Simulation Theory according to Dilbert

[John V]

The content in the letters, inscriptions, records, and such may be anecdotes (testimonials), yes. But this isn't to say that such objects cannot be scientific evidence as well. It depends on the scientific hypothesis/theory at hand and what the hypothesis/theory predicts.

For example: if some scientific theory says that one should expect to see certain fossils in these layers here rather than in the layers over there, then the fossil record would constitute scientific evidence if these certain fossils do happen to be found in these layers and not in other layers.

Sure, but that's not what happens in any meaningful way. Fossils are found and then fitted as best they can into the existing record.

Tiktaalik was an attempt at actually making a prediction, but in the end it was wrong.