Scientists and Scoundrels : A Book of Hoaxes Paperback / softback
by Robert Silverberg
Part of the Extraordinary World series
Paperback / softback
Description
As if history and nature had not provided wonders enough, through the ages humans themselves have contrived more marvels to deceive one another.
Sometimes they have concocted evidence when none was available to prove pet theories; sometimes their intention has been to impress or defraud; sometimes they have acted merely for sport.
Robert Silverberg tells the stories of a baker's dozen of these scientific hoaxers in a lively, good-humored book that ranges through time and across continents.
Here are perpetual-motion machines and space rockets, men on the moon and serpents in the sea.
The rogues’ gallery is a varied one: Dr. Mesmer, who cast his hypnotic spell on eighteenth-century Paris; Charles Dawson, whose Piltdown Man challenged evolution; Dr. Cook, with his tale of “discovering” the North Pole; and many others.
These are fascinating stories and more than just entertainment.
The author explains the scientific background against which the hoaxes appeared and the detective work that led to their exposure.
The schemers teach us to be alert, to challenge the evidence, and to appreciate the healthy skepticism that characterizes the scientific method.
Information
-
Available to Order - This title is available to order, with delivery expected within 2 weeks
- Format:Paperback / softback
- Pages:256 pages, Index
- Publisher:University of Nebraska Press
- Publication Date:01/06/2007
- Category:
- ISBN:9780803259898
Information
-
Available to Order - This title is available to order, with delivery expected within 2 weeks
- Format:Paperback / softback
- Pages:256 pages, Index
- Publisher:University of Nebraska Press
- Publication Date:01/06/2007
- Category:
- ISBN:9780803259898
