect.
—I'd appreciate
sceptimatic explaining
specifically why he believes this effect is a "load of old flannel". But I'm guessing that we'll get the same old "you people" are brainwashed or gullible, or ignorant or easily fooled, or even just lying. I'm doubtful we'll get a meaningful response of any kind. Let's see shall we.