Fads and fallacies in the name of science
"This witting and engaging book examines the various fads, fallacies, strange cults and curious panaceas which at one time or another have masqueraded as science. Not just a collection of anecdotes but a fair, reason appraisal of eccentric theory, it is unique in recognizing the scientific, philosophic and sociological-psychological implications of the wave of pseudoscientific theories which periodically besets the world. To this second revised edition of a work formerly titled In the Name of Science, Martin Gardner has added new, up-to-date material to an already impressive account of hundreds of systematized vagaries. Here you will find discussions of hollow-earth fanatics like Symmes; Velikovsky and wandering planets; Hörbiger, Bellamy and the theory of multiple moons; Charles Fort and the Fortean Society; dowsing and the other strange methods for finding water, ores and oil. Also cover are such topics as naturopathy, iridiagnosis, zone therapy, good fads; Wilhelm Reich and orgone sex energy; L. Ron Hubbard and Dianetics; A. Korzybski and General Semantics. A new examination of Bridey Murphy is included in this edition, along with a new section on bibliographic reference material." -- back cover
Historical Works
x, 363 pages ; 21 cm
9780486203942, 0486203948
233892
In the name of science
Flat and hollow
Monsters of doom
The Forteans
Flying saucers
Zig-zag-and-swirl
Down with Einstein!
Sir Isaac Babson
Dowsing rods and doodlebugs
Under the microscope
Geology versus Genesis
Lysenkoism
Apologists for hate
Atlantis and Lemuria
The Great Pyramid
Medical cults
Medical quacks
Food faddists
Throw away your glasses!
Eccentric sexual theories
Orgonomy
Dianetics
General semantics, etc
From bumps to handwriting
ESP and PK
Bridley Murphy and other matters
"A revised and expanded edition of the work first published in 1952 under the title In the name of science."